"The Secret" written by Rhonda Byrne was published in 2006 and became one of the best-selling self-help books of all time. It sold over 19 million copies and was translated in 46 languages. In addition to the book's great success, a DVD was also released with the same name. At the time, both the book and the DVD brought much criticism from the main media. What was so great about this book? Was this a new theory that could bring prosperity to all those who desire it? Why did it become so successful? Let us look at the content a little more closely to get an idea of what was brought forward by Rhonda Byme.

Overview

The book proclaims that many world and economic leaders used this technique

to become leaders and lead the masses. It claims that this Secret was transmitted

from generation to generation through oral traditions, literature, religions and

philosophies for centuries. According to the author, this book was the first time this

theory was brought forward to the public.

The beginning of the book is dedicated to introducing what is the "Law of Attraction" and its mechanisms. The book brings forward that everything originates from your thoughts. Every thought that you have sends a frequency to the universe. In turn, the universe returns the same frequency thus receiving what you have asked for. This is where a three-step creative process is introduced: "Ask, Believe, Receive". This creative process is based on the Bible: "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matthew 21:22).

The book then emphasises the use of gratitude and visualization as two of the powerful tools to help obtain what you want. It claims that by being grateful, it will elevate your frequency, and if you truly believe what you desire, you will receive it. In addition, visualization will help your mind send out the clearest message to the universe of what you desire. The book describes various techniques on how to use visualization. A number of testimonials of people are given as examples that their dreams came true by using these techniques.

The second part of the book relates more on how you can apply the "Law of Attraction" in the areas of wealth, health, and relationships. The book concludes that by applying this theory of the "Law of Attraction", you will tap into a hidden power within you, and this power will bring you joy and happiness in all aspects of your life.

Bottom Line

When you look at this book at face value, some might see this as a theory of wishful thinking. Religious people would compare this to some form of prayer. I could understand all the criticism it received at the time of its release. However the principles of visualization has been around for along time. It is nothing new. I remember Amway 20 years ago preaching about visualization, and how it could help you achieve what you want in life. In my opinion, visualization is only part of the equation. I would like to say a few words on what appears to be missing in this book and theory.

Throughout the book, there is no mention of action. It is one thing to visualize something or an idea, but to make it reality, some type of action is needed. I truly believe that everything starts from a thought or an idea. However just believing in something, or in other words having faith, sometimes is just not enough. However if the vision is intense enough, this will lead you to take action. In my opinion, action is as equally important, and often is the difference between a successful and non-successful person.

All this theory is fine, but what happens if someone has a negative thought such as a terrorist bomber? Does this theory still applies, or does it apply to only positive thoughts? This is something that is not dealt with in the book, and should of in order to give the book more credibility to its theory.

I give this book a 7/10. It is a good introduction to concepts of gratitude and visualization however the lack of any explanation of action or call to action makes this work incomplete.

I do not want you to take my word for it. You may buy the book here, and make your own decision.

If the book does not work for you, I found the original trailer on YouTube. You can check it out below. If you found the trailer interesting, you may purchase it here.

Give us your thoughts: Is the secret fact or fiction? We want to hear from you !!!!!