The Secret Revealed: Exposing The Truth About The Law Of Attraction

In this presentation, I will consider the book entitled The Secret Revealed: Exposing the Truth About The Law of Attraction. Please read the previous posts as this entry is the fourth in a series based on this book. I will continue sharing my thoughts to some of the critiques by the authors via the lens of my own personal and professional experiences. Please note that I made mention in the first post that although I had seen the film The Secret, I had not yet read the book of the same name when I began writing the outline for this series. Since that time, I have read The Secret, a book written by Rhonda Byrne. The Secret will be the focus of a future entry. This entry is focused on what are we to make of it when what we hope for does not materialize? Also, please go to “The Word Is…” on my website for an audio presentation on having a setback in one’s life.

The authors find the following premise about The Secret to be problematic: “the emphasis is on “think it,” and if you think it, it will effortlessly be yours” (p.73). As such, I would agree as there is more to success than just “thinking it.” However, the authors later write that The Secret does make mention of the necessity of taking action. So, it appears that according to both the authors and the premise of The Secret, acting on a thought (wish) is necessary. But, as important are intention, concentration, determination, focus, skill-building, information gathering, seeking help from others, timing, opportunity, hope and faith. Any, and maybe all, may be necessary for you to succeed. But, the road to success would not have been taken at all had you not had a thought about what you wanted.

So, what are we to make of it when we fail to materialize something we have thought about despite taking action and having intention, focus, hope, and faith? It could be that something was not in line. Could there have been fear that it might actually come true? Were the steps taken adequate and appropriate? Was there a doubt that lingered in one’s mind? According to the authors, “Simply stated, ask, believe, and receive is an enthralling biblical formula that has real application, but only when you are with the plan: that is, God’s plan” (p.81). For, others, it is the belief that if things do not materialize “it wasn’t meant to be.” This is an issue intricate to success that only you can determine.

The authors quote Professor John Norcross’ statement in regard to The Secret: “It’s pseudoscientific, psycho-spiritual babble. We find about 10 percent of self-help books are rated by mental-health professionals as damaging. [The Secret] is probably one of them. The problem is the propensity for self-blame when it doesn’t work” (p. 132). The authors add, “According to Byrne, if it doesn’t work for you, the problem is you” (p.132). I agree that the danger with the premise of The Secret is that people will harshly blame themselves. What would counter that tendency is to focus on what could be learned so as to try again or to develop another goal.

Thank you. May this book be influential in your life on your own road to success. Please contact me if there is a particular book that you would like me to read and review.