Oct '25 • Ask Questions Here
1925 Version of The Law of Success
I am having trouble finding the 1925 Version of The Law of Success. I bought a reprint on Amazon that claimed it was the 1925 version. It was the 1928 version. I have been using AI to search for me. Most everything has been the 1928 version claiming to be the 1925 version. The Internet Archive has a scan but it is not downloadable and only the first five pages are visible. I have been using Zik's advice to identify. Lesson 5 needs to be titled "Action". I had AI transcribe it for me, but I am not sure of the accuracy.
Here is the abridged/edited lesson 5 (Action) that AI transcribed for me:
Introduction
You have now reached the fifth step in your journey toward success. In the preceding lessons you have learned how to form a definite chief aim, build self-confidence, take initiative and leadership, and use imagination to create plans. These are the tools of success, but tools alone are useless unless they are put to work. This lesson teaches you the law of action—the principle that turns dreams into realities.
Action is the bridge between thought and achievement. Without action, your plans remain mere fantasies. The greatest minds in history—Carnegie, Ford, Edison—succeeded because they acted decisively. This lesson will show you how to develop the habit of action, overcome the enemy of procrastination, and pay the price of success through persistent effort.
-5-
The Value of Decisions Depends Upon the Courage Required to Render Them
The great decisions, which served as the foundation of civilization, were reached by assuming great risks, which often meant the possibility of death.
Lincoln's decision to issue his famous Proclamation of Emancipation, which gave freedom to the colored people of America, was rendered with full understanding that his act would turn thousands of friends and political supporters against him. He knew, too, that the carrying out of that proclamation would mean death to thousands of men on the battlefield. In the end, it cost Lincoln his life. That required courage.
Socrates' decision to drink the poison cup, rather than compromise in his personal belief, was a decision of courage. It turned Time ahead a thousand years, and gave to people then unborn the right to freedom of thought and of speech.
The decision of Gen. Robert E. Lee, when he came to the parting of the way with the Union and took up the cause of the South, was a decision of courage, for he well knew that it might cost him his own life, that it would surely cost the lives of others.
But the greatest decision of all time, as far as any American citizen is concerned, was reached in Philadelphia, July 4, 1776, when fifty-six men put their signatures to a document, which they well knew would bring freedom to all Americans, or leave every one of the fifty-six hanging from a gallows!
-6-
You can have anything you want in this world if you will make up your mind to do so, but the price will be definite and exact. It will be paid in advance. The price is eternal vigilance, eternal study, eternal application of the law of action.
You may have all the money you want, all the friends you need, all the happiness you can enjoy, all the health you can use, all the power you can wield, but the price is definite and exact.
The price is the willingness to pay the price.
The law of action is the law of life. The law of action is the law of success. The law of action is the law of the universe.
Action is the expression of life. Inaction is the expression of death.
The tree that does not grow is dying. The animal that does not move is dead. The man that does not act is dead also.
-7-
Action as the Key to Success
Action is the key to success. Without action, there is no success.
You have learned in the previous lessons how to form a definite chief aim, how to build self-confidence, how to take initiative and leadership, and how to use imagination to plan.
Now, you must learn how to put those plans into action.
Procrastination is the enemy of action. Procrastination is the thief of time. Procrastination is the destroyer of dreams.
To overcome procrastination, you must develop the habit of action.
The habit of action is developed by taking action.
-8-
Start with small actions, and build from there.
Take the first step, and the second will follow.
Action creates momentum. Momentum creates more action.
Action builds confidence. Confidence builds more action.
Action attracts opportunity. Opportunity attracts more action.
Action leads to success.
Success is the result of action.
Remember, the price is action.
Pay the price, and success is yours.
-9-
The Power of Habit in Action
Repeated action creates habit.
Habit is the foundation of character.
Character is the foundation of destiny.
To build the habit of action, you must act consistently.
Act every day.
Act on your plans.
Act on your goals.
Act on your dreams.
The habit of action will carry you through when motivation fails.
The habit of action will make you unstoppable.
The habit of action will make you successful.
