The Philosophy of Mental Creation: Robin S. Sharma’s Enduring Vision
Robin S. Sharma, a Canadian author, motivational speaker, and leadership consultant, introduced the world to his philosophy of “everything is created twice” during the height of the personal development movement in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This principle emerged from his work in corporate consulting and executive coaching, where he observed a consistent pattern among high-performing individuals: those who achieved extraordinary results first visualized their success in meticulous detail before executing their plans. The quote gained widespread prominence through his bestselling book “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” published in 1997, a parable-style novel that wrapped ancient wisdom and modern psychology into an accessible narrative for mainstream audiences. In this allegorical tale, Sharma presents the concept not as abstract philosophy but as a practical tool for transformation, making it resonate with readers seeking concrete methods for personal improvement and professional advancement.
Sharma’s background provides crucial context for understanding why this particular insight became central to his life’s work. Born in 1965 in Ontario, Canada, Sharma initially pursued a conventional path, studying law and practicing as a litigation lawyer for several years. However, he grew increasingly disillusioned with the legal profession, finding it spiritually empty despite its financial rewards. This period of internal conflict and questioning led him to travel extensively throughout Asia, studying Eastern philosophy, meditation practices, and the habits of highly successful individuals across different cultures. His journey took him through India, Japan, and other regions where he immersed himself in ancient wisdom traditions and observed how spiritual leaders cultivated discipline, clarity, and purpose. These experiences fundamentally transformed his worldview and convinced him that the gap between human potential and human achievement could be bridged through intentional mental practices and daily habits.
What many people overlook about Sharma is his rigorous methodology and deep philosophical grounding beneath what might appear as simple motivational messaging. Before becoming an international speaker and author with millions of devoted followers, Sharma spent considerable time in academic research and practical experimentation. He didn’t merely theorize about the power of mental visualization; instead, he tested these principles in his own life and systematically tracked which habits and mindsets produced measurable results. Additionally, Sharma developed what he calls the “5 AM Club” concept, a specific morning routine emphasizing physical exercise, reflection, growth, and scripting one’s day before facing external demands. This is not generic positive thinking but rather a structured approach drawing on neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and ancient contemplative practices. Few realize that Sharma’s philosophy emerged partly from his study of quantum physics and how observation and intention shape reality at subatomic levels, giving his ideas a scientific dimension beyond pure self-help rhetoric.
The principle of “everything is created twice” fundamentally challenges how most people approach their goals and challenges. The first creation occurs in the mental realm through visualization, intention-setting, and detailed mental rehearsal. When someone envisions their ideal outcome with emotional richness and sensory detail, they activate the same neural pathways that would be activated during the actual experience. This creates what neuroscientists call “neural plasticity,” essentially programming the brain to recognize opportunities and patterns aligned with the imagined vision. The second creation is the physical manifestation, the actual accomplishment in the external world. Sharma argues that this sequence cannot be reversed; attempting to build something in reality without first creating it in the mind typically results in haphazard efforts, unclear objectives, and wasted energy. This insight draws from both Eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhist concepts of mind as the creator of reality, and Western psychology, including research on visualization in sports performance and achievement psychology. The power of this framework lies in its simplicity combined with its profound practical implications.
Over the past two decades, Sharma’s concept has permeated popular culture and influenced countless organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals pursuing personal development. The quote appears on office walls, in corporate training programs, and across social media platforms where it serves as a reminder of human agency and the power of intentional thought. Business leaders have incorporated the principle into strategic planning sessions, athletes have used it as a framework for mental training, and educators have adapted it for teaching students about goal-setting. The cultural impact extends beyond obvious applications; the concept has influenced how modern success literature frames the relationship between thought and action. What was once considered mystical or purely psychological is increasingly validated by neuroscience research demonstrating how mental imagery activates brain regions similarly to actual experience. Major corporations have invited Sharma to speak at conferences, and his books have sold millions of copies globally, creating a ripple effect where his ideas have become part of the broader conversation about human potential.
Despite widespread popularity, some critics have raised valid concerns about Sharma’s philosophy, particularly regarding its potential for oversimplification or contributing to magical thinking. Skeptics argue that emphasizing mental creation alone risks promoting the idea that positive thinking can overcome structural barriers, systemic inequality, or genuine constraints. This criticism reflects a real danger in self-help culture where individual responsibility is emphasized to the point of dismissing external circumstances. However, a more nuanced reading of Sharma’s work reveals he never suggested that visualization alone suffices; rather, the mental creation must be followed by disciplined action, strategic planning, and sustained effort. His books emphasize daily habits, consistent practice, and incremental improvement, not overnight transformation through thought alone. Still, the tension between acknowledging individual agency while respecting external realities remains an important critique that keeps the discourse around his philosophy honest and grounded.
The enduring resonance of this quote lies in its address to a fundamental human frustration: the gap between aspirations and achievements, between