📘 Summery of The Magic of Getting What You Want
“The Magic of Getting What You Want” is a practical blueprint for anyone who refuses to settle for less in life and is ready to dream more, do more, and become more. In this powerful book, David J. Schwartz, author of the bestselling The Magic of Thinking Big, shows that getting what you want isn’t magic—it’s mindset + method + momentum.
Dr. Schwartz argues that most people live far below their potential—not because they’re unworthy, but because they’ve never truly asked for more. He invites readers to reawaken their dreams, build belief, and develop the habits that make dreams real.
Through vivid stories—from immigrants starting cab companies to homemakers launching million-dollar businesses—Schwartz proves that success is not reserved for the few, but available to anyone willing to think more, ask more, and persist more.
He introduces the reader to critical tools like:
- ✅ The A.S.K. Formula – Ask, Seek, Knock to receive the help you need.
- ✅ Self-commercials – A personal pep talk to rewire self-image.
- ✅ Dream Builder vs. Dream Destroyer thinking – Learn to silence doubt and fuel desire.
- ✅ Mentalvision – Watch your mental “TV” for positivity and possibility.
You’ll learn how to:
- Come back to life if you’re stuck in routine
- Influence others through charisma and genuine care
- Turn setbacks into springboards
- Use patience and persistence to outlast any challenge
- Begin again—no matter your age or stage
Ultimately, this book is a wake-up call for those living on autopilot. If you’ve ever felt that you’re meant for more, this book hands you the playbook to go after it—with clarity, confidence, and courage.
💡 It’s not about luck—it’s about decision. Decide to want more. Then follow through.
👤 About the Author: Dr. David J. Schwartz
Dr. David J. Schwartz was a renowned American motivational expert, professor, and author best known for his blockbuster book The Magic of Thinking Big. A professor at Georgia State University, Schwartz dedicated his life to helping ordinary people believe in extraordinary possibilities. Through seminars, lectures, and books, he emphasized practical optimism, goal setting, and personal transformation. His messages were simple but profound: success begins in the mind. With The Magic of Getting What You Want, he reaffirms his belief that anyone—regardless of age, education, or background—can create a richer, happier, more fulfilling life by choosing to think, act, and dream bigger.
Let me Explain it Chapter by Chapter for you….
📘 Chapter 1: Think More About Having More
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Dr. Schwartz opens with a charming story of his grandson David James, whose insistence on “two more ones!” becomes a symbol of wanting more out of life. He then shares stories of a Jamaican cab driver who dreams of owning 20 taxis and a government worker named Jan who left her secure job to start her own business and thrived.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
Dreaming bigger isn’t delusional—it’s essential. If you don’t think more, you’ll settle for less. Poverty isn’t just lack of money—it’s lack of vision. Most people settle for mediocrity not because of inability, but because they never dreamed more was possible.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Write your own obituary to assess where your current trajectory leads.
- Avoid “dream destroyers”—people who discourage ambition.
- Use the A.S.K. formula: Ask, Seek, Knock.
- Dream in specifics—not vague hopes.
- Visualize your dreams as already accomplished.
- Commit fully—nothing resists the power of total commitment.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Avoid thoughts like “I don’t have enough education/time/money.”
- Surround yourself with dream builders, not dream busters.
- Set a deadline for your goals and review your dream daily.
- Focus on earning more rather than cutting back.
📘 Chapter 2: Look Again: You Can Make Yourself Even More A-OK
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Dr. Schwartz explains how most people suffer from self-doubt, not lack of ability. Elaine, a 45-year-old homemaker, becomes a successful cosmetic entrepreneur by realizing she’s not “past her prime”—she’s just getting started.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
Your self-image determines your altitude. If you think you’re average, you’ll act average. But once you start selling yourself to yourself, you unlock unseen potential.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Create a 60-second “self-commercial” listing your best traits.
- Record it on audio or video and replay it daily.
