Dorothea Brande’s 1936 book, “Wake Up and Live,” focuses on overcoming self-sabotage and harnessing one’s potential for a more fulfilling life. The author draws from personal experience, sharing a formula for success that revolutionized her own life after a period of underachievement. Brande identifies the “Will to Fail” as a key obstacle, exploring its various manifestations and underlying rewards. The book proposes practical exercises and mental disciplines to cultivate a success-oriented mindset and break free from unproductive habits. The content emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, disciplined imagination, and the courage to act purposefully in pursuit of one’s goals.

Wake Up and Live! FAQ

1. What is the “Will to Fail,” and how does it manifest in everyday life?

The “Will to Fail” is an unconscious tendency to sabotage one’s own success. It manifests in various ways, such as procrastination, self-handicapping behaviors (e.g., excessive drinking or unwise eating), engaging in unproductive activities (like endless socializing or becoming addicted to entertainment), taking on too many tasks to avoid deep engagement with one, or settling for superficial efforts that provide justification for not achieving more. It’s essentially choosing paths and behaviors that subtly undermine progress towards one’s true goals, often without conscious awareness.

2. What are the rewards of failure that the book describes, and why are they so appealing?

The rewards of failure are often psychological and emotional. They include avoiding the scrutiny and gossip that can accompany success, escaping the pressure of high expectations, maintaining a comfortable (albeit unfulfilled) identity, and avoiding the risk of true effort and potential disappointment. Failure can also provide a perverse sense of superiority, allowing one to criticize those who are “still in the race” while claiming superior, unattainable standards. These rewards are appealing because they offer a false sense of security and protection from vulnerability.

3. How does the book suggest we identify our true success goal?

The book suggests that your true success idea is likely within the realm of your abilities. It encourages self-reflection to understand what you are best fitted to do, even if training and opportunity are currently lacking. It cautions against adopting someone else’s ambitions (like a parent or teacher) and emphasizes that success is not a metaphorical or secondary concept but a very personal definition.

4. What is the core principle of the “As If” technique, and how does it work?

The “As If” technique involves consciously acting as if success were inevitable, regardless of current circumstances. It’s about adopting the mindset, behaviors, and attitudes of someone who is already successful in the desired area. This involves visualizing a past success, identifying the state of mind associated with it, and then deliberately recreating that state of mind before beginning any task. By acting “as if” success were guaranteed, you prime your mind for positive action and overcome the self-limiting beliefs that contribute to failure.

5. What are some practical steps to implement the “Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail” principle?

Practical steps include: (1) Identifying and eliminating negative self-talk and doubts. (2) Starting with small, achievable goals to build confidence. (3) Developing secondary talents to experience success in different areas, thereby boosting overall self-assurance. (4) Taking concrete actions every day toward your goals, no matter how small. (5) Reframing how you ask for help to increase the likelihood of cooperation.

6. What warnings and qualifications does the book give regarding the use of the “As If” technique?

The book cautions against mere positive affirmations or auto-hypnotism. It emphasizes that the technique is not about empty pronouncements but about aligning mental activity with concrete action. It also warns against dwelling on past failures or indulging in excessive self-analysis. The key is to use the “As If” principle to drive forward progress, not to escape reality or create a false sense of achievement.

7. What role does imagination play in overcoming the “Will to Fail?”

Imagination is crucial for envisioning success and creating a compelling picture of one’s desired future. It helps in identifying standards of excellence, understanding one’s audience, and planning strategically. Instead of being used for escapist reverie, imagination should be employed to define clear goals, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions, working in conjunction with reason and will to guide action.

8. What are some of the disciplines or exercises suggested for retraining the mind and strengthening willpower?

The book suggests several disciplines, including: (1) Practicing periods of silence to become more conscious of speech. (2) Dedicating time to focused thinking on a single subject to improve concentration. (3) Writing without using “I,” “me,” or “my” to shift focus outward. (4) Pausing before entering a room to assess the social dynamics. (5) Learning to talk exclusively about oneself without being boring or boastful. (6) Setting a timetable for daily activities to improve time management. (7) Periodically putting oneself in situations where one must act non-habitually. (8) Regularly sending oneself reminders of details. These exercises aim to enhance self-awareness, self-control, and the ability to act purposefully.

Wake Up and Live! Study Guide

Quiz

Answer each question in 2-3 sentences based on Dorothea Brande’s Wake Up and Live!

