Podcasts > The School of Greatness > This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

By Lewis Howes

In this episode of The School of Greatness, Bob Proctor shares his transformation from a young man in debt during the Great Depression to a successful entrepreneur. He explains how paradigms—deeply ingrained habits formed through genetic and environmental conditioning—control human behavior, and describes practical tools for changing these paradigms, including affirmations, spaced repetition, and emotional connection to goals.

The discussion covers the development of mental faculties like perception, will, and imagination, while emphasizing the role of mentorship in personal growth. Proctor outlines daily practices for success, such as gratitude journaling and focusing on service to others, and addresses how to overcome the "terror barrier"—the resistance that emerges when replacing old conditioning with new ideas.

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

1-Page Summary

Personal Transformation and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Bob Proctor's journey from a directionless young man during the Great Depression to a successful entrepreneur exemplifies the power of personal transformation. At age 26, his life changed dramatically after discovering "Think and Grow Rich" and finding a mentor. Under this guidance, Proctor shifted from focusing on his $6,000 debt to setting ambitious income goals, eventually earning $175,000 annually and expanding his business across multiple cities.

Power of Mindset, Mental Faculties, and Spiritual Development

Proctor explains that our behaviors are controlled by paradigms—deeply ingrained habits formed through genetic and environmental conditioning. He emphasizes the importance of developing mental faculties like perception, will, reason, imagination, memory, and intuition. According to Proctor, changing these paradigms requires tools like affirmations, spaced repetition, and emotional connection to goals. He stresses the importance of acknowledging our spiritual nature and aligning our frequency with our desires.

Mentorship, Goals, and Habits in Success

Drawing from his own experience with mentors like Ray Stanford and Earl Nightingale, Proctor emphasizes the importance of learning from those who have achieved what you desire. He advocates for clear goal-setting, visualization of success, and maintaining productive habits. These habits include consistent study, maintaining a grateful mindset, and focusing on service to others.

Importance of Gratitude, Giving, and Service

Proctor recommends starting each day by writing down ten things you're grateful for, a practice he teaches in all his seminars. His commitment to giving back is demonstrated through his company's work building and supporting schools in Africa. He believes that aligning with universal laws of giving is key to success.

Facing and Overcoming Fears for Personal Growth

According to Proctor, fear often indicates movement in the right direction for growth. He introduces the concept of the "terror barrier"—the resistance we feel when trying to replace old conditioning with new ideas. To overcome this, Proctor suggests focusing on serving others rather than dwelling on self-consciousness, noting that this shift in perspective can help reduce fear and increase authentic presence.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While Proctor's journey is inspiring, not everyone may find the same success through similar methods due to varying personal circumstances and opportunities.
  • The idea that behaviors are solely controlled by paradigms may be overly simplistic, as human behavior can also be influenced by a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
  • The effectiveness of tools like affirmations and spaced repetition for changing paradigms is not universally accepted and may vary greatly between individuals.
  • The concept of aligning one's frequency with desires is metaphorical and lacks empirical support; it may not resonate with those who prefer evidence-based approaches.
  • The emphasis on mentorship might overlook the potential for self-guided learning and the value of learning from a diverse range of sources, not just successful individuals.
  • Goal-setting and visualization techniques may not be effective for everyone, and some may find success through more flexible or adaptive approaches.
  • The recommendation to focus on service to others, while noble, may not address the need for self-care and setting healthy boundaries.
  • The notion of a "terror barrier" may oversimplify the complex emotions and psychological states associated with change and personal growth.
  • The idea that facing fears always indicates growth in the right direction may not account for situations where caution and risk assessment are necessary.
  • The universal laws of giving, as described, may not be recognized in all cultural or philosophical frameworks, and the relationship between giving and success is not always direct or causal.

