TLDR;
In this episode of the Round Pegs Podcast, Russell Brunson interviews the influential author Elsie Lincoln Benedict, known as the Wonder Woman of personal development. Elsie discusses her teachings on how to identify and achieve what one truly desires in life, the importance of subconscious wishes, and the detrimental effects of not knowing one's own goals. She shares specific rules and methods to help individuals clarify their desires and reshape their moods for better outcomes in life.
- Elsie Lincoln Benedict teaches methods for realising one's true desires.
- The episode emphasises the significance of subconscious wishes and provides actionable rules for achieving life goals.
The Wonder Woman the world forgot [0:00]
Russell introduces Elsie Lincoln Benedict, a prominent figure in personal development who taught millions how to determine what they want in life. He expresses his admiration for her work and highlights that she has been largely forgotten, despite her immense influence. Elsie is invited to share insights from her best-selling book, "How to Get Anything You Want."
Meet Elsie Lincoln Benedict (1885–1970) [0:34]
Russell recounts Elsie's impressive past, stating she was a millionaire by 30 and addressed over three million people during the 1920s. He details her significant contributions to the suffrage movement and her status as a leading lecturer of her time. Despite her popularity and contributions, she remains largely unknown to current audiences, and Russell aims to change that with this episode.
The treasure hunt: 18,000 books and the missing volumes [1:20]
Russell shares his experience of collecting over 18,000 rare books on personal development, during which he discovered Elsie's work. He explains his obsession with her writings after finding her series, 'How to Get Anything You Want,' which captivated him to the point that he attempted to locate all of her additional volumes, eventually completing his collection.
Who she was: 3 million people, millionaire by 30 [3:07]
This segment highlights Elsie's achievements, including her role as a crucial speaker in the women's suffrage movement. Russell contrasts her immense success with her being largely forgotten, stressing the importance of recognising and republishing her work for future generations. Elsie's influence in her time parallels that of contemporary motivational speakers.
Why you never get what you want (the Chicago road) [4:12]
Elsie uses an analogy involving a man asking for directions to Chicago to illustrate how people often pursue goals that are not aligned with their true desires. She explains that many expel energy in the wrong direction, resulting in frustration and unfulfilled wishes. The predominant moods within individuals lead them either toward or away from their goals.
Five rules for an unhappy experience [7:16]
Elsie provides five rules to deal with unhappy experiences effectively. These include asserting mastery over negativity, seeking the good in bad experiences, avoiding dwelling on disastrous thoughts, focusing on the present, and refraining from worry about future troubles. These rules aim to cultivate resilience and a positive mindset.
How fast an old mood dies [9:35]
Elsie explains that negative moods can dissipate rapidly if one consciously shifts focus away from them, emphasising the importance of nurturing positive thoughts. She discusses the process of transforming moods, highlighting that shifting from negative to positive emotions can lead to improved outcomes faster than expected.
Annie Grace: the trail through the forest [10:54]
The discussion shifts to Annie Grace, an author who applied Elsie's principles to help individuals overcome alcohol addiction. Russell shares a clip where Annie comments on how old negative paths of thinking can be abandoned simply by choosing to focus on new positive pathways.
Pushing uphill with the brakes on [12:08]
Elsie points out the consequences of not knowing what one wants in life, likening it to pushing uphill with brakes on. She warns that such a lack of direction can lead to various negative outcomes, including ill health, failure, and unhappiness, urging listeners to find clarity in their desires to avoid these pitfalls.
Six rules for finding what you really want [12:45]
To find what one truly wants, Elsie details a process involving writing down strong desires without self-censorship or doubt. She emphasises privacy regarding this list to avoid external negativity, encouraging individuals to reflect on their subconscious secrets and navigate their true aspirations.
Eileen Wilder: you don't need to believe it [15:13]
Russell recounts a conversation with Eileen Wilder, who learned from Elsie's teachings that belief is not a prerequisite to success. Elsie is recognised for providing actionable advice that can lead to results regardless of one’s initial confidence, encouraging individuals to simply try the methods.
To the skeptic: "too simple, too easy" [16:33]
Elsie addresses skeptics who may view her teachings as overly simplistic, asserting that the principles outlined in her course are based on natural laws of the subconscious. She assures listeners that applying these rules will yield results, regardless of prior failures or doubts.
The two lives you're living [18:04]
Elsie explains that individuals live two lives: the outer life that is visible to others and the inner life filled with thoughts and desires. The distinction between these two aspects of self highlights the importance of understanding one's inner motivations to achieve true fulfilment.
The morgue inside your subconscious [19:02]
Russell compares the subconscious mind to a newspaper's morgue, which stores experiences and associated emotional responses. Elsie elaborates that past experiences are filed away subconsciously and can be accessed when needed, emphasizing the importance of understanding and reprogramming these stored emotions.
Seeds — the law Earl Nightingale taught too [20:13]
Elsie shares the concept of "seeds," which refer to the thoughts and actions that shape one's current circumstances. She stresses that today's experiences are the results of prior mental and emotional seeds planted over time, highlighting the need to sow positive thoughts for a better future.
Joe Vitale on the idea that changed him [21:17]
Russell discusses Joe Vitale's insights on Elsie's principles, particularly about the overarching influence of the supreme subconscious wish. Joe recounts how understanding this concept transformed his life and career, underlining the significance of at the core of one's desires and achievements.
The supreme subconscious wish [23:33]
According to Elsie, every person harbours a supreme subconscious wish that dictates their life direction. She states that recognizing and aligning with this deep desire is crucial for achieving genuine satisfaction and fulfilment in life.
The lecturer's 25-year dream [26:01]
Elsie shares a story about a woman whose consistent dreams symbolised her ambition to become a great orator. The narrative illustrates how one's supreme subconscious wish can manifest through dreams and persistent desires, influencing life paths and choices.
Learn to stand alone, then lift everybody [28:15]
Elsie advises individuals first to become self-sufficient and strong before reaching out to help others. This principle underscores the need for personal development and resilience as foundations for effective support and inspiration for others.
Your assignment tonight [29:26]
To conclude, Elsie sets an assignment for the audience: to list their strongest desires and ambitions without self-doubt. She encourages reflection on their dreams and stresses that no one should be informed of this list, reinforcing the need for personal introspection and undisturbed focus on one's goals.
