I’ve been surprised at how many people have mentioned the movie, The Secret. Even Larry King did a special on it. Then Oprah had a whole program about it last week. Frankly, I’m excited by all the buzz because the principles of The Secret are the very same principles I use in my coaching to help people set goals and reach them. You may remember my talking about the Cosmic Waitress delivering your order—that’s the basis of The Secret. When you are clear about what you want and don’t dilute it with self doubt and negative talk, you will get it.

It’s not really a secret. I heard this concept called the power of positive thinking way back when Normal Vincent Peale first coined it in 1952. (Oh no, now I’ve revealed an approximation of my age!) Before that, Napoleon Hill wrote Think and Grow Rich in 1937. (I was not around to see that one unveiled!)

So what’s the excitement about this movie? At the beginning, it’s like The Da Vinci Code with lots of mysterious overlays. Then it employs comments from a lot of people who are famous in some circles. Jack Canfield of the Chicken Soup series is the most recognizable of the bunch. The people in the movie are teachers of the Law of Attraction.

What excites me is that people who’d be embarrassed to be seen in the New Age section of a bookstore are actually getting the idea. This concept didn’t originate as New Age information but it fits right into New Age philosophy—and it’s acceptable in many circles.

Our thoughts create our feelings which direct our actions which create results.
In other words, if you don’t like the results you’re getting, you can trace the cause right back to your thoughts. It’s scary how that works. Two great examples often show up for me. I think, “No one ever hires a coach over the holidays,” and sure enough, no one hires me because they are talking to other coaches!  But more frequently I’ll think, “I want six clients this month” and within days (minutes, sometimes) I have six clients. That’s the part I like.

If you consistently have a goal you don’t reach, try working backwards through your actions, your feelings, and your thoughts. How often I’ve heard a client say, “But I can’t change my thoughts!” Oh yes you can! The trick is to be mindful of your thoughts and when you catch yourself thinking something negative, stop yourself and transform that thought into something positive. You might have to do a little work discovering or convincing yourself of the positive, but it can be done. If it’s deeply imbedded in your belief system, it may take a coach’s help. That’s what I’m here for – call me.

© 2007, Jacqueline Hale