Actionables

  • Create a "paradigm shift plan" by identifying one limiting belief each week and crafting a corresponding positive belief to replace it. Write down the limiting belief, the positive belief, and three actions you will take to reinforce the new belief. For example, if you believe "I'm not good at networking," replace it with "I can build strong professional relationships" and plan to attend a networking event, initiate conversations with two new people, and follow up with a friendly email.
  • Develop a "mental faculty workout" by choosing one mental faculty to strengthen each month through specific exercises. For instance, to enhance imagination, spend 10 minutes daily visualizing your ideal career, relationship, or personal achievement in vivid detail. To improve memory, practice recalling details from books or articles you've read, or try memorizing a poem or a set of facts related to a hobby or interest.
  • Establish a "fear-facing journal" where you document instances where you encounter fear or resistance. Note the situation, the fear you felt, and the action you took to overcome it. This could include speaking up in a meeting, asking for feedback on your work, or trying a new activity that pushes you out of your comfort zone. Review the journal monthly to assess your growth and identify patterns in how you handle fear.

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

Personal Transformation and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

The story of Bob Proctor's shift from a self-described "loser" to a successful entrepreneur and speaker highlights the power of personal transformation and the importance of overcoming limiting beliefs.

Bob Proctor's Journey: From "Loser" to Entrepreneur and Speaker

Proctor's life reflects a profound change in mindset and behavior, which he believes anyone can achieve.

Proctor's Difficult Childhood and Lack of Direction

Bob Proctor candidly shares his humble beginnings, growing up during the Great Depression in the 1930s, in a poor community where dreams were scarce and the day-to-day focus was on getting by. He lacked direction in life, bouncing in and out of the Navy and engaging in low-skilled jobs. With very low self-esteem and a feeling of being lost, his life was without goals and he was merely existing, not truly living.

How "Think and Grow Rich" and a Mentor Sparked His Transformation

At age 26, Bob Proctor experienced a significant awakening. He discovered "Think and Grow Rich," and under the guidance of a mentor, he realized the true extent of his potential. This guidance, coupled with the insights from the book, spurred a dramatic transformation from feeling unhappy, sick, and broke to realizing he could achieve anything he wanted. He recognized the need to minimize his self-imposed limitations and became inspired by Bill Gove's speech to undertake a similar path in public speaking.

Proctor's Shift From Debt Focus to Profit Focus

Bob Proctor recounts how his initial fixation on debts—earning $4,000 a year yet owing $6,000—warped his perspective. His mentor suggested a sh ...

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Personal Transformation and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

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Counterarguments

  • Personal transformation often requires more than just a change in mindset; it can also depend on external factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and opportunities that may not be equally available to everyone.
  • The narrative of going from "loser" to successful entrepreneur may oversimplify the complex journey of personal growth and inadvertently stigmatize those who struggle with similar issues but do not achieve the same level of success.
  • The idea that anyone can achieve a profound change in mindset and behavior underestimates the role of mental health issues, which can be significant barriers to personal transformation and may require professional intervention.
  • The story may perpetuate the myth of the self-made individual without acknowledging the role of luck, timing, and the support of others in achieving success.
  • The emphasis on shifting focus from debt to profit might not address the underlying issues that lead to financial hardship and can come across as overly simplistic for those facing systemic financial o ...

Actionables

  • You can visualize your success story by creating a vision board that illustrates your journey from where you are now to where you want to be. Start by gathering images and words that represent your goals and aspirations. Place them on a board in a way that tells a story of progress and achievement. This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder and motivation to shift your mindset towards success.
  • Develop a habit of daily affirmations focused on prosperity to rewire your thought patterns. Write down a set of positive statements that reflect your financial goals and the mindset you wish to adopt. Repeat these affirmations every morning and evening, and whenever you face financial challenges, to maintain a focus on prosperity and to gradually shift your mindset from debt to profit.
  • Create a 'Prosperity Jo ...

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

Power of Mindset, Mental Faculties, and Spiritual Development

Bob Proctor delves into the profound relationship between mindset, mental faculties, and spiritual development, emphasizing the need to transcend material existence and tap into our higher potential.

Understanding Paradigms, Conditioning, and Habits in Behavior

Proctor discusses how our behaviors and attitudes are controlled by paradigms--deeply ingrained habits formed from genetic and environmental conditioning.

Paradigms as Programmed Behaviors That Control Our Actions

According to Proctor, both our genetic makeup from our ancestors and the environment in which we are raised shape our behaviors, often without our conscious awareness. He asserts that these paradigms, which can manifest as a culture within countries, families, or companies, prevent us from reaching our intellectual capabilities.

