The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz Summary
Overview of The Magic of Thinking Big
Published in 1959 yet still transforming lives, "The Magic of Thinking Big" reveals why mindset trumps talent. With millions sold globally, this classic inspired countless success stories - all because it asks one provocative question: What's truly stopping you from achieving greatness?
Similar books to The Magic of Thinking Big
Feel the book through the author's voice
Turn knowledge into engaging, example-rich insights
Capture key ideas in a flash for fast learning
Enjoy the book in a fun and engaging way
Key takeaways
The Size of Your Success Matches the Size of Your Thinking
What separates those who soar from those who settle? It's not talent, connections, or luck-it's the audacity to think bigger than their circumstances. Most of us walk through life with invisible ceilings we've constructed ourselves, never questioning whether they're real. We dream small, plan smaller, and wonder why our lives feel cramped. The truth is disarmingly simple: your achievements will never exceed the boundaries of your imagination. When you expand how you think, you expand what becomes possible. Everyone wants success. Everyone wishes for a better life. But wishing and believing are worlds apart. Belief generates the power, skill, and energy to actually achieve what you want. When you genuinely believe "I can do this," your mind automatically starts showing you how. Consider the young woman who launched a mobile home sales agency with just $3,000, despite warnings about fierce competition and her complete lack of experience. Her unshakable belief attracted investors and manufacturer support. First-year sales? One million dollars. She didn't have more resources than others-she had bigger belief. Meanwhile, countless more "qualified" people remained stuck, convinced success was for someone else. Your belief works like a thermostat regulating what you accomplish. Set it at 72 degrees, and no matter how hot it gets outside, you'll stay at 72. Set your belief low, and you'll achieve accordingly. Set it high, and you'll grow to meet it. The real question isn't whether you're capable of more-it's whether you're willing to believe you are.
Excusitis: The Disease That Kills Dreams Before They Start
Action Conquers Fear and Builds Unshakable Confidence
Think Big: The Difference Between Mediocrity and Magnificence
Creative Thinking: Finding Better Ways to Do Everything
Your Environment: The Invisible Force Shaping Your Future
Make Others Feel Important: The Secret to Influence and Leadership
Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to The Magic of Thinking Big Summary in 10 Minutes
Break down key ideas from The Magic of Thinking Big into bite-sized takeaways to understand how innovative teams create, collaborate, and grow.
Flash Card Mode - Top 10 Insights from The Magic of Thinking Big in a Nutshell
Distill The Magic of Thinking Big into rapid-fire memory cues that highlight Pixar’s principles of candor, teamwork, and creative resilience.
Fun Mode - The Magic of Thinking Big Lessons Told Through 17-Min Stories
Experience The Magic of Thinking Big through vivid storytelling that turns Pixar’s innovation lessons into moments you’ll remember and apply.
Personalize Mode - Read or listen to The Magic of Thinking Big Summary in 0 Minutes
Ask anything, pick the voice, and co-create insights that truly resonate with you.
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Get the The Magic of Thinking Big summary as a free PDF or EPUB. Print it or read offline anytime.