- Use “Mentalvision” to watch your personal highlight reel—not your failures.
- Counter negative channels (fear, revenge, guilt) with positive programming.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Develop a habit of positive self-talk: “I am capable, growing, and worthy.”
- Remind yourself that no one will believe in you more than you believe in yourself.
- Replace the “I can’t” mindset with “How can I?”
📘 Chapter 3: How to Get Others to Help You Win!
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Schwartz recounts how people who achieve big dreams never do it alone—they get help from others. He tells us about “successful askers”—people who build powerful support systems by simply reaching out and engaging others in their dreams.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
People are more willing to help you than you think—if you know how to ask. The world opens up when you stop trying to do everything alone and start inviting others to join your mission.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Master the ASK technique:
- A – Ask for what you want clearly and positively.
- S – Seek people who are likely to say yes.
- K – Knock consistently—don’t take no as final.
- Get specific when asking—people need direction.
- Express genuine appreciation to those who assist you.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Build a list of people who can help you—and how.
- Practice your “ask” in front of a mirror.
- Say “thank you” often and sincerely.
- Make people feel like partners in your success.
📘 Chapter 4: Feed Your Mind Success-Producing Information and Prosper
📖 Mini-Story Recap
David shares the story of a man who stopped watching the news, avoided gossip, and began reading only positive books. In just months, his outlook, results, and income improved dramatically.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
What you feed your mind shapes your future. Just like your body depends on diet, your mind thrives (or dies) based on the thoughts and content you consume.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Eliminate negative media—cut down on toxic news and complaining conversations.
- Read 30 minutes daily from inspiring, educational books.
- Surround yourself with positive people and role models.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Build a “Success Library”—books, podcasts, videos that uplift you.
- Turn commuting or chores into learning time via audiobooks.
- Ask yourself daily: “Is what I’m reading/watching making me better?”
📘 Chapter 5: Want More? Then Give More
📖 Mini-Story Recap
A businessman doubled his income not by working harder but by giving more value to clients—extra service, unexpected bonuses, real care. He became irreplaceable and wildly successful.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
Giving isn’t just good karma—it’s smart strategy. You can get more by giving more—attention, effort, energy, gratitude. Generosity sets you apart in a world of mediocrity.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Go the extra mile in everything—relationships, work, service.
- Surprise others with generosity—send a note, give help without being asked.
- Keep a “giving” journal—track your extra efforts.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Ask: “What more can I give to this person/situation?”
- Build a habit of overdelivering.
- Use the “give first, gain later” approach in business and life.
📘 Chapter 6: How to Influence Others to Get More of What You Want
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Dr. Schwartz shares how a soft-spoken manager, once ignored by his team, transformed into a respected leader—not by yelling, but by using the power of positive influence. He began praising more, listening deeply, and taking time to understand his people’s needs. The result? Loyalty, performance, and results skyrocketed.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
You win people by lifting them up, not putting them down. Influence isn’t about dominance; it’s about building others so they want to help you win.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Find and express value in others—look for what they do right.
- Use “you-focused” language: “You’ve done a great job…”
- Never criticize publicly. Save feedback for private, gentle conversations.
- Ask questions instead of giving commands—build ownership.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Compliment at least 3 people daily—genuinely.
- Listen more than you speak in meetings.
- Become a builder of self-esteem in your circle.
- Use this power phrase: “I believe in you.”
📘 Chapter 7: Use the A.S.K. Formula to Get More
📖 Mini-Story Recap
A woman named Cathy, struggling in her side business, multiplied her income simply by doing one thing: asking more people, more often, more clearly. She learned to Ask (clearly), Seek (the right people), and Knock (follow up). In one year, she doubled her results.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
You don’t get what you deserve—you get what you ask for. Most people fail not because they’re unworthy but because they don’t ask boldly and persistently.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- A – Ask directly and specifically for what you want.
