Thank you, Molly, for putting the words "The Secret" and "Hogwash" together. It's music to my ears (well, you know, in written form). And poor ego, what a bashing its taken lately. We'd never get from here to there without it. Of course, it can be more than a bit pushy about where it wants to go, but like you say, that's all part of the journey. Thanks for a great post.

This is great to be reminded again of starting with a decision. I think that's really key - and the passion to go for it until you make it happen.

So what do you do when you've achieved all you wanted to and don't have any idea for what to do next?

This is an interesting post, and to the quote about magic as the marriage of intention and action, I´d add persistence as the third important thing.

Recently I´ve read a lot about business bloggers and the main suggestions of having success, shares the path of consistence, which is not unimportant, (even if I think about consistence like Oscar Wilde) but if you observe the most successful people on our planet, the most common thing is persistence, Hajime Sorayama´s quote on that is also very inspiring: "Art is a kind of tenacity, an insistence upon asserting your own originality." persistence halps to reach this goal.

The article is another in a number of recent (There is no silver bullet of success as referred to by Anthony Robins) type articles. These honestly help to understand where you are and why you are having the experiences you are.
I like the section, Decide how you are going to create.
And ego, oh yes, have to get past that illusion that crowds will break down my door for my product if I am positive and patient, right.

For me, the remark, "Reading the Farmer's Almanac won't make you a farmer," is a gentle jolt of the just-right kind.

The message I got from the Secret was to focus on what I want, and not let any negative thoughts interfere, and it will be manifested without my doing anything else. That hasn't happened for anyone I know. Being aware of what is out there and being receptive to it and taking appropriate action is one essential to having what you want. The other, of course, is deciding what you want. Taking time out and reflecting on your progress is probably as important.

Very, very good, Molly; thank you.

A breath of fresh air, Molly. My formula for magic includes action beyond my comfort zone. That's something the Universe seems to notice and reward (so to speak). What I agree with from Law of Attraction teachings is that vibrational frequency makes a difference too. And we are ultimately responsible for our thoughts and reactions. That's one of the ways that being in business is a "rigorous spiritual path." I have to walk my talk, keep cleaning up my act, asking for help, examining my beliefs - all kinds of things I might rather avoid.
The hugest offense of many LOA teachers that I see is never questioning the source of the desires which are supposed to be magically manifested. What's spiritual about feeding the ego's insatiable greed? I think when we put our physical action in service of our soul's purpose, our efforts are worthwhile, our personal development assured, and our success more likely.

WOW! You said just what I was thinking! You wrote it so eloquently, too. Your writing is not only very good but very inspirational and thought-provoking.

I mix marketing with spirituality for the self employed, too. I really believe as Judith Sherven and Jim Sniechowski say that you CAN "Bridge Heart and Marketing":-)

Trudy

Molly – what a wonderfully refreshing and honest message. So many people are waiting for their success to come after clicking their heels together and dreaming of being in Kansas. Or at least being on the receiving end of the lottery or a bailout. Guess what – we need more people like you reminding us that success is pretty old-fashioned, and shows up as a result of having clear goals and clear plans of consistent action.

I loved this paragraph in your writing: Like the "Farmers' Almanac," "The Secret" is a hodgepodge of truth, partial truth, and myth. As such, it's an incomplete map of the territory between where you are and where you want to go. When the fantasy seekers criticize you – which they will – count me solidly in your camp.

I think you read my mind. Seriously.

Part of what I struggle with is wanting a map -- a real, true guide to where I want to go -- but then rebelling when I get some sort of plan from someone else and then find myself saying, "Hey, where's the creativity? Where's me?"

There are so many words of wisdom in this post. I particularly love the part about the ego. You're right... the wrestling match is what it's all about!

Bravo! Now I see why I've had such a time with all the hubris over The Secret. This is both brilliant and insightful. And brave.

A very needed article, people just can't seem to get over the get rich quick idea. There are no short cuts, you have to do the work! I am neck deep in that right now having bought and read 'KaChing' a book on how to make money online with your passions. Good book, I highly recommend it, but really glosses over how hard you have to work to get the system set up. I am not giving up though, the info is out there I just have to find it and figure out how to use it!

Amen.

Thank you, Molly.

@Patty: Thank for for stopping by. You're right, the ego can be a bit pushy (or even a lot pushy). And learning to be with that without being overcome by it is, indeed, part of the journey.

