I’ve been thinking about this story quite a bit recently so thought I’d share it for those who haven’t heard it before. It always helps to keep me going if I feel like giving up or am stuck on a problem.
It’s from Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think & Grow Rich’ and is very revealing about Ford’s mindset and I think also the mindset of a lot of successful entrepreneurs:
Ford didn’t concern himself with what the ‘experts’ told him. Most people’s problem is they’re too influenced by what others think or say.
Ford was driven by his own internal compass. He knew what he believed and just calmly followed through with that belief, regardless of all the noise around him. He knew that that a definite goal with enough persistence can most likely be achieved. If hundreds or even thousands of people told him something cant be done, Ford wouldn't of taken the slightest bit of notice.
Always makes me laugh thinking about it:
Engineer: 'NO, you don’t understand. IT CAN NOT BE DONE'
Ford: 'Yep, go right on ahead'
It’s from Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think & Grow Rich’ and is very revealing about Ford’s mindset and I think also the mindset of a lot of successful entrepreneurs:
A few years back, Ford decided to produce his now famous V-8 motor. He chose to build an engine with the entire eight cylinders cast in one block, and instructed his engineers to produce a design for the engine. The design was placed on paper, but the engineers agreed, to a man, that it was simply impossible to cast an eight-cylinder gas engine block in one piece.
Ford said, "Produce it anyway."
"But," they replied, "It’s impossible!"
"Go ahead," Ford commanded, "And stay on the job until you succeed no matter how much time is required."
The engineers went ahead. There was nothing else for them to do, if they were to remain on the Ford staff. Six months went by, nothing happened. Another six months passed, and still nothing happened. The engineers tried every conceivable plan to carry out the orders, but the thing seemed out of the question; "impossible!"
At the end of the year Ford checked with his engineers, and again they informed him they had found no way to carry out his orders. "Go right ahead," said Ford, "I want it, and I'll have it." They went ahead, and then, as if by a stroke of magic, the secret was discovered.
The Ford DETERMINATION had won once more!
This story may not be described with minute accuracy, but the sum and substance of it is correct. Deduce from it, you who wish to THINK AND GROW RICH, the secret of the Ford millions, if you can. You'll not have to look very far. Henry Ford is a success, because he understands, and applies the principles of success. One of these is DESIRE: knowing what one wants. Remember this Ford story as you read, and pick out the lines in which the secret of his stupendous achievement have been described. If you can do this, if you can lay your finger on the particular group of principles which made Henry Ford rich, you can equal his achievements in almost any calling for which you are suited.
Ford said, "Produce it anyway."
"But," they replied, "It’s impossible!"
"Go ahead," Ford commanded, "And stay on the job until you succeed no matter how much time is required."
The engineers went ahead. There was nothing else for them to do, if they were to remain on the Ford staff. Six months went by, nothing happened. Another six months passed, and still nothing happened. The engineers tried every conceivable plan to carry out the orders, but the thing seemed out of the question; "impossible!"
At the end of the year Ford checked with his engineers, and again they informed him they had found no way to carry out his orders. "Go right ahead," said Ford, "I want it, and I'll have it." They went ahead, and then, as if by a stroke of magic, the secret was discovered.
The Ford DETERMINATION had won once more!
This story may not be described with minute accuracy, but the sum and substance of it is correct. Deduce from it, you who wish to THINK AND GROW RICH, the secret of the Ford millions, if you can. You'll not have to look very far. Henry Ford is a success, because he understands, and applies the principles of success. One of these is DESIRE: knowing what one wants. Remember this Ford story as you read, and pick out the lines in which the secret of his stupendous achievement have been described. If you can do this, if you can lay your finger on the particular group of principles which made Henry Ford rich, you can equal his achievements in almost any calling for which you are suited.
Ford didn’t concern himself with what the ‘experts’ told him. Most people’s problem is they’re too influenced by what others think or say.
Ford was driven by his own internal compass. He knew what he believed and just calmly followed through with that belief, regardless of all the noise around him. He knew that that a definite goal with enough persistence can most likely be achieved. If hundreds or even thousands of people told him something cant be done, Ford wouldn't of taken the slightest bit of notice.
Always makes me laugh thinking about it:
Engineer: 'NO, you don’t understand. IT CAN NOT BE DONE'
Ford: 'Yep, go right on ahead'
Dislike ads? Become a Fastlane member:
Subscribe today and surround yourself with winners and millionaire mentors, not those broke friends who only want to drink beer and play video games. :-)
Last edited:
Membership Required: Upgrade to Expose Nearly 1,000,000 Posts
Ready to Unleash the Millionaire Entrepreneur in You?
Become a member of the Fastlane Forum, the private community founded by best-selling author and multi-millionaire entrepreneur MJ DeMarco. Since 2007, MJ DeMarco has poured his heart and soul into the Fastlane Forum, helping entrepreneurs reclaim their time, win their financial freedom, and live their best life.
With more than 39,000 posts packed with insights, strategies, and advice, you’re not just a member—you’re stepping into MJ’s inner-circle, a place where you’ll never be left alone.
Become a member and gain immediate access to...
- Active Community: Ever join a community only to find it DEAD? Not at Fastlane! As you can see from our home page, life-changing content is posted dozens of times daily.
- Exclusive Insights: Direct access to MJ DeMarco’s daily contributions and wisdom.
- Powerful Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs who can offer mentorship, collaboration, and opportunities.
- Proven Strategies: Learn from the best in the business, with actionable advice and strategies that can accelerate your success.
"You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most..."
Who are you surrounding yourself with? Surround yourself with millionaire success. Join Fastlane today!
Join Today
