The Real Price of Success: Mastering Emotion and Discipline

“Do not become discouraged, if you cannot control and direct your emotions the first time you try to do so. Remember, there is no such possibility as SOMETHING FOR NOTHING. Ability to reach, and influence your subconscious mind has its price, and you MUST PAY THAT PRICE.” Page 59 “Think and Grow Rich.”

This quote from Chapter 4 of Think and Grow Rich delivers a powerful message about emotional mastery, persistence, and the real cost of success:

Mental discipline takes time. Controlling your emotions, focusing your thoughts, and applying auto-suggestion correctly are skills, not instant abilities. There is no such possibility as SOMETHING FOR NOTHING.” This is a fundamental truth: success requires emotional labor, belief, repetition, and sacrifice. You can’t skip the inner work and expect outer results. The “price” is your daily discipline, emotional involvement, and persistent repetition of your goal, even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.

This quote reminds us that each of the 6 steps requires emotional focus, repetition, and belief. You won’t master it immediately. Let’s look at how each step connects to the idea of "paying the price" to influence the subconscious mind."

Step 1: Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire.

Just identifying a goal may feel awkward or even intimidating at first. The “price” is learning to think clearly and boldly about what you truly want, without fear or doubt. Clarity takes effort.

Step 2: Determine what you intend to give in return.

This is where the idea of “something for nothing” is directly addressed. You must offer value, and you must emotionally commit to paying that price. This step reinforces that sacrifice and service are part of the deal.

Step 3: Establish a definite date.

Many people resist setting deadlines because it forces emotional responsibility. You are paying the price by becoming accountable. If it feels uncomfortable, that’s part of the emotional growth process.

Step 4: Create a definite plan and begin at once.

Taking action, especially in the face of fear or doubt, is one of the hardest parts. The emotional price here is overcoming inertia, resistance, or perfectionism and acting anyway.

Step 5: Write a clear, concise statement.

Relation to the quote: Writing and reviewing your statement daily may feel repetitive or forced at first. The price here is consistency and repetition, even when results don’t appear right away. It’s part of reconditioning your mind.

Step 6: Read your statement aloud twice daily, with emotion and belief.

This step directly challenges your ability to control your emotions. If you can’t summon belief or feeling, it may feel pointless at first. But Hill says don’t get discouraged, you are learning to train your emotional focus, and that takes time and persistence. This is where the real price is paid.

Hill is saying that developing belief, focus, and emotional energy is not easy, but it’s essential. The subconscious mind doesn’t respond to weak, casual thoughts. It responds to persistent, emotionally-charged desire. The process of building that emotional power is the price of influencing your subconscious and therefore, the price of transforming desire into success. The 6 steps are simple in form, but difficult in practice. That’s why they work. They filter out the dreamers and reward the doers. Those who are willing to pay the price will develop the mindset that attracts success.