People are scrambling to find some secret that will help them be more successful. There are thousands of books on the market claiming to have all of those secrets. In fact, the bestselling book on the planet for the past two years is a book called The Secret. Let me repeat my opening line when it comes to this book: The Secret is a total load of crap!
People love that book and the whole concept behind it because it promises you that you can achieve the results you have always dreamed of simply by focusing on what you want. Yeah right. Most people can’t turn the television off long enough to focus on their health, their work, their finances or their own children. Focus is not a strong suit for most people. Besides, I think it takes a whole lot more than “focus” to change your life and results. So I’m not buying it.
There are also many popular motivational, new-agey gurus (bozos) who say you can “manifest” what you want? What the hell does that even mean? You don’t manifest anything. You create your results based on what actions you have taken or not taken. Manifestation is a trick word that we love to hear because it doesn’t imply any effort is necessary. Don’t be fooled by these idiots. And yes, I know most of these idiots who are saying this stupid crap and they truly are idiots to be telling you this stuff and I think they should be ashamed. And you should be ashamed for believing it! Wake the hell up and use some common sense!
The Secret basically says, “What you think about and talk about comes about.” Really? Is that how it works? I believe, “What you think about, talk about and get off your ass and DO something about is what comes about!” Thinking is important, focus is important, self-talk plays a role, but alone they are a waste of time. In that way, The Secret is a half-truth, which in my book, makes it a lie. The Secret cheats people of the real gratification and success that comes from having put forth good old-fashioned hard work.
That is why a lot of people like to argue with me and my approach to success because it isn’t as warm and fuzzy and full of cute platitudes and promises. My approach instead involves the most vulgar, obscene, nasty, four letter word in our vocabulary: W-O-R-K. That is where it falls apart for most folks because people don’t want to work. They want to think their way to success. They want to sit on their butts with their big ol’ positive attitude and have success find them. They want to “attract” success through their thinking and by focusing on it. In fact, the word “attract” has become another popular buzzword among this disillusioned crowd. They think that they can actually attract success to them. Seriously? Success can be attracted? With only the effort of the right attitude and positive thinking and some focus? Huh? Funny how the only ones who seem to be making any real money with this idea are those who are selling it.
They also love to talk about increasing your deservability. Which translates to me into increasing your sense of entitlement. You are not entitled to a damn thing. You are rewarded for your efforts. No effort = no reward. The truth is that you deserve exactly what you have.
Remember that old Biblical saying, “You reap what you sow?” Most people aren’t reaping much these days because they haven’t done any sowing! I grew up in the country where we ate what we raised and trust me when I say that “sowing” is work! Even the reaping is work. But the reaping is the payoff for the work you put out there in the first place. Sadly, many people today are expecting to reap when they didn’t sow a damn thing. It doesn’t work that way.
This whole thing reminds me of an old quote my Dad used to tell me, “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” I know that is how I have always “attracted” my own success: through hard work.
I have achieved a fair amount of success in my life. People are quick to tell me how “lucky” I am. Well, I guess so. But it sure seems to me that I worked my ass off every day to get so lucky. I stayed up lots of nights plotting and planning and figuring out what action I could take next to make my “luck” happen. I scrimped and saved and did without and worked at extra jobs to find my big helping of luck.
I have buddies in this business who always like to point out how lucky I have been in the speaking business. They don’t want to know how I put every penny back in my business for many years, not taking a dime of it for myself so I could build a business of value. For the first seven years I did this, my employees all made more money than I did just so I would someday have a real business with a product line and inventory and offices and all the stuff it takes to make a business successful. They don’t consider that until last year, I packed my own boxes of books and DVDs and CDs and took them to the UPS store myself and shipped them to my various speaking engagements. None of my staff did that for me. I did it myself. When on the road, no one carries my bags and no limos pick me up. And when the flight gets canceled, I get in a rental car and drive all night if I have to in order to be there for my speaking engagement. I hire a private jet if necessary and spend all the money I am going to make and then some simply because I told my customer I was going to be there. I don’t cancel. I do what it takes and it doesn’t matter whether it is inconvenient or expensive or embarrassing or anything else. I simply do whatever it takes. Yeah, I make a lot of money for what I do. But you won’t ever find me talking about all of the luck I have had in making it. I have worked my ass off every day to be this “lucky.”
Am I bragging? Maybe. In fact, yes I am. I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am grateful for every single thing I have. But I don’t fool myself or anyone else about how I got it. I worked for it. As I think about it, all of the really successful people I know all got “lucky” based on their hard work.
I deal with people who are waiting for success to come up and bang them on the head instead of going out and creating their own success. I get emails from people telling me about “the hand they were dealt.” Throw those cards back and demand a redeal. Refuse to accept “your lot in life” and go make something new happen. I regularly hear from people who have lost their jobs piss and moan and complain about their employer and how unfair it is. Quick question: Will that pissing and moaning put food on the table or pay your bills or take care of your family? No? Then get the hell over it and do something (anything) that will.
When my life went to crap twenty years ago, I did things I never thought I would have to do. I sold plasma. I mowed yards. I emptied my house of furniture and sold it until pretty much all we had left were our beds to sleep in. We had a garage sale every weekend. I did what it took to survive and to pay my bills and feed my family. Was I too good to do that? No. Don’t ever think you are too good to work. You aren’t. No one is too good to do whatever it takes to provide for their family.