@Sherri: You ask, "what do you do when you've achieved all you wanted to and don't have any idea for what to do next?"

One answer is to take a break. Enjoy what you have accomplished. Celebrate it. This is an important part of creating results that we sometimes overlook.

And then I would do two things: Listen for inner promptings and look around you for what the world needs that you can give. I like what theologian Frederick Buechner said about vocation, that it is where your deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger.

@Fantasio, what a great quote!

@Chris: ;-)

@Lois: Thank you. The Farmers' Almanac analogy was fun to discover.

@Aamer: I am always grateful when you stop by. And you are so right. Taking time to reflect on your progress is so important.

@Tomar: "When we put our physical action in service of our soul's purpose, our efforts are worthwhile, our personal development assured, and our success more likely." Well said!

@Jonathan: Big hug!

@Trudy: Nice to "meet" a colleague!

@Dan: Proud to share "the camp" with you. :)

@Liz: I'm so glad you get the piece about the wrestling match. It worked for Jacob, after all.

@Barbara: Thank you!

@sabrina: Yes, the information about how to succeed--online or off-is around. And much of it is good. But, as you say, a lot of it makes the process sound both easier and faster than it is. Stick with it. I have confidence in you!

@Jenna: Backatch!

Love the part about us being junior partners who get to do the scut work. Ah, how true! As usual your blog smacks that bullseye AGAIN. Your articles score with me, Molly, because you tell the truth -- which isn't always what I want to hear but often is exactly what I need to hear -- and you say it so I find myself mulling these ideas long past reading.

This is a wonderfully empowering article, Molly. When we take responsibility for making our lives happen, it gives us the freedom to make new choices that will work better for us. If we merely sit and wait for the universe to bring us want we want, then we have very little power over our own lives. As you said, unexpected things can and do happen, so it's important for us to have confidence that we can react in a powerful way. Thanks for telling it like it is!

Linda

Molly, Wow! Well done. Something made me stop tonight and read your newsletter. I get so many, too many, nothing has been inspiring lately. But I realized in your article that I've spent too much energy on the spiritual principles and not enough on "it" that would then lead me to the steps I'm going to take to get the results. The ego says "but there are so many things you want to do, you'll decide wrong..." which has paralyzed me from acting at all. My goal is to commit to focus on something so that I can then take steps of action. It might not end up being the perfect thing, but by acting I'll figure that out and move in the right direction instead of no where at all. So engaging my ego when it says "it may be wrong" to say "maybe it is, I'll find out". Thank you!

@Jacqueline: Hello! You are one of the people I think of as getting this so right in your life and work. xox

@Linda: You are so welcome. I'm wishing for you heaps of confidence and action.

@Deena: So glad you were able to get to the NL this week. I know all about getting too many of them! Here's to focus, action, and revision on the path.

Molly...was just referred to your blog. Not sure you are trying to "debunk" the message behind "The Secret" or promote it?
Seems contradictory of "secret" half way..then you say but "the Universe is behind you." The "universe" is the Quantum field" I agree with your approach
and see little discrepancy from the "secret".
Not a hocus pocus kinda guy here...but definately open to realization of "hidden" potential.

Molly, this is so articulate. You've really done a great job here of differentiating between the magical thinking of some Secret followers and the discernment and discipline necessary on the spiritual path. The ego can help with these, and so with these ideas you've outlined, we can transform the wrestling match into an albeit challenging inner partnership! Kudos.

@chuck: I feel "The Secret" contains partial truths, so yes, there are overlaps between my point of view and that in the book/movie.

@Pam: Thank you. You nailed it with the word "discernment." Been thinking about that a LOT lately. (Stay tuned.)

Amen. I wrote a post about my loathing for "The Secret"
http://redstapler23.blogspot.com/2007/08/i-hate-secret.html

Don't you love the irony, eh?

Most timely indeed! You are a WISE and CREATIVE woman, a fine combination in this line of "work". The inspiration and thumb on reality validates my intuitive sense that I must stay the course in ensuring my creative "message" gets out into the world while keeping my "ego-money need in check". Thank you!

Molly-
Thanks for writing this. It's true, it feels like many people just expect to put their desire out there and have the universe fill out their order.

Life doesn't work like that. We have to be invested in our lives to achieve what we want.