A vivid illustration comes from his experience with Prudential of America, where he helped increase sales by guiding agents to shift their paradigm, instructing them to sell insurance policies in the mornings rather than sticking to their outdated routines of collecting money during the day and selling at night. This shift in behavior led to unprecedented sales results.

Importance Of Developing Mental Faculties: Perception, Will, Reason, Imagination, Memory, Intuition

Highlighting the significance of mental faculties such as perception, will, reason, imagination, memory, and intuition, Proctor contends that these are what distinguish humans from other animals. He stresses that these faculties are often underdeveloped because people are unaware of their existence, much less how to harness them, due to lack of education on the matter.

Proctor underscores how these faculties can improve one's life. For instance, he notes that everyone has perfect memory, which can be trained, as demonstrated by his work with Harry Lorayne.

Unlocking Full Potential: Changing Paradigms and Tapping Higher Mental Faculties

Proctor places a strong emphasis on changing one's paradigm to unlock one's true potential. He argues that you must acknowledge your spiritual nature and understand that you are a spiritual being on a human journey. Proctor quotes Wallace Waddles, highlighting gratitude as a key element for spiritual growth and mental alignment.

Changing paradigms involves using tools like affirmations related to one's goals, and these behaviors must be reinforced through constant spaced repetition and emotional impact. Paradigms, however, can lead to people not doing what they intellectually know they should because it's the subconscious control over our behavior that truly dictates our actions.

To shift one's perception and see beyond the limitations of race, or other conditioned views, is to access solutions and enab ...

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Power of Mindset, Mental Faculties, and Spiritual Development

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Counterarguments

  • The concept of paradigms being solely responsible for behavior is an oversimplification. Genetics, personal experiences, and conscious choices also play significant roles.
  • The idea that everyone has perfect memory is contested by neurological and psychological studies showing innate differences in cognitive abilities among individuals.
  • The assertion that mental faculties are what distinguish humans from other animals is challenged by research demonstrating complex cognitive functions in animals, such as problem-solving and self-awareness.
  • The effectiveness of affirmations and spaced repetition is debated, with some studies suggesting these techniques have limited impact on long-term behavior change.
  • The notion of being on the "right frequency" to achieve goals is metaphorical and lacks empirical support; success is often the result of concrete actions and strategies.
  • The concept of spiritual DNA and the idea that thought waves penetrate all time and space are metaphysical and not grounded in scientific evidence.
  • The emphasis on self-effort may overlook systemic issues and external factors that can impede personal growth and achievement.
  • ...

Actionables

  • You can create a "Paradigm Shift Planner" where each day you write down one habitual thought or action you observe in yourself and brainstorm alternative, positive replacements for it. By tracking and actively thinking about your paradigms, you can become more aware of them and consciously work to shift them towards more empowering behaviors.
  • Develop a "Mental Faculty Exercise Routine" by dedicating a few minutes each day to activities that specifically train different mental faculties. For example, use puzzles or strategy games to enhance reasoning, practice mindfulness to improve perception, and engage in creative writing or drawing to boost imagination. This routine can help you strengthen these faculties just like you would muscles in the gym.
  • Start a "Frequency Journal" where you record ...

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

Mentorship, Goals, and Habits in Success

Success is complex, but it may be cultivated through mentorship, clear goals, and productive habits. Bob Proctor and Sandy Gallagher offer insights into this process.

Value Of Learning From the Right Mentors

Bob Proctor emphasizes the impact of right information from the right people, suggesting the paramount importance of mentorship.

Mentors Who Have Achieved What You Want

Proctor met Ray Stanford at age 26 or 27, who became his mentor by giving him a copy of "Think and Grow Rich." Stanford promised that if Proctor adhered to his advice and read the book daily, he could have anything he desired. Proctor followed Stanford's advice, symbolizing the virtue of learning from mentors who have succeeded in the way you aspire to.