And no one should ever have to come to the rescue. I believe you work to rescue yourself FIRST. You don’t go to your family or friends for a loan, or turn to the government for welfare or a bailout or ask your creditors for an extension. You get out there and work. Is there always work that could be done? I will guarantee that you could drop me in any city in the country regardless of the rate of unemployment and in 48 hours I would be doing something to make some money. Not something that fulfilled my dreams, or a career, or allowed me to “find my purpose” (more new-agey bullshit) or something I was particularly proud of or something that fit my talents. But I could find something that would put a buck or two in my pocket.
What is the rant about? WORK. Work gives you a sense of accomplishment so even when you know you are in trouble, you know you are doing something to fix your situation. Work is the right example to set for your kids. Work keeps you busy so there isn’t any time to complain. Work is The Secret. Work is what “attracts” success. Work is what makes you lucky.
FACEBOOK: Join me as a friend on facebook and keep your eyes open for more television and a new book coming soon! Larry Winget Facebook Page.
Brand new product released this week. The PBS special, Success Is Your Own Fault and a bonus DVD, Larry: Unplugged, Unleashed & Out of Control! is available NOW. Go to the Larry store on my website.
http://www.larrywinget.com/dvd.html
Special introductory pricing of only $49.95! Save $50 off the normal price of $99.95. Two full length television quality DVDs for $49.95.
Couldn’t agree with you more. My business has taken some major hits lately, but I’m not complaining. I’m simply working harder to make things happen.
I agree.
I do like The Secret in that it keeps me focused on my goals.
And it does make me feel good…
But it’s not the miracle everyone thinks it is…
Nail hit on the head!
Speaking of work, the hardest dollar you will ever work for is the dollar you save, invest, and re-work into something of lasting value. Having made, and lost two small fortunes (well, not lost, maybe blew is a better description), I know a little about working hard to save and invest only to allow lifestyle and bad investment decisions, decisions not focused on capital preservation but instead on speculation, to make my ruin.
Like many, my wife and I have been hit hard by the economic down turn, our business failed, our income from our traditional sources is all but non-existent. We’ve had creditors galore from both personal and business loans/credit cards calling. We didn’t go the Chrysler route (what a joke that is, our President leading the charge for a bankruptcy), no we came up with a plan to repay our debts, as we can, to satisfy commitments we made.
In the process my wife an I spent six months or more looking for things to do, ways to make money. And after considerable search, a couple of starts/re-evaluations, we found something we can dig our teeth into. We’re starting a new business, one that offers growth and a recurring income stream regardless of the economy. While we’re just getting started with this new business but we take comfort in knowing the great American system, capitalism, will allow us to build this business into a viable business to support our family.
It was hard W-O-R-K to find this opportunity. It took time, energy and effort. Notice I didn’t say money. We’re gonna start this thing for less than $400, and that’s for regulatory issues. However, this is less than the hundreds more I dolled out trying to “find” something to make money in get rich quick internet systems, etc. I’m an experienced businessman, yet I too wanted to “find” the secret potion to a quick buck.
W-O-R-K is hardly work, when you just get off your butt and move forward.
Larry is right on, you need to get off your duff, go make “something anything” happen to earn dollars. It helps to ask yourself a question, and be truthful in your answer, do you think that if you read the secret (or any other stuff like it) or buy a “system” off the internet a person is going to knock on your front door and hand you a just one dollar? So whats the likelyhood you will be “given” enough to support you and your family?
That’s some good s**t Larry
HA! I love your article … it’s taken me 16 years for MY overnight success! I almost barff when people say “but you’re lucky, but you have money” … that might be true … BUT you have to add “but I’ve worked my BUTT off!”.
Cheers and Beers from Downunder, Jen
WELL THAT Headline was sure to get you attention:)
I agree with you about the fact you need to take action(work) I would prefer to use the term inspired action, brings about positive results.
The Secret does have a place, it has raised the consciousness that people need to be more aware and take respounsibility for their thought, as thoughts do become things.
The Law of Attraction is a science:
The Science of Attracting More of What You Want and Less of What You Don’t.
I agree with you about many of the gurus who have just traded on being in the secret- there are others that inspire and there are so many stories where everyday people who look after their thoughts and feelings, use positive words and take inspired action, have stories to tell where putting the The Law of Attraction IN TO ACTION has manifested their desires.
We as you say have the choice about how our life unfolds, we can choose positive ot negative
Shout it out!
Followed Andy Beard’s link here on Facebook – so glad I did. A proverbial kick in the butt to all the whiners of the world. Hmmm…gotta go….got stuff to do!
(I love the part “demand a redeal” – well done.)
Cheers, Laura
Larry, I commend your honesty. It’s just that some people want to believe the “Secret” is out there, … and that just makes our job much easier.
It seems all the “lucky” people have to do is focus action on a specific objective without much real resistance because everyone else seems to be trying so little.
Sure, someone willing to do the work may fall down here and there. But there is no one to keep you down if you keep getting up.
Thanks for speaking the truth, now I’m going to get back to work doing what will make a difference for my family.
Best,
Justin
Hi Larry
I do believe you hit the nail on the head with the no work ethic. Young people today especially seem to have a feeling of entitlement to things and just because their parents handed them everything while growing up, the world owes them a living. It’s a load of crap. When I was a kid I was told if I wanted something to go out and work for it and earn the cash to pay for it. Sadly this parental technique is missing with this “20 something generation”. I also believe this is part of the reason for our decaying economy. People don’t want to work for a living anymore they want money to fall out of the sky. Aint gonna happen.
Right on Larry! I thought the whole world had gone mental about this stuff so I’m glad to see people like you telling it how it is!
Larry, you’re so full of s#@t that it’s not even funny.