-10-
Overcoming Inertia
Inertia is the tendency to remain at rest. It is the natural state of the human mind when faced with a new task.
To overcome inertia, you must take the first step.
The first step is the hardest, but it is also the most important.
Once you take the first step, the second becomes easier.
Each step builds upon the last, creating a chain of action.
This chain of action will carry you to your goal.
-11-
Examples of Action in Practice
Andrew Carnegie took action on his plans for steel mills, buying them swiftly while others hesitated, building his empire.
Thomas Edison took action on his inventions, persisting through thousands of failures to create the light bulb.
Henry Ford took action on his vision for the automobile, revolutionizing transportation.
These men acted decisively, without delay, and achieved greatness.
You too can achieve greatness by taking action.
-12-
The Cost of Inaction
Inaction costs you your dreams.
Inaction costs you your opportunities.
Inaction costs you your success.
Every day you delay, you lose ground.
Every day you wait, someone else acts and takes your place.
The cost of inaction is greater than the cost of action.
-13-
Practical Exercises for Developing Action
1. Set a small task and do it immediately.
2. Make a list of actions needed for your chief aim, and take the first one today.
3. Practice daily action on something new each day to build the habit.
4. Review your day each evening, noting where you acted and where you procrastinated, and improve tomorrow.
5. Visualize yourself as a person of action, and act as that person would.
-14-
The Role of Decision in Action
Every action begins with a decision.
A decision is a commitment to act.
Without a decision, there is no action.
To make a decision, you must have a clear purpose.
Your definite chief aim, established in Lesson One, gives you that purpose.
Once you decide, act immediately.
Delay turns decision into doubt.
-15-
The Psychology of Action
Action is a mental state as much as a physical one.
Your mind must be trained to act.
Fear and doubt are the enemies of action.
To overcome fear, act in spite of it.
To overcome doubt, act with faith.
Faith in yourself, faith in your plan, faith in your ability to succeed.
-16-
The Habit of Promptness
Promptness is the twin of action.
To be prompt is to act at the appointed time.
Promptness shows respect for yourself and others.
Promptness builds trust.
Trust builds cooperation.
Cooperation builds success.
-17-
The Rewards of Action
Action brings results.
Results bring satisfaction.
Satisfaction brings confidence.
Confidence brings more action.
This cycle of action and reward leads to mastery.
Mastery leads to success.
-18-
The Dangers of Procrastination
Procrastination is the thief of opportunity.
Procrastination is the killer of ambition.
Procrastination is the destroyer of hope.
Every moment you procrastinate, you weaken your resolve.
Every delay strengthens your inertia.
-19-
Building a Lifetime Habit of Action
The habit of action must be cultivated daily.
Start with small, manageable tasks.
Increase the scope as your confidence grows.
Never stop acting.
The man who acts consistently is the man who succeeds.
-20-
The Action Plan
1. Define your next action step today.
2. Take that step before the day ends.
3. Plan your actions for tomorrow.
4. Review your progress weekly.
5. Adjust your plan as needed, but never stop acting.
-21-
Further Examples of Action in Practice
Marshall Field, after the Chicago fire of 1871, acted to rebuild his store, envisioning the greatest retail emporium. That action turned ruin into a legacy.
John D. Rockefeller acted on oil prospects in 1870, consolidating refineries into Standard Oil despite doubts. His bold move built an empire.
These examples show that action, taken promptly, turns vision into victory.
-22-
Practical Applications in Business
In business, action separates success from failure. A merchant who delays restocking loses customers to a competitor who acts.
Action in trade means deciding quickly—buying stock when prices dip, negotiating deals on the spot. Delay invites loss; action secures gain.
Study a local business. Note where action or inaction shaped its course. Apply this: Act on your next decision within 24 hours.
-23-
Expanded Exercises for Developing Action
1. Daily Action Log: Each evening, write three actions taken and one procrastinated. Plan to act on the latter tomorrow.
2. 5-Minute Rule: For any task under 5 minutes, do it now.