Importance Of Following Their Guidance and Advice Closely

Bob Proctor pursued mentorship with great dedication, seeing Earl Nightingale and Thomas Troward as mentors and Bill Gove as a guide in learning the art of speaking. He credits his mentors for his success and underscores the necessity of close adherence to the mentor's teachings, such as when he read his goal on his gold card every day.

Power of Clear Goals and Visioning Outcomes

Proctor outlines the importance of detailed goals and the visualization of their accomplishment.

Imagining Yourself Achieving the Goal

Proctor benefitted from the power of visualization, repeatedly focusing on a written goal of $25,000 and envisioning this financial success. This focus demonstrates the effectiveness of seeing oneself in possession of your aim, further highlighted by his business partner, Sandy Gallagher, who visualizes herself as a champion.

Developing Emotional Connection and Commitment to the Goal

Endorsing a robust emotional connection to one's goals, Proctor instructs individuals to mentally place themselves in their achieved state. He asserts that an emotional investment is part of bringing one's goals into reality.

Establishing Productive Habits to Support Growth and Transformation

Productive habits form a foundation for success, and Proctor illustrates this through his practices.

Consistent Study and Learning

Proctor shares a commitment to daily studying and emphasizes continuous learning and education. His routine of studying ev ...

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Mentorship, Goals, and Habits in Success

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Counterarguments

  • While mentorship can be invaluable, it is not the only path to success; self-taught individuals and those who learn through trial and error can also achieve great things.
  • Strict adherence to a mentor's guidance may not always be beneficial; critical thinking and adaptability can sometimes lead to better personal outcomes.
  • Goals and visualization are useful, but they must be paired with actionable steps and adaptability to changing circumstances to be effective.
  • Emotional connection to goals is important, but over-attachment can lead to disappointment; a balance of commitment and emotional regulation is often necessary.
  • Productive habits are foundational, but there must be room for flexibility and rest to prevent b ...

Actionables

  • Create a mentorship action plan by identifying three individuals in your desired field and reaching out to them with specific questions or requests for advice. Explain that you're seeking guidance and would appreciate their insights, offering to share your progress with them as you apply their advice.
  • Design a vision board that includes images and phrases representing your goals, and place it in a spot you'll see daily. This visual reminder will help keep your objectives top of mind and reinforce your emotional connection to them.
  • Start a "gratitude and service" journal where you write d ...

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

Importance of Gratitude, Giving, and Service

Proctor and Lewis Howes discuss the significance of gratitude, giving, and serving others and how these practices can transform your life and mindset.

Proctor's Emphasis on the Transformative Power of Gratitude

Morning Gratitude List

Proctor highlights the transformational impact gratitude can have on individuals’ lives and emphasizes its importance in his daily routine. He advises writing down ten things you're grateful for each morning, a practice that he believes can significantly shift one’s mindset. Proctor shares that every seminar he gives incorporates this practice, teaching it to all participants. He attributes his mindset to his mother, recalling her as a model of generosity.

Using Gratitude to Shift Your Mindset and Energy

Proctor speaks about using gratitude to adjust one's mental state and perceptions. He describes his morning routine, which includes an affirmation about recognizing one's inner perfection and happiness. By focusing on gratitude, he suggests that it's possible to shift one's energy and cause a positive change in the world, even if only momentarily.

Joy and Fulfillment From Giving and Serving Others

Proctor's School-Building and Aid Commitment

Proctor's focus on giving extends beyond personal habits, influencing his company's actions. His company is committed to building schools in Africa and supporting them with more than just infrastructure—they also provide food, sanitation, and other necessities, refl ...

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Importance of Gratitude, Giving, and Service

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While gratitude can be transformative, it may not be a universal solution for everyone's challenges, and some individuals may require additional support or different strategies to manage their mental state.
  • The practice of writing a morning gratitude list might not resonate with everyone, and some may find other practices more effective in achieving a positive mindset shift.
  • The assumption that gratitude can shift one's energy and cause positive change might not take into account complex socio-economic factors that can impede an individual's ability to effect change.
  • Proctor's company's commitment to building schools in Africa is commendable, but it could be critiqued for potentially not addressing the root causes of why such interventions are necessary, such as systemic inequality or political instability.
  • The notion that giving back always brings joy and fulfillment may not acknowledge the full spectrum of emotions that can accompany philanthropy, including feelings of obligation, guilt, or ineffectivenes ...