I’m sitting here laughing my ass off because you’re doing the exact same thing The Secret is doing, except with a different niche.
Yeah, man, you got the look down perfectly – the goatee, the bald head, the jeans, the “working man” shirt that you wear without tucking it in.
Better yet – the message – “Get off your tail and W-O-R-K!”
Woah, what a novel concept. I just wonder how many people really understand the marketing spin behind your whole business model? Catchy book titles on a reduced-size book so that it looks easy to read for any Joe Blow out there who believes “yeah, man, Larry Winget is a REAL friend of the workin’ man!”
It’s a marketing niche, Larry. You know and I know it. People love a guy who goes against the grain. Loud, arrogant, brash, etc. But the real thing is this – there just aren’t many people out there pushing the concept of “WORK” and so, you’ve managed to create a whole brand category just for yourself.
Funny thing is – I really like your books and CDs. Haven’t seen you give a live speech yet, but I’m sure it’s got to be entertaining.
Regarding the Secret, oh give me a break. Of course it’s a scam, at least taken at face value. But it’s only a scam when you’re stupid enough to believe that “hey, I can watch this cool video with high production values and groovy music, and then just sit back and “attract” all the money I need.”
Give me a break. If you really believe that hype, then you deserve to get ripped off. OF COURSE you have to take action, work hard, make it happen. But the bigger story behind the Secret is the goal setting.
I’ve learned over the past 25 years by attending seminars, reading books, listening to tapes, teaching classes, walking on burning coals (stupid), the list goes on and on. And the ONE thing that holds true throughout every one of these things is this –
You have to know what you want!
You HAVE to know what you want!!
You must be totally clear on what you want out of your life, so that you are just obsessed to the point that you will make it happen NO MATTER WHAT.
And that’s the same thing that you’re saying – Make it happen NO MATTER WHAT – and do it by working hard.
To do that, you MUST set specific goals and never waver from them until they’re achieved.
The only thing is – it’s STUPID to just “work hard” without a set goal or purpose. Heck, I can go get a job at McDonalds and “work hard” but that’s not going to get me the vacation home in France that I really want.
You have to work SMART. So please stop telling people just to get off their asses and “work hard.” Ridiculous. When you do that, you’re no better than The Secret. You’ll have thousands of pure schmucks out there telling their wives – “But honey, I’m WORKING HARD just like Larry told me to do and ONE DAY our ship is gonna come in.”
Be honest, Larry, you’re pure entertainment, just like the Secret.
But I gotta hand it to you – it’s a lot of fun to watch you try to manipulate the masses – LOL.
Steve
Hey Steve – thanks for your comment. I never knew I was pure entertainment so thanks for clarifying that for me. I actually thought I had something to say that people needed and wanted to hear so forgive me for not understanding myself. By the way, I never said hard work ALONE will get you what you want. I have been pretty clear about that in all of my “reduced sized” books. Actually only You’re Broke Because You Want To Be has actually been “reduced size”. I have always been crystal clear and then some about the importance of goals and priorities and having a plan so you can spend your time working on the right things. All the best! Oh yeah, I actually dress this way because I like too – this is who I really am – and being authentic is what makes it good marketing.
Larry
I like Larry a lot, but he forgot that he personally wrote about using the “Secret” in his book, “Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get A Life” which I loved by the way. In this book he claims he was tired of being sick so he decided he wasn’t going to be sick anymore and through the power of that thought he hasn’t been sick since. Eerily familiar.
I enjoyed reading the “Secret” I didn’t pay attention and pull out the mystical junk in there that everyone complains about. I focused on the messages of positive thoughts, attitude and gratitude.
I think Larry is a smart guy, you want to get a lot of attention from the media bash the most popular book for the last two years. Smart move Larry.
Daniel, I never down play the importance and the power of directed intention which is what I talked about in Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get A Life and what you are referring to when I decided to not have migraines again. My issue with The Secret is that people are expecting a plan that involves no effort or work to solve their problem. I appreciate your response and all of the others posted. By the way, I won’t get ANY media attention by bashing The Secret. If I wanted to get media attention, I would do it as I have in the past by writing articles about fat people or debt or politics. Those articles put me on the news, not articles about books. Thanks again.
Larry
LOL! Thanks Larry for the reply, I do appreciate it. I really enjoy your work, keep it coming. Thanks again!
It is fantastic to see someone who calls it like he sees it. Hard work is what built this country and I see it being slowly torn down by those who can’t or won’t work to better themselves and this country. Everything that I have achieved in this life has been through hard work. And it’s damn well worth it! Yeah, I am not rich. Yeah, I’ve made mistakes, but at least I was doing something! Thanks for giving me even more determination to rise above the whiners and slackers.
Larry, THANK YOU for writing this, it’s needed to be said and as always you are the man to say it!
When The Secret first came out, a close family member of mine downloaded it and watched it at least 5 times a day for about 4 weeks. He encouraged me to watch it and told me how it would transform my life, as it was about to transform his. Anyday now. Just need to watch it a few more times…
Thing is, his life didn’t transform. He suffers from a chronic lung disease with heart complications, bought about in part from a lifetime of smoking and unhealthy working environments. He is taking a mixture of pills and inhalers and needs oxygen overnight or his heart stops.
After a month of watching this video, he sank into a depression. He had watched people telling him over and over that all he had to do to get better was to think about being better. All he had to do was sit on the sofa and visualise himself as healthy again. All he had to do is want it badly enough.