There is a spiritual component to this. When your spirit is aligned with your work, it feels, to me, like the skids have been greased. Perhaps that gets the ego out of the way.

While the Secret tries to spiritual engagement into an easy 3-step process,(as if spiritual work has ever been easy) it leaves out the most important part, engagement. Engagement is bringing yourself to what you want to experience, and investing yourself in it.

Thanks, Molly! This is refreshingly down to earth and I agree that clear intentions and aligned actions is how we begin to manifest in the world. There is so much magical thinking around the Secret..yes, magic exists..but there is no "magic bullet" that bypasses the process of bringing things from the idea stage into physical manifestation. That doesn't fly well in our instant gratification culture of course.

There are two things that these teachings seem to deny: one is that there is a bigger plan afoot, and I believe we are here to grow and evolve, not to have every desire of our ego gratified..and that we are not creating in a vacuum, by ourselves, without regards to others..we are all connected and impact each other all the time. If I want something that is not for the highest good of the planet and/or my personal evolution, there is no Secret that will make that happen.

The other is the role of subconscious interference with what we are trying to deliberately create. If we want more prosperity but the subconscious says "Money is dirty", guess who "wins"? If we don't address that (which is what my work is all about) how will we create the alignment needed to manifest our desire?"

Molly, what a wonderful, direct article.
It is very refreshing to see the words "hogwash and the Secret" in the same sentence. The power of attraction is, in my opinion, incorrectly portrayed in "The Secret".
As you point out, our ego or the "I", is an essential part of our make up as human beings. Unfortunately, most New Age Spirituality maligns our ego and generally forwards an incorrect understanding of the ego along with lots of other ideas, that on the surface appear to be true but when carefully investigated do not really prove to be so. Without our ego body we would be incapable of individual experience and action.
From my world view, success in business or any thing else requires:
1) Unity of purpose. Focus, focus, and more focus.
Saying "yes" to "A", means saying "no" to "B", "C", "D", etc. This process begins and continues as we get in touch with and continually refine our vision. This process involves being "true to ourselves". From my world view, the journey of the soul is one of progressively deeper self discovery that must also manifest in in our daily lives as we bring our thoughts, feelings, speech, and actions in line with our deepening vision of ourselves. This illustrates the truth of internal consistency that "The Secret" flat out ignores!
2) Accessing the Grace of God. If we expect the Grace of God to manifest as the powerful, active force that it is, we ourselves must live "graciously". That is to say that we must constantly cultivate an attitude of gratitude. This is another area where "The Secret" falls short. One of my favorite spiritual Teachers, Eknath Easwaran, describes the Grace of God as: "a gentle, warm wind that blows across the ocean of life... set your sail to catch it." One of the keys to "getting the universe behind our intentions" is to cultivate gratitude. I highly recommend Lynne Twist's book "The Soul of Money" as she addresses many cultural issues that prevent us from experiencing the abundance that we already have!!!
I recently presented a five hour workshop on "Creating the Soul of Your Business", that addressed these and other issues.
Interested readers might want to check out an article on my blog titled, "Values, Intentions, and Outcomes", as it is discusses some other salient aspects of how we create the lives we experience. I am also in the process of writing a book on this subject....
So, back to you Molly.
Thank you for your courage. I LOVE HOW YOU STAND FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE. Thanks, Ron Capocelli, CPCC

Molly,
I always appreciate how grounded your approach is. I really appreciate the important intersection between purpose and action and sometimes just giving it a go when it's in process, imperfectly formed but well intended. Sometimes I find in my work with my coaching clients that if they can even hold their best intention when working with reflective practices that their unconscious and subconscious will step in to help them find the insight they are looking for. But it still takes action. Thanks again.

Hi Molly,

Thanks for your great blog. I'm still trying to figure out how to get to the next level. I've started, but I'm not quite sure how to get there....but in the meantime, I'm gaining lots of courage from your blog and newsletter.

Kara

Looks like I missed some juicy comments. Thank you all for sharing in the conversation.

I did not take away from THE SECRET that it was a magic trick, so be lazy and expect to receive, but to think positive, be realistic and with open eyes, not clouded with negativity and doubt the opportunities that are available to proceed toward one hopes dreams and desires will be evident and than one can proceed forward with that information and knowledge. If you think you are in a mud puddle you will stay in one. Look up look forward and believe in yourself.