5. Purpose Over Fear
I revisited a book I first read in 2014 when I was 25 years old.
The Write Spxt is a weekly newsletter from a book marketer with a decade of experience at two Big Five publishers. It’s for writers seeking publishing tools, readers looking for great recs, and humans who love to journal, observe, and reflect.
May of 2014 I was reading The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I took the book with me to Orlando at the end of that month to celebrate a sorority sister who was getting married and hosting a bridal shower. My hair was cut short, a mohawk inspired by Rihanna. While there, Paivia shared with me what she was reading. She pulled out a book with an all black cover and mostly gold letters. In all caps, OUTWITTING THE DEVIL. Intrigued, I began to ask questions about it. I caught her enthusiasm and immediately got myself a copy.
My 2014 journal has declared that I got back home from Orlando on Sunday, June 1st and finished reading Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill on June 11th - my niece’s 10th birthday. At the time, Paivia and I were both around 25 years old.
By August of that year, my now-husband and I began planning to leave everything in South Florida for New Jersey at the end of our apartment lease. We had a decent savings, but no prospects for work up north by the time we set foot into our new apartment on Munn Avenue in East Orange. As I reflect on our move today and the timing of when I began reading Outwitting the Devil, I smile and nod at the speed in which we propelled our lives forward; urged to take a risk.
Today, I am 36 years old and am revisiting the book. I was pulled to pick it up by another friend who is experiencing discomfort in her career. As she and I brainstormed ways she could take more control of her situation, I thought that maybe she will find the momentum she needs to get over this challenge in reading Outwitting the Devil. I kept the thought to myself and ordered a copy to be delivered to her door the next day. Inside was a short note from me, encouraging her to read the book in preparation of us setting aside some time to do her vision board.
Along the margins of the book are notes written by my younger self; highlighted sentences and exclamation marks next to lines like, “It is a sin to remain in ignorance because that leads to poverty and loss of self-reliance.” And, “Teach children that definiteness of purpose, backed by definite plans persistently and continuously applied, is the most efficacious form of prayer available to human beings.”
Back then, it was a battle cry—a push to outwit the devil of doubt and leap into the unknown with my husband-to-be, no jobs waiting, just a gut feeling and a little cash. Today, I sense the same fire flickering as I work on evolving The Write Spxt. It’s a different leap—less about a place, more about a purpose—but it’s still me betting on myself, trusting that clarity can carve a path through noise.
I sent Outwitting the Devil to my friend because I am familiar with the discomfort she’s feeling; I’ve lived it. I hope she finds what I did—a spark to name her devil, whether it’s fear or drift, and outwit it with a plan. Maybe you’ve got one, too, lurking in the shadows of a dream you’ve shelved. Hill’s words stuck with me then, and they stick now: ignorance is the sin we can’t afford. So here’s my wish—for her, for me, for you: that we keep leaping, keep writing, keep outwitting, until we land exactly where we’re meant to be.
Book Recommendations on Taking Risks
Podcasts I’m Enjoying
Sahil Bloom visits the Mighty Pursuit Podcast to talk financial freedom WATCH
Shaolin Warrior Master visits The Diary of a CEO WATCH
Sejoe is speaking to ancestors in his new podcast, Time Capsule WATCH
Currently reading
Evolutio by Swami Manuel READ
Michelle Lecumberry (@berrybookpages) moved to the United States from Mexico and hustled her way into book publishing. She has been marketing books for the past four years. On the heels of Mothers Day, she talked with me about serendipity moments that led her towards New York City.
Media mentioned while chatting with Michelle
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare READ
The Book was Hotter Podcast, hosted by Rain McNeil & Michelle Lecumberry for Avon Books WATCH
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over 10 years...wow!