So as he wasn’t any better – it must be his fault. He must not want to be better. He felt that he was to blame for not being able to “focus” on being better enough.
It took some tough talking from those of us who love him to get him out of this negative mood. We worked on things he could DO to improve his health – and one of them was not sitting in front of the DVD player hour after hour!
He is still unwell, but he is not mentally beating himself up anymore. He eats more healthily, paces his activities and keeps his mind and body as active as he can. He now realises that a positive attitude is not an end in itself – you need to use it to take action.
Clair – what a great letter! We never stop to consider the negative consequences of these things. Your letter is a great reminder. Again – thanks!
There is actually a point made in the movie of the Secret that gets glossed over by both people who want to utilize it and by its critics: You do, in fact, have to take action.
The Secret talks about inspired action, which is basically “getting ideas.” The universe guides you into what action you should take. I personally agree with that and believe it. Ideas don’t just come from no where, but when they come, you HAVE TO take action to see it through.
Sometimes its as simple as taking advantage of an opportunity (like the girl in the movie who joined a volleyball game and met the man she was trying to attract), or working your butt off. The inspired action isn’t always easy, but it is there, and when you take it and work it, you can’t help but get what you’re attracting.
Granted, the “take action” step isn’t focused on enough in the movie, but it is there. I recently watched it again, and there it was. Now I’m taking action, but I am focused and working towards what I’m attracting.
This is a response to Merle:
Please do not lump all 20 somethings together as if none of us have any work ethic at all. I am one such “20 something” and I have had plenty of experience with people in a wide variety of age ranges who have very little work ethic, or principles at all for that matter.
Although I was fortunate enough to have everything I needed and much more growing up, I also had the maturity to recognize the sacrifices made by my parents, and their hard work to give me these things. They have a very strong work ethic and values, because they did come from a less fortunate background, but worked hard to become very successful. They are inspirational to me for achieving so much from a humble start.
Even though it was not necessary, I took initiative around age 12 to earn my own spending money. I held part-time jobs all through high school and college, with the only exception being the year I spent abroad with a student visa. Were my parents able to pay for all of my college expenses: tuition, housing, food, entertainment, clothing, and more? Yes. But I wanted to take some of the burden from them and some of the responsibility for myself, so I took the part-time jobs.
My point is that even though I had everything I needed, and more, my parents did not indulge my every whim and still taught me the value of work. It is much too general to say that no one in my “20 something generation” has had the benefit of good parenting. I think that is insulting to the good parents, like mine. Some of us have had that benefit, and are immensely grateful for it.
Take a bow and pat yourself on the back. The secret is – there are no secrets! It’s all about LUCK – L abour U nder C orrect K nowledge. So keep up the GREAT WORK telling people to get back to WORK. It’s what we do in the Responseability Alliance – theres’s no substitute.
Yes, I agree with your thoughts about “The Secret” Larry. At least one of the writers must have gotten an attack of conscience afterward and went ahead and wrote “The Answer” . This book starts out with “Secret” like concepts, but then dedicates the other half with the fact that you need to “work your ass off” everyday to really make it happen.
Along with your books Larry, my other favorites are, Keith Ferrazzi’s “Never Eat ALone” and I am now reading “Who’s Got Your Back”
Bottom Line: ” WORK HARD EVERYDAY”
The Secret was inspired, at least in part, by the work of Wallace Wattles’ 1910 classic “The Science of Getting Rich.” One of the key points of his book is his statement: By thought the things you want are brought to you, by ACTION you receive it” He also talks much about moving toward your goals with intense focus, faith and purpose. However, he warned people if all they do is use their creative imagination without effort that they are only dreamers.
As a student of Wattles work, I was disappointed by The Secret precisely because it led many people to really believe that all they had to do was sit back and think about something they wanted and “poof” it would just show up in their life. Well, that might make a nice movie (or cartoon) but the real world doesn’t work that way.
While The Secret did help some people to at least start believing they can make life better for themselves, it is sorely lacking in letting them know that they must first start MOVING toward their goals before their goals move toward them.
marry me.
I have tryed Larry advices!! They are working for me…Period!! Larry I am using your word, “Period” but it is the right here…
I sold all my books like the Secret just for 1$ last month, because nobody wanted to invest in them, that speaks enought-NO Results from them…Period!!
BUT I am keeping Larry’s books on my library like reminder and kick butt.
Just try this: get one of Larry’s books, open it somewhere, and read just one sentence …If you DO that – you will have immediate RESULTS in your life. Period…?!?
This one sentence will snap you to take ACTION…Action on the right things…
Thank you Larry once again!!
Thanks of your advices, my HARD WORK and ACTIONS, I am debt free NOW!!Period…
I am NOT afraid to get durty white DRESS , ROLL UP my SLEEVES…and get the WORK done…PERIOD!!
Larry, you have gone too far this time. Putting people down for something that you obviously don’t understand is just plain mean and self serving. Your ego is out of control, I wonder if there is any of the real you left in there. Your way is not the only way thankfully.
Hey- I like “The Secret” but I use it for what it is, a motivational tool. It motivates me to go out and do the things I need to do in order to get what/where I want. Kind of like any story that has been passed down through the years (ie, the Bible) it is not meant to be taken “word for word” but used to help navigate through parts of one’s life. It gives you that extra push, in hopefully the right direction in order to do good in the world for yourself, your family, and others. That’s my take on it and any self help or motivational book, including your books Larry which I also enjoy.