3. Action Partner: Find a friend to share daily action goals, holding each accountable.
-24-
Self-Assessment Questions
Answer these nightly in a notebook:
- What was the most important action I took today?
- Where did I hesitate or delay, and what caused it?
- What can I do differently tomorrow to act more promptly?
Write at least one sentence per question to guide improvement.
-25-
Habit Tracker
Create a chart with seven columns, one for each day. Record daily:
- One action toward your chief aim.
- A rating from 1 to 5 (1 = reluctant, 5 = enthusiastic).
Review every Sunday. Aim to increase your average rating weekly. This builds awareness and momentum.
-26-
Reinforcement Through Practice
Practice perfects action. Select a small, recurring task—such as writing a letter—and perform it daily for thirty days. Note how ease increases.
Andrew Carnegie practiced prompt decision-making, reviewing offers within hours. Your practice will mirror his success.
-27-
Overcoming Resistance
Resistance is natural when starting. Commit to action for just five minutes. Often, starting is hardest, and momentum follows.
If resistance persists, ask: "What is the cost of not acting?" This question will spur you to move.
-28-
Visualization and Faith in Action
Visualize your success daily. Close your eyes and see yourself acting decisively—signing a contract, completing a project. Feel the joy.
Faith fuels action; doubt stops it. Believe in yourself, your plan, and your ability. Carnegie visualized steel dominance, then acted boldly.
-29-
The Power of Promptness
Promptness is action’s companion. Meet deadlines, return calls, fulfill promises on time. Promptness earns trust.
A 1925 banker who delayed loan approvals lost clients to a rival who acted instantly. Promptness builds your reputation.
-30-
Closing Reinforcement of Principles
Action is the master key to all achievements. Every great accomplishment began with a single step. Your success depends on taking that step now.
Review this lesson’s exercises. The habit of action, once formed, will carry you through life’s challenges.
-31-
Detailed Exercises for Developing the Habit of Action
1. Monthly Action Plan: Write five actions for your chief aim over thirty days, with completion dates. Start the first tomorrow.
2. Progress Review: Weekly, check completed tasks and analyze delays. Adjust, but don’t postpone beyond next week.
3. Action Affirmation: Morning, repeat aloud five times: "I am a man (or woman) of action. I act now on my plans."
-32-
Self-Questioning for Growth
Answer nightly:
- What one action can I take today to advance my aim?
- Where did I procrastinate this week, and why?
- How can promptness improve my next task?
Reflection builds progress. Write answers.
-33-
Habit Tracker
Chart seven days. Record daily:
- One action toward aim.
- Rating 1-5 (1=reluctant, 5=enthusiastic).
Sunday review. Increase average weekly. Builds awareness.
-34-
Reinforcement Through Practice
Repeat actions to master them. A pianist practices scales; you act on goals daily.
Carnegie’s steel deals succeeded through repeated bold moves. Your repetition builds strength.
-35-
Overcoming Resistance
Commit to 5 minutes to break resistance. Starting is hardest; momentum follows.
Ask: "Cost of not acting?" to push through.
-36-
Visualization and Faith
Morning visualization: See acting decisively, achieving aim. Feel joy.
Faith fuels action; doubt stops. Believe in self, plan, ability.
Carnegie saw steel dominance, acted. You can.
-37-
The Power of Promptness
Promptness beats procrastination. Meet deadlines, gain trust.
1925 banker delayed, lost clients; rival acted, gained.
-38-
Closing Reinforcement
Action is the master key. Start with a step now.
-39-
Call to Immediate Application
Choose one action from aim now—call, letter, task. Do it today.
-40-
Final Thoughts
Action turns potential to power. Begin small, grow bold.
-41-
Summary
Action is life’s law, success’s law, dream’s price. Pay it, achieve.
-42-
[Blank Page for Personal Notes]
2
9 comments
1925 Version of The Law of Success
powered by
skool.com/successbootcamp-6803
An exclusive community and step-by-step system designed to rewire your mindset, sharpen your clarity, build confidence, & upgrade your new identity.
Suggested communities
Powered by