I always thought it would be a good idea to read the biographies of successful people for inspiration but never seem to get around to it. Today I was re-reading Laurence Boldt’s How to Find the Work You Love and was inspired to run out and get books by and about the greats of past and present. Here’s why.

Boldt cites Napolean Hill’s book, Think and Grow Rich, about Hill’s quest to raise himself up from extreme poverty, low expectation and limiting beliefs. Boldt says:

“Hill employed [a] useful technique, which he referred to as the ‘master mind’ principle. This technique involves creating a kind of peer group of the mind. By reading the writings, biographies, and letters of the greats of history, you begin to identify with them as people like yourself. You break down the artificial barrier between yourself and greatness. As you ‘make friends with’ great people, you being to engage them in mental conversation, seeking insight, advice, and direction. You start to think the kinds of thoughts they thought, to expect of yourself the kinds of things they expected of themselves. You make common cause with those who have endeavored to hold up the light of human possibilities in every arena of human experience. You develop a deep sense of gratitude for their efforts.”

I especially like the idea of engaging in mental conversations with great figures and not feeling like I’m so different from them. What biographies, autobiographies, letters and writing by successful people of the past or present have inspired you?  Perhaps like me, it’s time to get started.

By the way, Hill’s book appears on this list of Top 50 Success Classics which a friend just sent me. Check it out.