Michael – The Science Of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles. While the language is dated and sometimes hard to get through, it is still a classic. Everyone should go back and read some of the original new-thought, spiritual books about changing your thoughts in order to impact your prosperity or other areas of life. The works of Arnold Patent, Florence Scovel Shinn, Wallace Wattle and Ernest Holmes all teach what The Secret does BUT they all also add in the importance of stepping out and taking action on your thoughts to bring about the desired result.
Thanks, Larry
By the way, Rebecca, my intention is never to be mean or self-serving. And any reader of mine knows that I always teach that if you are doing anything that works, go with it. But if you are doing something that doesn’t work, you might want to try my way. I certainly never say my way is the only way and never will. My way has worked well for me and I offer it only as an alternative for those who have not experienced success with their own way. And yes, Rebecca, there is plenty of the real me left in here. You have been reading it.
One day/December 2008/ I wake up and my dream was…
I was with sexy white short dress, high heels and long nice wavy hair shopping in some nice shiney Mall. Suddunly I was trapped into a basement – durty, with not very nice faces around me!!
In my dream I was trying to escape from that situation and to find again this nice shopping Mall.
BUT…
No way, BECAUSE /in my dream/ I was AFRAID – I had emotion FEAR-to get dirty my white DRESS , to broke my high heels AND my manicure…If in the dream, I was tried only for a sec ,to take off this high heels, to make dirty my favourite white dress, I would go back again to the Mall….
Guess what’s happen in the morning?!? After thinking on this dream and analizing my thoughts I suddunly realised …
THAT WAS MY PROBLEM!! I was AFRAID to make dirty my so favourite White Dress….So funny :)))… but truth…Metaphorical meaning…I was Afraid to get uncomfortable, to take off my high heels, to sell them, to dress with some working clothes, comfortable shoes, instead white sexy dress and shoes for shopping…
After that the same day I ROLL UP my SLEEVES…and got the WORK done…3 months latter I was DEBT free… Thanks to real WORK, ACTION…
Now/6 months latter/ I am again with sexy white dress and high heels but NEW – this from my dream was SOLD!!I am Exercising every day.I have now better vision than my dream. Everything old is SOLD!!/the idea for selling was taken like advice from Larry’s book”You are broke because you want to be”/
p.s. maybe that is one of the main reasons why people prefer to read books like the Secret…:) They are Afraid to make dirty their dreams and white dress or shirts :))) usually people prefer to visualise things that they got from the TV…but if you make dirty this visualisation…..that would be a huge huge smashing of their idealisation…
Magda you are absolutly right! I have read a couple of Larry’s books and they stopped me in my tracks! A whole group of friends were trying to shove that new agey Secret down my throat but i wasnt buying. Had just finished Dave Ramseys financial peace university and over the last 3 year unloaded almost 100k in debt. Believe me the “secret’ had nothing to do with me getting out of debt. It was truly rice and beans and beans and rice. Then I started reading Larrys books and bam! – now its the weight loss. Thanx for the brutal honesty. The good book says, “Am I your enemy because I tell you the truth?” No you arent Larry. God richly bless you in Jesus name!
Ok, I’ve read all the hairy fairy fluff and I love it! However, it doesn’t work without ACTION! The only thing I’ve attracted was a good case of hemorroids! I’ve read three of your books, including the “The Idiot” which I believe you wrote about me and got really pissed off! So I had a private little come to Jesus meeting with myself and everything is changing! Thanks Larry for the swift kick in the ass! Perhaps someday I’ll share the stage with you! You’ve made me realize how I can crawl out of this hole I call hell! I see nothing but a wonderful future ahead! I owe you brother!
Marco in Dallas
PS. I’ll keep you updated on my progress!
Larry,
I did watch and liked “The Secret”, and not ashamed of that, as you say I should be. Actually I loved it! I will say that I don’t believe in that it has mystical powers or that things come to me without work. I can also appreciate you position when it comes to “work”. I strongly feel that you will ALWAYS have a job if you ALWAYS have good work ethic… I went out on my bike at age 13 to look for a job and got one!!! And guess what, I have never been unemployed.
So let’s talk about “The Law of Attraction”.
There is something to be said about how “The Secret” has inspired people or how they feel and see themselves after watching or reading it. Successful authors have studied and written about positive thinking, the self image, and positive emotions for a very long time. I’m sure you’ve read “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill or “Psycho-Cybernetics” by Maxwell Maltz. If not, pick it up ASAP! They take a more scientific approach to the psychology of success, the power of your mind, and how thoughts really do become things. For those not familiar with Dr. Hill, he was mentored by Andrew Carnegie (Yes, as in Carnegie Hall).
Think about it for a sec, Larry. Everything that Man has created since the beginning time came from an idea or a though, positive or negative. The catch is you will have to work take that idea and make something out of it.
Thank you for listening and we’ll chat later!
“Hold a picture of yourself long and steadily enough in your mind’s eye, and you will be drawn toward it.” – Dr. Napoleon Hill.
Felix
The secret doesn’t work if you just focus on what you want and do not take action point blank.
We can always rely on you to tell it like it is Larry 🙂
I have completed reading a book Syria to Seminole by Ed Aryain. In the great scheme of things he made a modest living as a dry goods merchant in the oil towns of Texas and Oklahoma in the early and mid 1900’s. I met his son who gave me the book and encouraged me to read it. Texas Tech Press makes the royalties on the book. But it chronicles the life of a man who came to this country with absolutely nothing but a dream and a desire to make it come true. There is no positive thinking new age garbage to them man. It was nothing but hard ass work. He lost everything twice at a time when that could have meant starving. Instead, he bucked up and went back into the fight. He did not become Sam Walton but ran a dry goods store, raised 2 sons, one which became the mayor of Seminole, retired, traveled the world and ended his days a long way form where he started, but in a place that welcomed him and he loved. And all because he backed action with a dream.
