Master Minding Guide
— 13 p.

Description

The Practice of Master Minding

Masterminding is a universal drive to support our fellows in reaching their dreams and goals. 

ATTAINMENT OF PURPOSE: The Master Mind Group was first defined by Napoleon Hill in his famous book, Think and Grow Rich. Gathering as a pair or as a team in partnership to support each other in our goals and purpose is still relevant today and, sincerely, it is true of all time. I believe we are here for living in all kinds of relationships. We can conceptualize those connections with circles around us which are more and more intimate as we develop closeness. Master Minding can be enriching in any of those spheres from close family to international business associates.

SPIRIT OF HARMONY:  Mr. Hill wrote that it is the “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony between two or more people for the attainment of a definite purpose.”

History and Traditions of Master Minding

AN AMERICAN BUSINESS TRADITION: In American history, five innovators and industrialists formed a master mind group and became a driving force in supporting each other in bringing advancement to the United States. Our nation benefitted when Henry Ford with Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, John Burroughs and Luther Burbank supported each other meeting at their winter mansions in Coral Gables, Florida. And, around 1887, Andrew Carnegie started Master Minding with a staff of 50 people.

PEACEMAKER: The great peacemaker, Mahatma Ghandi, also sought to reach two million people to coordinate with mind and body in a spirit of harmony for a definite purpose.

PHILOSOPHERS & STATESMEN: In 1727, Benjamin Franklin and a group of friends formed the Junto Club in a master minding-type group of twelve men from various professions, trades and arts. For 38 years, these avid readers met on Friday evenings and talked about morals, politics and natural philosophy for personal growth and for improvement of society. A few of their inspirations created the first lending library, a fire company, a university, a volunteer militia and a hospital. Franklin wrote a list of 24 questions to guide their discussions. When you research the Franklin Historical Society, there are many interesting details available.

The Spiritual Practice of Master Minding

A THIRD MIND: Napoleon Hill wrote of the spiritual aspect of The Mastermind — the Higher Power, Creator, God or Universal Force of Good — when people work together. He said “No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind…When the minds of two people are co-ordinated in a spirit of harmony, the spiritual units of energy of each mind form an affinity, which constitutes the “psychic” phase of the Master Mind.” – Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich, 1937.

PARTNERSHIPS: Masterminding is a practical technique for connecting in a meaningful way with others. We can choose to work on our business success as is common for many Westerners. We may also gather in partnership to apply spiritual principles to personal disciplines. In a Mastermind group we know the difference between a personal spiritual request and a community or business request. Sometimes they are conflated when it involves social improvement

DO IT YOUR WAY: Those who are experienced Master Mind Partners can help start and facilitate a new partnership or group. But, the idea is simple and no structure is “the right way.” The Master Mind process works with a variety of people when they are sincerely supportive of each other.

COMMUNITY OF CARE: This structure is one way of learning and organizing a Master Mind Group with non-denominational spiritual views. Our support can be faith-based, non-denominational, corporate or personal growth oriented. However you choose to organize your group, be it two of you or six, you will benefit each other immeasurably. This is one of those ways we can form a community of care and respect whether in your neighborhood, your church or across the miles.

Instructions for Spiritual Master Minding

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: These Master Mind Steps guide the group members to mirror, support and encourage each other individually. This is the spiritual practice element.
SUCCESS TEAM: In other types of master mind groups, it can include networking, coaching, feedback, brainstorming, accountability, collaborating and education. These groups are like peer advisors, a type of board of directors or a success team.

FORMATS FOR YOU TO PRINT: These documents have pages to print on card stock or laminate the Steps and the Prayer. I used to have a small card in my purse which I carried with me all the time. And, there is a little booklet to print both sides to use or to give as a gift to your partner.

MY EXPERIENCE: For a full decade of my life, I masterminded weekly with a spiritual partner, Lynne Dowler. We kept it to the two of us because of distance, schedule and travel concerns so we had most of our sessions on the phone. It was a beautiful and strengthening experience as I went through grad school and started a new life. As a result, I can recommend this custom with the utmost gratitude and reverence. It’s a part of living our purpose in life, our need to love and be loved.

Heather Carlile, MA, LPC-S