Sharon Lechter, an author, entrepreneur, and financial literacy advocate who is the co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, whom I love, was a guest on a podcast I listened to recently. She recommended the book Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill for anyone struggling with mindset issues. Curious, I bought the book, and I’m glad I did. As medical professionals and entrepreneurs, we often face big decisions, juggling patient care, financial choices, and our quest for success. Napoleon Hill, the author of the classic Think and Grow Rich and How to Win Friends and Influence People, tackles the mental battles of fear, doubt, and indecision that we all face in our work and personal lives.

Overview

An interesting fact about this book is that it was actually written in 1938 but wasn’t published until 2011. Sharon Lechter found the unpublished manuscript while working with the Napoleon Hill Foundation and thought it should be shared with today’s readers.

In Outwitting the Devil, Hill imagines an interview with “the devil,” discussing how fear, doubt, and procrastination hold us back from success. The devil divides people into two groups: drifters and non-drifters. Drifters lack direction and are easily influenced by outside fears and opinions. They let worries about money, criticism, health, or other things control their lives. On the other hand, non-drifters have clear goals and take charge of their lives. They are brave enough to take risks and make their own choices. Hill’s main point is that to be successful and free from fear, you must stop “drifting” and take control of your mindset.

Key Takeaways:

1. Define your Purpose:

A drifter is someone who lacks purpose, making them easy for the devil to influence through fear. To avoid this, non-drifters need clear goals and a strong sense of purpose to keep them focused. When you’re focused on your goals, you take action, and Hill believes that non-drifters can inspire others to do the same. In contrast, drifters let fear and uncertainty hold them back.

2. Mindset over strategy:

Hill argues that success isn’t just about having the right strategy but also about having the right mindset. He emphasizes, “Whatever you fix your mind upon, that you will attract.” If you focus on scarcity, you’ll attract it; if you focus on abundance, you’ll attract that instead. I would be lying if I said I never had scarcity mindset in my life or business, and Hill would say to look within for the success you desire, not at the latest social media suggestion for success in your business. Success comes from mastering your fears and doubts, using that mindset shift to take action– even imperfect action. We don’t have to have all of the answers to start; he says in the book those who wait for certainty before taking action, drift, while those who act- even imperfectly- outwit the devil. 

3. Redefining Failure:

Hill has a unique take on failure. He doesn’t see it as something to be avoided but as a necessary part of growth. The devil’s biggest weapon is the fear of failure, which can stop us from acting. The real danger is not trying because you’re afraid of failing. For entrepreneurs and healthcare providers alike, it’s important to reframe failure as a learning opportunity rather than letting it paralyze you.

Why It’s Relevant to Entrepreneurs:

1. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Entrepreneurship involves risk, and fear of failure is a major hurdle. Hill describes fear as a tool the “devil” uses to keep people from taking bold actions. For entrepreneurs, confronting this fear is essential. The book encourages facing fears directly and embracing calculated risks as part of the journey to success.

2. Taking Action Despite Uncertainty

Hill stresses that waiting for perfect conditions or a flawless plan can lead to missed opportunities. A drifter waits for certainty. Early in my real estate career, a mentor said, “Take action and create chaos. Sort out later.” This taught me that taking action is crucial for progress, even when the action isn’t perfect. Analysis paralysis will prevent you from ever starting anything. 

3. Mental Discipline and Focus

Hill speaks extensively about the need for mental discipline to avoid drifting through life. Something I have inherently struggled with in entrepreneurship is maintaining focus. Eliminating distractions and competing priorities is critical for success. Hill says, “I can control my mind and direct it to whatever ends I desire. If it is true that I can control my mind, I can also control my destiny.”

I’ve noticed this struggle particularly in my real estate ventures—what many call “shiny object syndrome.” When I started wholesaling, I found myself chasing all kinds of deals: land development, hotels, large multifamily properties, single-family homes, and we even almost bought an RV park at one point. I still struggle with this today. I’ve dabbled in flipping houses, I’m still trying to wholesale some properties, and I’m now looking at commercial property development. But what I’m learning is how much energy all of these ventures require. My bandwidth is limited, and I can’t do it all without giving up something else. I need to take Hill’s advice, focus on one thing in real estate, and do it well. 