1. What is the central thesis of Wake Up and Live!?
2. According to Brande, what is the “Will to Fail,” and how does it manifest in people’s lives?
3. Why do people unconsciously choose failure, according to Brande?
4. What is the “as if” principle, and how does it work?
5. How does Brande suggest overcoming the fear of failure?
6. What role does imagination play in achieving success, according to Brande?
7. Describe Brande’s perspective on “affirmations” and auto-hypnotism.
8. How does Brande suggest we use our past successes to motivate future achievements?
9. What are some of the “twelve disciplines” Brande suggests, and what is their purpose?
10. How does Brande suggest we “reward” ourselves for successful behavior modification?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The central thesis is that most people unconsciously will themselves to fail, but they can achieve success by consciously adopting the mental attitude and behaviors of successful people, acting “as if” success were inevitable. The book outlines practical exercises and disciplines to cultivate this mindset.
2. The “Will to Fail” is an unconscious desire to sabotage one’s own success. It manifests as procrastination, self-destructive habits, avoidance of responsibility, and a general fear of success.
3. People unconsciously choose failure to avoid the scrutiny, responsibility, and potential for disappointment that come with success. Failure can also provide a form of comfort or excuse, allowing them to avoid taking risks or pushing themselves.
4. The “as if” principle involves consciously adopting the behaviors, attitudes, and mindset of a successful person, even before achieving actual success. By acting “as if” failure is impossible, you reprogram your subconscious mind and increase your chances of achieving your goals.
5. Brande suggests overcoming the fear of failure by focusing on the process rather than the outcome, by setting realistic goals, and by celebrating small successes along the way. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding the root causes of the fear.
6. Imagination plays a crucial role in achieving success by allowing individuals to visualize their desired outcomes and mentally rehearse the steps needed to reach them. By using imagination constructively, individuals can overcome self-doubt and create a clear path toward their goals.
7. Brande is wary of “affirmations” and auto-hypnotism, suggesting they can be counterproductive for those who don’t understand their underlying principles. She argues that action must follow mental work, and any mental activity that dwells on past mistakes is detrimental.
8. Brande suggests recalling past successes, even minor ones, to recapture the state of mind in which you succeeded. By focusing on the feeling of accomplishment, you can recreate the mental and emotional conditions conducive to future success.
9. Some of the “twelve disciplines” include observing periods of silence, thinking exclusively on one subject, and writing letters without using first-person pronouns. Their purpose is to strengthen mental faculties such as focus, self-control, and empathy, which are essential for success.
10. Brande suggests rewarding oneself for successful behavior modification with small luxuries or treats. By associating positive reinforcement with desired behaviors, you reinforce those behaviors and increase the likelihood of repeating them.

Essay Questions

1. Discuss the psychological underpinnings of the “Will to Fail” as described by Dorothea Brande. How does this concept relate to modern understandings of self-sabotage and fear of success?
2. Analyze the role of imagination in Wake Up and Live! How does Brande suggest using imagination to overcome obstacles and achieve success, and are her techniques still relevant in the 21st century?
3. Brande emphasizes the importance of action and practical exercises in overcoming the “Will to Fail.” Evaluate the effectiveness of her suggested disciplines and consider how they might be adapted to suit contemporary lifestyles and challenges.
4. Compare and contrast Brande’s philosophy of success with other self-help methodologies. What are the unique strengths and weaknesses of her approach, and how does it stand the test of time?
5. Explore the historical context of Wake Up and Live! How might the social and economic conditions of the 1930s have influenced Brande’s ideas about success and failure, and to what extent do these factors remain relevant today?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Will to Fail: An unconscious drive to sabotage one’s own success, often stemming from fear of responsibility, criticism, or change.
• As If Principle: The technique of consciously adopting the behaviors, attitudes, and mindset of a successful person, even before achieving actual success, to reprogram the subconscious mind.
• Resistance: A psychological barrier or obstacle that prevents an individual from achieving their goals or fulfilling their potential.
• Norms: Standards of behavior or thinking that are considered typical or acceptable within a particular society or group.
• Secondary Talents: Hobbies or skills unrelated to one’s primary profession that can be developed to build confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
• Disciplines: Specific exercises or practices designed to strengthen mental faculties, such as focus, self-control, and empathy.
• Reverie: A state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a daydream. Brande warns against reverie that prevents action.
• Codes and Standards: A set of principles or guidelines that govern behavior and decision-making, especially in relation to work or social interactions.
• Maximum Effectiveness: The state of operating at one’s highest potential, utilizing all available skills and resources to achieve desired outcomes.
• Arbitrary: Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system. In the context of self-discipline, it refers to imposing rules on oneself for the purpose of training the mind.