We have grown up to expect things to go well and if it does not, we dont have to suffer. If we think positive enough then things will work out to the best. We forget the words of Christ in the great commission. It was not stand around and hold hands, think positive and the teaching would be spread..
No, his words were GO! Action. Do something!
Well Larry I love you still even though I think you’ve missed the mark on this one a bit. Yes it requires work. But the work is in pursuit, and in your case a harried, hot, unending, nothing gets in the way pursuit of that dream. There is no doubt that ‘The Secret’ really isn’t a secret. The pygmalion effect has been well documented for quite some time. And certainly thinking about what you want isn’t enough. The concept comes together when you take into consider ‘cognitive dissonance’. That is what causes you and me and everyother suitcase totting consultant to spend hours in hotels, airports, airplanes, trains and in front of people that we don’t know at first. It is the passion that comes as a result of having a non-negotiable desire for something so real that you go out a pursuit all the resources and do all the things that you need to do to accomplish that passionate goal or dream. So maybe ‘the secret’ markets a little heavy on the ‘secret’ part of idea but it’s still a good idea and maybe just partially crap.
This is why I love you. You don’t pull punches and you don’t tolerate idiotic nonsense.
I have several friends who are into the whole “Secret” garbage. I told the only one of them who will listen to me that I had a “secret” for them — you get what you work for. Sure, focus, positive attitude, visualize your end goal, but in the end, get up off your tuchis and work. (ooh, I said a bad word!)
Another Biblical reference for your arsenal: 2 Thessalonians 3:10b — “… If a man does not choose to work, neither shall he eat.”
Larry, Larry, Larry…
Have you thought of running for President???
Perfect! Honest! And Inspirational as always.
Thanks
Frank
Larry,
I am a 30 yr old cop in So Cal. I saw you on a talk show a few years ago. But, I just recently bought and READ all of your books. Your book “You’re Broke Because You Want to Be” change my outlook on finances and life in general – all your books impacted my life in a major way, especially “It’s Called Work for a Reason”. Since reading your books, I have paid off approx $15,000+ of my debt; I don’t use my credit cards anymore; I have a significant savings/investment account now; I have lost 7lbs; I’ve become a better employee, etc. Your advice – plus support from my wife – have brought me to a new place in this world. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you decide to actually do something about the situation you’re in. You changed every area of my life for the better! Thank You! I like your style. You don’t BS around. One last thing, my wife says that I now go around talking like you. I thinks it’s a great compliment!
Thanks,
Chris Z
I agree with your sentiment.
You were right when you said, “People are idiots and I can prove it!”
People like lies such as The Secret. It tickles their ears. They will never learn!
As a dog returns to their vomit, so a fool to his folly – proverb
Direct and I like it. People like fast food ideas and do nothing efforts. If I hear one more person say ” But it’s too hard…”
Stop whining people and get ahold of yourselves. Be in charge of your own life!
Thanks,
Joanne Victoria
Well, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater here…
I was SKEPTICAL as hell about ‘visualization’ and decided to test something I’d learned from a book called The Silva Method.
Something you want? Just quiet your brain and picture it happening. That’s what the book said.
Aha, I thought. This is testable. (There’s skeptical where you fold your arms and scoff, and then there’s skeptical where you FIND OUT FOR YOURSELF whether something is true or not.)
But to make ABSOLUTELY sure I was really testing this technique, I decided to test on somebody else.
I went to my brother and asked him: If you could have ANYTHING in the world, what would it be?
He wanted to be in a movie coming to South Florida. Specifically, he wanted to be a STUNTMAN in that movie.
Don’t ask me why he said that. I thought he’d given up on that dream since he was a kid.
He wasn’t an actor, he wasn’t a stuntman. He was in the truck and car rental business.
This was like a Santa Claus wish.
But I thought, hey this is a great thing to experiment on!
So I didn’t tell him, or anyone, about my ‘experiment.’
Once a day for two weeks I did the little mind thing of relaxing, couting from 100 to 1 in a specific way, and then picturing him as a stuntman in the movie.
After two weeks, I stopped. That was my experiment. AGain, I didn’t tell ANYBODY what I was doing.
A few days later, my mother called and said that something remarkable happened to my brother.
He was in Ft. Lauderdale and ran into a friend who told him about an open audition for a new movie coming to town. My brother is a tough-looking guy and may be perfect for some action-scene they need to cast for.
Pretty wild, right? Funny coincidence?
He went to the audition, made it to the shortlist of 11.
Then Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro narrowed that list down to 3, and he was one of them
So he’s in the movie Cape Fear as one of the three who beat up Robert DeNiro. (He’s the one wielding the motorcycle chain.)
I’m not saying this to convince anyone of a damn thing.
I skeptical and tested carefully, and the coincidences were a little more than I could ignore.
Since then (this was some years back), I’ve tested it on MANY things, and found — no question about it — action makes the results happen faster.
I have also noticed the mindstuff helps make the actions more automatic and effective. You end up taking more of the right actions at the right time, with less struggle.
But I think it’s flat out silly to treat mind-stuff and action as an either-or. As if it’s one or the other.
Do both, for Christ’s sake.
Just my opinion.
