The Secret: Is the Law of Attraction the Path to Success or Over-Hyped ‘Mumbo Jumbo’?

There was a report on the news yesterday regarding the increase in sales of self improvement books – especially in the financial area. It led me to ask myself the question – is it actually helpful?!

In 2006, Rhonda Byrne released ‘The Secret’ – a feature length film on the supposed laws that govern the universe. Millions have watched it, and bought books and courses on it. The Law of Attraction became big business almost overnight. Search Google (other search engines are available!) for ‘law of attraction’ and you’ll find approximately 5,000,000 results.

Having watched it myself I struggle to believe its effectiveness. I’m sure the believers amongst you will have all sorts of comments on this;

You are not opening your mind, you are not intelligent enough to understand, the laws are proven to work, etc etc.

Really?

I did try to apply these alleged rules into my own life and found little change. But, can millions of people be wrong? Well, yes they can.

Personally I am a strong believer that you make your own luck. Decisions you make and the way in which you approach life dictates what you get out of it. In my opinion the law of attraction simply encourages positive thinking in such a way that you subconsciously make the right decisions at the right time. To me that is a lot more believable than ‘asking the universe for something – and getting it’.

But if it works, then it’s a success – right? My only worry is that devoted followers of ‘The Secret’ can lose sight of reality. The premise that believing something to be true – by utilising the power of your imagination – can dictate your path through life seems dangerous to me.

Supposedly ‘The Secret’ reveals the most powerful law of the universe and explains how anyone can use this law to create unlimited happiness, love, health, and prosperity in their lives. In truth, it is simply the law of attraction that states “when you visualize, you materialize”.

Ok, I’m closing my eyes and visualising a beautiful naked 21-year-old appearing next to me……..Shit, it didn’t work. Why? Well, Rhonda Byrne’s (and her millions of followers) answer would be – the Universe does not always respond immediately. You may have to wait a week, or a month, or years, but the Universe will respond. So, next time I find myself with a naked 21-year-old (not a regular occurrence I should add) I will think to myself – ‘wow! That law of attraction does work!’

NO, I do not think so.

Rhonda Byrne has created a cult-like following and dangerously advocates living in a surreal imagined world in the hope that your fantasies will soon become reality thanks to some weird and wonderful universal power.

I’d prefer to live in the real world and try some positive thinking, but thanks anyway. You see, positive people are generally healthier, and more successful. They also attract people (who wants to spend time with Mr Negative – nobody!), and therefore are more likely to be in a loving relationship, and have close relationships with friends and family.