The Enduring Power of Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret"

Unlocking the Power of Thought: How Earl Nightingale's Timeless Wisdom Guides Success

Monday, August 7, 2023

Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal or ideal.

Earl Nightingale

The Enduring Power of Earl Nightingale's "The Strangest Secret"

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to achieve success easily while others struggle? The answer might be in an inspiring message from over six decades ago, a message that still resonates today. Let's step back in time and explore "The Strangest Secret," a remarkable piece of wisdom by Earl Nightingale, an influential figure in personal development.

Earl Nightingale, often hailed as "The Dean of Personal Development," was known for his inspirational messages. His most famous message, "The Strangest Secret," recorded in 1956, had an impact that continues to this day.

The Strangest Secret: An Overview

What's this "Strangest Secret" all about? In short, Nightingale asserted that "we become what we think about." In other words, the thoughts that dominate our mind most of the time shape our lives. So, if you're always thinking about success and your goals, you're more likely to achieve them.

But it's not just about thinking; it's about setting clear goals. Nightingale believed that without clear, defined goals, people tend to drift aimlessly through life. Without a destination, we don't know which way to go. So, it's important to know where you want to go in life and keep that goal always in mind.

Success: Not An Accident But A Deliberate Outcome

What's the connection between thinking, goals, and success? According to Nightingale, success isn't something that just happens. It's the result of decisions and actions guided by a clear purpose. Our thoughts steer those decisions and actions. The potential of our minds is truly incredible. We can accomplish amazing things when we think positively and focus on our goals.

"The Strangest Secret": The First Spoken-Word Gold Record

When "The Strangest Secret" was first recorded, it was an instant hit. It sold over a million copies, making it the first spoken-word record to reach Gold Record status. More than that, its message has touched and inspired countless people worldwide.

Even though life today is quite different from the 1950s, "The Strangest Secret" is still relevant. Why? Because the principles that Nightingale talked about—goal setting, focus, and the power of thought—are timeless.

The Enduring Legacy of "The Strangest Secret"

Even now, years later, the principles of "The Strangest Secret" are helping people succeed. Setting clear goals gives us a target to aim for. Focusing our thoughts and actions towards those goals gives us the power to reach them.

Just think about all the successful people you know. Do they seem to know what they want and how to get it? Chances are, they do. That's the power of goal setting, focus, and positive thinking—Nightingale's "strangest secret."

"The Strangest Secret" by Earl Nightingale has endured for a good reason. Its message is powerful and timeless. We become what we think about. So if we focus our thoughts on our goals and take steps towards them, we can achieve success. That's a lesson worth remembering, no matter what your goal might be. And it's why "The Strangest Secret" will continue to inspire and guide people towards success for generations to come.