Balancing Act

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By now, I am sure that you are at least aware of the phenomenon that is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. Promoted by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and supported by guru authors Jack Canfield, Bob Proctor and many others, the book has taken the world by storm.

While the book’s message based on the laws of attraction and universal abundance has broad appeal to millions, it seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom for many financial planners and and advisors.

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Much like the book “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace D. Wattles written back in 1910, The Secret asserts that the universe is filled with abundance and wealth that is available to all. Our ability to harness this wealth and abundance is found in our ability to focus our mental energy on what it is we want in our lives.

Conversely, if we think about the things that are troubling us, we will then attract more of that in our lives.

In simplest terms, the message of the book is this: “Ask, believe and receive.”

On the surface this does not seem too controversial. After all it does make sense that if we focus on the success of our business or building a strong relationship with our friends and family then we will have a better result than if we just leave it to chance.

Similarly, I know some people who spend so much energy thinking about their problems that they simply seem to attract more problems.

So why do some financial planners feel this is a dangerous book?

According to David J. Drucker’s cover story, Wishful Thinking in the November 2007 issue of Financial Advisor, the concern is that if readers take The Secret too literally, people will forego common discipline and common sense, instead believing that the universe will somehow provide the retirement that they are hoping will magically be bestowed upon them.

The article goes on to give examples of people quitting secure, well paying jobs to pursue some other dream occupation only to find that the riches they dreamed of were not in the offing.

Clearly the message in the book is subject to interpretation. After watching the movie and reading the book, I see The Secret as an analogy for being positive, focused and open to the opportunities around us. For me the ideas behind The Secret work best when coupled with an action plan. A plan without “buy in” is ineffective. Similarly, all the hope in the world will not produce results without taking positive actions.

So after reading this are you curious about The Secret? If so you can find the book and the movie in our online bookstore under My Personal Selections located at here.