Best to you,
Sean
Larry you hit the nail right on the head! This article was forwarded to me by a Rotary club acquaintance, and I really enjoyed it. It’s true that different techniques and ideologies work for different folks, but if you want something bad enough you make a plan, follow a strategy and work your butt off for it. My husband and I have been planning the establishment of an overseas corporation for the past year, and with a lot of elbow grease it is happening! Despite a downturn in the economy, the tragic accidental death of my 6-year old, and the political rise of the Manchurian Candidate. We kept our eye on the prize and pressed on with our dream.
The REAL “secret”? Have a realistic goal, stay focused on what needs to happen to make that goal a reality, make well-informed decisions, utilize all your resources and work your ass off!!! It is also helpful to surround yourself with successful, positive people. My personal choices are Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and Donald Trump.
Love your writing, keep up the good work! Maybe Americans will improve their work ethics and capture that “factor X” again that we had during WWII.
Larry,
I like your style.
I coach people to get behind the person they really are. To find out what is really stopping them from doing what they say they what to be or do. A lot of the time peoples lives are smoke and mirrors they deceive themselves (I was good at that for a long time). Some people have the bullshit piled so high they wallow in it and think life is great (just like our governments).
I teach them techniques and strategies which can be applied in everyday life, but, it still requires continuing effort on their part to get the results, that is, work.
Yes you can get the instant change in your mind this is only the start of the process. Like a car needs to be turned to improve performance, so your mind needs to be turned to change the patterns you have now, to get a different pattern and result. This requires effort, that is, WORK.
NO PAIN NO GAIN.
The use of metaphors.
I have always found stories (metaphors) of other people help me connect to the person who is me. Hearing someone’s story of success and overcoming all that is thrown up in front of them. Gets me asking myself what is I whining about and that I should remove digit from rear end and get on life.
So starts the beginning of another part of my journey
I have five months to go before the start of a journey (where I will be walking carrying all that I need to feed myself and sleep under the stars) that will go from Melbourne to Brisbane via the Bicentennial National Trail The trail follows the old mail trails along the Great Dividing Range of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
It will be about the people I meet and the stories they have to tell. These stories will shared (on the web site) for people to read, listen and watch.
All this will require me to do a LOT OF WORK.
WORK GIVES YOU PURPOSE. PURPOSE GIVES YOU A LIFE AND LIFE IS A JOURNEY. SO ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
Ian from OZ
The funny thing I have found in your book is that what you give for the grocery budget is twice what me, my wife, and baby live off of.
THE SECRET is nothing new although it was marketed cleverly as being such. My grandmother had a book from 1925 called THE SECRET OF THE AGES which advocated pretty much the same thing Ms. Byrne and her compatriots did.
I think it’s a decent starting point. Many people can tell you very quickly what it is they don’t want, yet they cannot put into a clear, concise paragraph or so what it is they DO want.
If you don’t, you never get past “I want to be a rock star” mentality and on to the steps involved: learn to play guitar (not necessarily a plus), form a band, get bookings in small places or play for free where you’re heard, start a website and social media presence, don’t quit your day job…and that’s just for starters.
If this method helps you find that point, good on it. After that there’s work to be done. There’s the tough part.
With that, I’ll take my own advice and go back to work now.
After reading (and loving) “Your Broke…” it seemed to me that the law of attraction was intertwined throughout the book. You even admitting to being sometimes baffled of money’s energy (like when you give). Sometimes you got really close to sounding like Deepak Chopra. So even though I understand you must maintain your pitt bull style integrity on footwork and personal responsity, I’m a little suprised at your unequivocal bashing of this new age stuff.
What sets you apart from the pack is that even when your being brutal you have this real compassion and empathy that the others lack. You are very gifted in that way: writing books that totaly kick us in the ass but having a genuine spiritual core. That’s what I got out of it. Just when I questioned myself on that point I came across your recomendation of a Deepak book. So I’m a tad curious at this particular rant.
To be fair, I will say that some of this stuff is pretty fluffy. It is supposed to remind us to put spirituality first, but sometimes does not stress the footwork aspect of it. That’s where your comming from and I get that. But I am just a tad suprised at the hard line you’re taking. You just strike me as a very centered guy who meditates on a daily basis. Am I wrong?
Thanks for all your hard work and inspiration. -John
John, you aren’t wrong at all. And it is not a pitbull persona I am “trying to maintain.” I just give my opinions as they come to me. My issue with all of the Law Of Attraction and Secret is the emphasis on thought ALONE and a lack of emphasis on ACTION. It suckers people in to inactivity and offers false hope. You are right when you say that I am a centered guy who does meditate. But meditation for me is a chance to get quiet and try to clear my mind. I don’t meditate ON things. My study of meditation says that meditation is the attempt to obtain a lack of thoughts which brings true relaxation. I do recommend that for sure! Thanks for writing.
Larry
Thanks Larry! That’s my perception as well. Your innerpeace has created a keen awareness constructed of radical honesty. How cool is that? If you ask me, this is why you are admired by people across the board; politicaly and philosophicaly.
Now, if only we could get you with someone like Eckhart Tolle to do a ‘double whammy’ seminar…that would blow minds!
John
Hi-ya Larry!
You hit the nail on the head – again.