4. Failure as a Learning Tool

Using failure as a learning tool is invaluable to success as an entrepreneur. You have to be comfortable with some level of risk, and Hill argues that this is a necessary step toward growth and success. The challenge of viewing failures as stepping stones instead of setbacks is a key concept in this book. This is evident with many successes of our time. Bill Gates had a failed business venture before founding Microsoft.  Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team and experienced multiple playoff failures before becoming an NBA legend. Travis Kalanick experienced multiple business failures before co-founding Uber. J.K. Rowling faced multiple rejections before finally publishing the Harry Potter series. These stories show that failure is not the end but often the beginning of a path to even greater success.

5. Avoiding the Trap of Drifting

In one chapter of the book, the devil reveals the tricks he uses to make people drift through life. He preys on influences from our upbringing, marriage, poor financial habits, and unsatisfying jobs. By exploiting these areas, he instills fear, doubt, and indecision, leading us away from our true purpose and into a state of drifting. For example, if we’re raised with a scarcity mindset or are trapped in a cycle of poor financial habits, we may feel too overwhelmed to pursue our passions or take risks. In marriage, a lack of mutual support or shared goals can lead to dissatisfaction and drifting. Similarly, being stuck in a job that doesn’t align with our values can drain our motivation and sense of purpose.

To combat these tactics, we need to take proactive steps in various areas of our lives. Here’s how:

Financial Literacy and Independence:

To avoid being trapped by financial worries, become financially literate. Learn to budget and manage your money wisely. This way, you’re not stuck in a job or business out of necessity but rather out of choice. Financial freedom gives you the power to pursue opportunities that align with your goals and passions and not compromise your values because you can’t afford to leave.

Teach Children to be Self-Motivated:

Raise children who are independently motivated by showing them that no problem is unsolvable. Encourage critical thinking and resilience so they grow up with a mindset geared toward overcoming challenges rather than avoiding them.

Build Strong Habits and Live by Instruction:

Develop good habits and live a life guided by purpose rather than drifting aimlessly. Set clear goals, create daily routines that align with your values, and be disciplined in following them. By living intentionally, you can pass on these positive habits to your children and those around you.

Cultivate a Supportive Environment:

Ensure your relationships, especially marriage, are built on mutual support and shared goals. A strong, supportive partnership can help you stay focused on your purpose and provide a buffer against life’s distractions and challenges.

Stay True to Your Vision:

As an entrepreneur, avoid distractions and keep your long-term vision in mind. The devil will try to tempt you with quick fixes, shiny objects, and the fear of failure. Combat this by setting clear, long-term goals and regularly reminding yourself of why you started your journey in the first place.

By focusing on these areas, you can counter the devil’s tricks and avoid drifting. The key is to live with purpose, make intentional choices, and keep moving forward despite the distractions and challenges that life throws your way.

Why It’s Relevant to Medical Professionals:

1. Mastering Fear and Self-Doubt

The central theme of the book is overcoming fear. In urgent care, I constantly train new students and new providers in the clinic. Part of teaching the newbies involved helping them confront and conquer their self-doubt and fear of making mistakes. Some don’t ever get there, but the ones who do will confidently excel as a provider.  

2. Preventing Burnout and Drifting

Burnout in medicine, especially post-COVID, is a fad topic. Hill’s advice is relevant here—if we lose sight of our purpose and get caught up in the daily grind, we risk drifting and losing our passion. Hill would suggest realigning with our purpose and staying motivated to combat burnout.

3. Embracing Continuous Learning and Growth

Self-discipline and personal growth are crucial in medicine, which requires lifelong learning. Hill’s emphasis on self-improvement aligns with our profession’s need for continuous education and personal development.

4. Overcoming the Fear of Criticism

In the medical field, where professionals are constantly scrutinized—by patients, peers, and regulatory bodies—fear of criticism is often at the forefront of our minds. Hill addresses how the fear of judgment from others can prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. As medical professionals, we must trust our instincts and make bold decisions without fearing external criticism, or we could find ourselves people-pleasing instead. 

Conclusion

While Outwitting the Devil isn’t your traditional business or self-help book, the conversational chapters are great and easy. In this book, I felt like I was having a deep conversation with myself and my fears and ambitions. This book is a must-read if you struggle with mindset issues or fear of failure and need help reshaping your mind. If you’re an APP, doctor, or healthcare provider with entrepreneurial ambitions, this book will inspire you to act purposefully, take risks, and outwit the internal forces that hold you back.