“You Become What You Think About”

One of the great benefits of writing nonfiction is all the research I have to do, which uncovers hidden gems and reminds me of profound advice I had not thought of in years. It’s no accident that the first man I cover in my new online program, Take a Genius to Lunch, is Earl Nightingale, for he had a major impact on my success in my late twenties and early thirties.

Nightingale was a prominent motivational speaker and author and is widely regarded as one of the pioneering voices in personal development and the self-help industry. Among his many contributions, his “You become what you think about” concept stands out as a cornerstone of his philosophy. This concise yet profound idea encapsulates the power of thought and its transformative potential on an individual’s life.

The Genesis of the Concept

Nightingale’s breakthrough moment came during his time as a U.S. Marine when he stumbled upon a copy of Napoleon Hill’s seminal work, Think and Grow Rich. Hill’s principles deeply resonated with Nightingale, igniting a lifelong passion for understanding the mechanics of success and the human mind. Nightingale distilled these ideas into his unique message, which he later popularized through his recordings and writings.

In 1956, Nightingale recorded The Strangest Secret, an audio program that became…