- S – Seek the right decision-makers, mentors, or customers.
- K – Knock again and again—be politely persistent.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Write down 5 things you need to ask for this week.
- Practice “power asking” in front of a mirror.
- Follow up at least twice before assuming a “no.”
- Use the 3:1 rule: For every ask, give three values in return.
📘 Chapter 8: How to Win Influence Through Charisma and Commitment
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Schwartz tells the story of a young entrepreneur who wasn’t especially talented—but he was magnetic. Why? He believed in what he was doing and radiated energy. His charisma was fueled not by charm, but by deep commitment to his cause.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
Charisma is not inherited—it’s created through passion and purpose. When you are on fire about your mission, people feel your energy and want to be part of it.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Be vividly enthusiastic—talk with your hands, smile more, stand tall.
- Commit deeply to what you do—let your values show.
- Radiate belief in others—they will mirror it.
- Use powerful language: “I’m excited about…” “I believe…” “Let’s do it!”
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Practice giving firm, positive handshakes.
- Maintain direct eye contact when speaking.
- Choose one thing you truly believe in—and talk about it daily.
- People follow those who know where they’re going—lead with clarity.
📘 Chapter 9: How to Come Back to Life and Enjoy It More
📖 Mini-Story Recap
A man in his 50s, once dynamic and driven, became withdrawn after years of routine and setbacks. But after attending a motivational seminar and writing his own “future obituary,” he had a breakthrough: “If I don’t change now, I’ll drift through life unnoticed.” That realization brought him back to life. He re-engaged with his family, focused at work, and started building a future with meaning.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
You’re not too late. You’re just getting started. No matter how far you’ve fallen or how long you’ve stagnated, one choice can reboot your whole life.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Do the “Write Your Obituary” exercise—see what legacy you’re headed for.
- Restart neglected dreams—even small steps can bring huge energy.
- Re-engage with loved ones—make relationships a priority again.
- Set 3 new life goals that bring you joy, not just income.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Reflect: If I continue like this, where will I be in 5 years?
- Wake up 30 minutes earlier to work on just one passion project.
- Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with.
- Start living intentionally, not automatically.
📘 Chapter 10: How to Profit from Persistent Patience
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Schwartz tells us about a salesperson who was brilliant—but gave up after one “no.” Another rep, less skilled, stayed with prospects over months. Guess who made the sale? Persistence—especially when it’s patient—always wins.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
Big dreams take time, but they reward those who stay the course. Many people fail not because of lack of talent, but because they quit too soon.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Use the 4-Try Rule—never give up on anything until you’ve tried it four different ways.
- Celebrate mini-progress—track steps, not just outcomes.
- Develop a “no quit” mindset—remind yourself daily why you started.
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Keep a progress journal—track movement, not just wins.
- Use this mantra: “I persist until I succeed.”
- When tempted to quit, ask: “What’s one small step I can take today instead?”
📘 Chapter 11: Make a New Beginning
📖 Mini-Story Recap
Elaine, a 45-year-old woman, had raised kids and managed a home, but felt “used up.” One day, while walking past a seminar room, she sat in—and discovered an opportunity to sell cosmetics. It changed everything. Seven years later, she was financially free, emotionally fulfilled, and living a life she never imagined. Her turning point? Starting again.
🧠 Key Insight / Mindset Shift
You can reinvent yourself at any stage. Life doesn’t care how old you are or what you’ve done—it responds to who you choose to become today.
✅ Exact Instructions / Practical Steps
- Let go of old labels—you’re not too old, too late, or too average.
- List 5 things you’ve always wanted to try—and pick one.
- Take one bold action that marks your “new beginning.”
🔑 Pointers for Action
- Ask: What would I do if I had no fear or limits?
- Change your daily environment—rearrange your space, schedule, or circle.
- Start now—not next month, not next year—now.
✅ Final Message from Schwartz
“Start the dream process in action NOW.”