Actionables

  • You can integrate gratitude into your fitness routine by dedicating each exercise set to something you're thankful for, turning a physical workout into a gratitude practice. For example, while doing push-ups, think of a different person or aspect of your life that you appreciate with each rep. This not only enhances your mental state but also creates a positive association with exercise.
  • Create a gratitude jar where you'll drop notes of gratitude each day, focusing on different aspects of your life. At the end of the month, empty the jar and read all the notes. This tangible collection of positive thoughts can serve as a powerful reminder of the good in your life, especially on challenging days.
  • Volunte ...

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This Daily Habit Will Let You ACHIEVE ANYTHING You Want! (Law Of Attraction) | Bob Proctor

Facing and Overcoming Fears for Personal Growth

Bob Proctor and Lewis Howes discuss the importance of facing and overcoming fears as catalysts for personal growth, suggesting that fears can be indicators of potential expansion.

Embracing Discomfort and Challenges As Opportunities For Expansion

Fear Is Natural in Growth and Change

Bob Proctor suggests that encountering fear can indicate you are moving in the right direction for significant growth. He acknowledges that he experiences fear, especially when attempting things he has never done before, and suggests fear is a natural response when facing new challenges. Fear does not immediately disappear once you go through the so-called "terror barrier," as the existing paradigm, or conditioned way of thinking, has not yet changed. Proctor describes the process of going through the terror barrier as stepping through fear into safety, which involves taking an idea and getting emotionally involved with it, thus changing the paradigm.

Developing the Courage to Push Through "Terror Barriers"

Proctor emphasizes that pushing through the terror barrier is essential for growth; failing to do so results in returning to safety and bondage. He uses the metaphor of 'X' representing old conditioning and 'Y' as the new idea, explaining that initially 'Y' cannot mix with 'X,' creating a fear response. However, after breaking through the terror barrier and overcoming fear, 'Y' replaces 'X' and becomes the new norm. Proctor advises seeking out things that scare us daily as beneficial for growth.

Shifting Focus From Yourself To Serving Others

How This Mindset Can Reduce Self-Consciousness and Fear

Directing one's focus towards others can reduce self-consciousness and fear. Bob Proctor states that to read another person's energy, one needs to focus on the other person rather than on themselves as personal insecurities can obstruct intuition. He emphasizes the importance of focusing one’s attention on the person they are working with, rather than on themselves, which is essential for public speaking and creating rapport.

Lewis Howes narrates his own experience, being coached to focus on serving the audience rather than on himself, which helped him shift from nervousness to service. Howes adds that fe ...

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Facing and Overcoming Fears for Personal Growth

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While facing fears can lead to growth, not all fears should be confronted directly, as some may indicate real risks or dangers that require caution or avoidance.
  • The idea that fear indicates potential for growth may not always hold true; in some cases, fear may simply be a reaction to a perceived threat with no inherent growth opportunity.
  • The natural response of fear in the face of new challenges can sometimes be debilitating rather than motivational, and alternative strategies like gradual exposure or seeking support may be more effective.
  • The concept of a "terror barrier" may oversimplify the complex psychological processes involved in fear and change, and different individuals may experience and overcome fear in varied ways.
  • Seeking out things that scare us daily could potentially lead to increased anxiety or stress, and it may be more beneficial to balance challenge with self-care.
  • Shifting focus from oneself to serving others might not always reduce self-consciousness or fear; for some, it could increase the pressure to meet others' needs or expectations.
  • The emphasis on vulnerabili ...

Actionables

  • You can create a "Fear Challenge" journal where each day you write down one small fear to confront and reflect on the experience after completing it. This could be as simple as speaking to a stranger, trying a new food, or asking for feedback at work. The act of writing it down makes the commitment tangible, and the reflection helps you recognize personal growth.
  • Start a "Focus Flip" practice by volunteering in a role that requires public interaction, like guiding tours at a museum or helping at community events. This shifts your focus from internal fears to the needs of others, enhancing your ability to engage with people without self-consciousness.
  • Develop a ...

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