When I first read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill (here’s the write up of the book I did in 2009 – I think it’s time to read it again!) one of my favorite concepts he talked about was the Roundtable of Invisible Counselors.
Napoleon Hill said in the book:
“Long before I had ever written a line for publication, or endeavored to deliver a speech in public, I followed the habit of reshaping my own character, by trying to imitate the nine men whose lives and life-works had been most impressive to me. These nine men were, Emerson, Paine, Edison, Darwin, Lincoln, Burbank, Napoleon, Ford, and Carnegie.
Every night, over a long period of years, I held an imaginary Council meeting with this group whom I called my “Invisible Counselors.”
The procedure was this.
Just before going to sleep at night, I would shut my eyes, and see, in my imagination, this group of men seated with me around my Council Table. Here I had not only an opportunity to sit among those whom I considered to be great, but I actually dominated the group, by serving as the Chairman.
I had a very DEFINITE PURPOSE in indulging my imagination through these nightly meetings. My purpose was to rebuild my own character so it would represent a composite of the characters of my imaginary counselors.
I can truthfully say that I owe entirely to my “Invisible Counselors” full credit for such ideas, facts, or knowledge as I received through “inspiration.”
I loved this concept, and as I started Healthy Crush, I started to imagine who would be at my Roundtable of Invisible Counselors.
You can call it advisors, mentors, whatever you want. The point is to imagine yourself surrounded by the people who you admire and greatly respect their character, people you want to learn from, people who could impart wisdom upon you.
For me, the people at my Roundtable are people who’s work style and writing I truly admire. When I read or see their work, I am so moved, it TRULY inspires me to be great, and show’s me what’s possible.
At the time, when I was starting out with blogging in 2007 – 2008, my Roundtable had only a few people at it.
Some of the originals at my Invisible Roundtable:
- Heidi Swanson
- Steve Pavlina
- Julia Cameron
- Darren Rowse
- Gabby Bernstein (check us out in this photo below from the New York Times in 2009, meditating in her apartment!)
I also wrote a little bit about this in 2009: Why Have A Mentor?
As the years have gone on, of course I’ve added many more people to my Invisible Roundtable.
A few who I added to the Roundtable shortly after this time..
And I always continue to add more. Dr. Frank Lipman is absolutely at the table. Elizabeth Gilbert, definitely at the table, the wonderful Cheryl Strayed, and Seth Godin, FOR SURE, is one of the newest guests of honor.
And Oriah! Yes, Oriah.
These are all people I DEEPLY respect and honor for their work, and who make me want to be everything I have the power to be, and share everything I have the power to share.
And it’s a deep respect, not a fleeting one. Social media platforms come and go, new books and videos and creative works are released by tons of people every single day, but these people stay in my mind and my consciousness for years. They mirror something in my soul, about who I truly want to be in the world. And I thank them so much for that.
I know there are a lot of people at my roundtable that I’m not mentioning here, but those are the first ones that came to mind. A few more of the trainings and teachers I’ve had are here.
Imagine if I had that entire list of people ACTUALLY over for a dinner party? I’d freak.
Ok, let’s hear it:
Who’s at your Invisible Roundtable?
Leave a comment!