One of the issues with “The Secret” is that that missing part. Otherwise, there’s nothing inherently bad about drawing inspiration from it. That vital missing part is YOU taking action towards an end goal, the objective that you wanna get to. It won’t work on it’s own – you, me and everybody’s gotta get off their ass & go out there, makin’ it happen. :))
Picture a sandwich bar – what happens if the owner & crew didn’t bother setting up the ingredients much earlier preparing for this morning’s opening at 7.00 am? Too busy whining about… whatever. Cos they Did Not DO, they’re not gonna clock that $5,000+ in the till up to 11.30 this morning. Cos they did not Do, they’ll not be clocking their sales potential’s worth for today, also. W-O-R-K…
W-O-R-K is the Labour that activates your journey towards your goals & brings you the luck as you go along. Luck is Labour Under the Correct Knowledge. Harnessed effort that you use to keep yourself on track to achieving what you set out to in the first place, 1 li’l step at a time. And 1 li’l step at a time can become a journey from NY to Houston to LA. What say you, Larry?? 😀
I like your attitude, Larry. Born in ’57, I grew up poor here in Texas, the oldest of 12 kids and let me tell you, I know what it’s like to have to go to work for bare necessities. I know what it’s like to wear old clothes and washing them in a ringer- washer, burning firewood, milking the cow, sharing one chicken between a big family and what it is like to never have any luxuries. We didn’t even have a phone or A/C while I was at home. Having a disabled Dad who was a hardcore rebel about doing your own thing was bred into us kids. I had to quit school at 14 to help the fam survive and that was my first lesson in the real world. I soon realized that I do not want to work for the man, but I am willing to work and hustle for myself. I started my own biz at 19. I have not had a job since 1979 and one thing I found out over the years – there is no SECRET to success. Oh wait, there is one..you gotta learn how to hustle for what you want in life. It don’t come just from thinking about it. Although I am not filthy stinkin’ rich I do have story to tell and that is that if you want anything worthwhile in this cruel life, you have to decide what you want, and go do it. Sometimes you just jump in without thinking. If you fail, that’s good. You learned how NOT to do it. I’ve failed at many, things, businesses and succeeded in a few. Doesn’t matter though, I’ve made lot’s of money, lost it too, had a risk taking yet fun life and still have the same wifey I married in1976. (Now that’s success) Yes I know that we all want fast results, they just don’t happen that often and if they do you’ll be looking over your shoulders because I promise you, something went wrong somewhere. SO I say to all who think there is some secret, or mystical attraction, to wealth or love or whatever you desire…you are in for a huge surpirse if you want to just sit in your ez chair and hope for the best. Now go do something.
So what happens when you are over 50, in great shape, eat right and have a career in IT which keeps going in circles. I interview great but frequently over-emphasize my technical skills, then when I get the job I realize my skills are really lacking in some areas where I said I was good. I used to be able to pick up new stuff fast or on the job, but now they want want you to know the technology out of the box. Have been trying to get an IT job which is less technical and more people-oriented like technical sales but they come back and say you have no background in sales.
Unsure if my age has anything to do with the opportunities out there. How do I break this circle of getting a new job which lasts 7 months to a year because I lack the skills for the new position. My friends keep telling me to stop going after technical IT jobs and concentrate on more customer-facing jobs. You are going up against to many young hot-shot programmers. Kind of confused here.
-Ross
Hi Larry
Thank you for this “Secret is crap” post.Currently you might be the only leader in self development who really understands common sense principles.You are a courageous man in the self development field.
The Secret philosophy is now really front & center because of the James Ray incident.In my view,this incident should not be taken lightly in the self development arena. I’ve read about what happened at Sedona.It’s disgraceful.I’ve also read about Ray’s interaction with the public.Reports of extreme sales tactics,seminars ( Individuals paying $5000 ) that are worthless & a cover up at a woman’s suicide at one of his “events”.
Concerning the James Ray news,there has been deafening silence by the more prominent Secret gurus.I read Bob Proctor said something like “I know James as a good man & hopefully a lesson was learned” ( Hey,No shit Bob! ).
The question I have is:Do these self development leaders have integrity? My perception is there is an absolute lack of genuine human respect these so called gurus have for the public.I’m disgusted by the shameless marketing that’s going on.The basic “I have THE answer to transform your life” if you attend this seminar,event,retreat,etc.
Anyway,I’m on a soapbox Larry.I’d love to do a blog ( maybe I will! ) on the public’s thoughts of this industry.I read your book “You’re Broke Because You Want To Be”.You speak in a very straightforward manner that’s refreshing.Also I can tell you respect people.
Nick
Umm… what they teach in the Secret isn’t much of a secret actually. But to actualize something into reality, you’ve got to (: get off your ass, and act daily towards that “thing” that you want to realize. If you can practice the emotional teachings of this book while you’re at it, that’ll make your days :).
Your success is the sum of your daily habits, the strikes you make For yourself each day – that builds it up.
Larry, Just wanted to send a thank you once again. My wife and I are doing a good job finacially. All we have is a house payment and car payment for debt, have an emergency fund, both save for retirement and live below our means. I just enjoy reading your posts and try to ignore all the people that are “complaining” in the world today. I always say to myself “I wish others would be reading this stuff.” We have been very “lucky” also and was just heading off to work and wanted to say thanks.
By the way I’m the the boss at my job and have always used a white board to right down the days jobs and have started a new white board next to the time clock for the Larry thought of the day. You can tell the ones who like it and the ones who don’t just by their reaction after they read it, and I always give you credit
“You have to learn how to sweep the floor before you can own the garage.” – Kid Rock
Well, hard work is the only thing that brings you success because this is what you think. Your reality obeys to your thoughts.
I used to think that too. I changed my way of thinking, and many incredible things happened to me ever since. It’s crazy.
Of course nothing will happen if you spend your time doing nothing at all. After all, 100% of all lottery winners bought a lottery ticket, their money didn’t come out of the blue.
(I am sorry, English is not my mother tongue)