There is a secret about The Secret...and that is this:
Everything between the front and back cover is NOT a secret.
For people nervous about reading it because you think it's some hyped-up mind control thing, rest easy. You're half right. The book WAS hyped up. Good marketing on their part. As an author, I know it's important to find a hook or edge. Media, including the internet, gave The Secret all of its hype. The title alone was genius!
But when it comes down to it, the book is based on fact and experiences. I always heard "to be the best you've got to learn from the best". Like any profession, you learn from those who have done it or are doing it...not from Joe Schmoe off the street. You wouldn't go to an accountant to become a hairstylist. Right?
The Secret is a recounting of stories or words of wisdom from professionals in various fields who believe that if you want something badly enough--and WORK towards getting it--you can achieve it. We often tell our children this. That's why we send them to college or university. Athletes are told this. That's why they win. Political leaders, singers, artists, writers, anyone who has a dream of being or having more has to focus on what they want to get it. And I'm not talking just material things.
I bought The Secret for my teenage daughter. I wanted her to start thinking more positive thoughts, because we all know how difficult it is to be positive when you're a teen. My mother has the book as well and when we were visiting I flipped through some pages and read bits here and there.
There is nothing new in The Secret. For people who practice any form of positive thinking, you are already following some of the advice within. Reading parts of it, I found myself feeling better, mainly because it was reinforcing what I already knew. That is the purpose of The Secret. You can open it to any page and get a boost of motivation or inspiration. The book is written in a non-religious yet respectful tone, allowing for various cultures' differences.
I can tell you this from personal experience: I have attended many seminars in Canada and the Us in the past 20 years. I have heard much of what's in The Secret said a dozen times in a dozen ways, all by very successful people. The key is that success comes in many forms. Not everyone needs or wants huge financial success. And that's okay. Not everyone wants to be president of a huge corporation, and that's fine too. You define your success, then go after it.
I have followed so many principles found in The Secret, especially in the past 4 years. I believe I'm proof that these principles work. I've been saying "I'm a magnet" for 5 years! I've been focused on success, on getting published, on movie deals with my books and so much more. The laws of attraction--belief is key. When you believe and can envision something, you are more than halfway there.
My best piece of advice: forget the hype, forget any pre-conceived ideas that The Secret is some demonic, anti-religious, mind controlling entity. It's a BOOK. Pure and simple. It's a book with quotes from people who think very positive thoughts, from highly successful people. And for those who want to have that kind of success, read The Secret--just flip it open to any page and read. At the very least, you'll have something positive to think about that day. :)
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif is a freelance journalist, book reviewer and editor. She is also the author of three mystery novels set in Canada, including the bestselling ‘assisted suicide novel’ Whale Song, which was released April1st, 2007, by provocative publisher Kunati Books.
