10 Rational Reasons The Secret *Seems* To Work
Disclaimer: I’m not saying you can’t get positive, successful results by following the ideas in The Secret, because you can. I’m *am* saying that the reasoning giving in the film is not accurate, and that the underlying philosophy has the potential to be harmful. This series will look into what works, what doesn’t, and the pros and cons of sensational systems like The Secret.
So with that out of the way, here’s a quick and dirty rundown of the less-than-secret methods of The Secret, minus the mystical-woo.
The Secret:
- Asks you to define your goals and dreams.
- Requires that you give positive attention to your goals
- Suggests good visualization techniques
- Plants the subconscious motivation that “your dreams have already happened”
- Sidesteps your fears and negative defenses.
- Changes your attitude and beliefs about your goals, and therefore your actions, both in large and subtle ways.
- Encourages a positive attitude, which in turn encourages others to offer you help, encouragement and new opportunities.
- Makes you more aware of new opportunities related to your dream, and makes you more likely to act on them.
- Makes you more likely to see synchronicities and coincidences as significant, reinforcing your progress towards your goals.
- Exploits the “confirmation bias”… your mind will give more weight to your successes with The Secret, than to failures. This helps you feel successful.
These methods have been used in countless combinations in countless spiritual, self-help, and goal-setting systems. Wrapped up in an attractive, simple-to-grasp concept like “The Secret” they’re especially effective.
So why do I object?
Because these techniques *are* solid and effective on their own; they don’t require all the pseudo-scientific, pseudo-mystical woo-woo marketing in order to work.
Wrapping these methods up in false claims of science and conspiracy does a disservice to the consumers - a disservice which goes far beyond the 19.99 price tag of a book or DVD. People are changing their belief systems, based not on the real techniques, but based on the false claims and bad philosophy.
MindTWEAK: Safe upon solid rock the ugly houses stand: Come and see my shining palace built upon the sand!
-Edna St Vincent Millay
_____________________________________
- The Secret: A Rant Against Self-Help Pseudo-Science
- Why The Secret Seems To Work: The Serial Debunking Begins!
- 10 Rational Reasons The Secret *Seems* To Work
- Hit and Miss: The Brain’s Bias
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Totally valid points, but maybe you have a problem with self promotion. For instance, don’t all the “motivational” speakers really say the same thing in their own way, and they are probably better at salesmanship and marketing than they are at “motivation.” My point is who cares-
if you can take some positive principles and package it in a format that turns more people onto the idea of the subject matter discussed and make money in the process so what. I actually commend these folks for their marketing abilities. Think of all the positive conversations that would have never happened had people not stumbled upon The Secret. People dont choose to struggle, they dont have the right information. So if they like The Secret, and take action on the ideas presented, rather than just day dreaming…that would be a good thing if you ask me.
I dont know if you are alluding to it, but others have criticized The Secret for mentioning the how the great thinkers of history all use the secret. Napolean Hill did the same thing, in the 2nd chapter about his son was almost doomed to grow up a deaf because he was born without ears, but Hill planted the seeds of desire in his boy at an early age and he soon overcame his handicap and went on to great things. Hill referred to Beethoven and others just like Byrne-at the time he called it desire, they call it the secret—so what.
As far as this statement”Wrapping these methods up in false claims of science and conspiracy does a disservice to the consumers - a disservice which goes far beyond the 19.99 price tag of a book or DVD.”
People are better off watching this movie than they are turning on the news where constant negativity is sold and during the break they advertise the latest dish detergent, new sandwhich and Burger King, followed by the latest diet pill. I would suggest looking elsewhere to find things that are a disservice to consumers.
Hi, Eric, and thanks for taking the time for this response.
My problem isn’t with marketing (which is at its core applied psychology - coolness) or self promotion (everyone deserves to make a living, and if they can make a great living, yay for them!)
My problem is that the *particular* marketing of The Secret (from the first stages of product development to the final packaging) involves some pretty serious misrepresentations of science, history, spiritual-magical concepts, etc.
If The Secret were just a renaming of other people’s work on positive thinking (with credit given) I wouldn’t have an issue
But the way those ideas were repackaged for The Secret brought in a lot of pure bunk, and it’s the bunk I object to.
The end does not justify the means - especially when the same end (motivated people who understand that how they think about things matters) can be accomplished without all of the misrepresentations.
And sure, there are plenty of other things out there that are a disservice to consumers. That doesn’t make The Secret any more honest.
I was just introduced to the Secret and yes of course it’s a lot of psycho babble, but you fail to mention the facts that it actually does bring out positive change for most ordinary people. I’m a drill sergeant in the USMC, and trust me I know how to crush someone’s ego and turn them into an efficient killing machine that will take orders and execute them to lethal advantage for our country. The Secret uses many psychological exercises that I also employ to change someone’s behavior. And that is all it’s about. The problem with you skeptics is that you think you are intelligent, when really you fail to see the big picture. Sure, someone is making money off of selling the secret but hey that’s the world we live in. It’s called capitalism, what’s so secret about that? The Secret brings to the masses a good dose of positive energy and hopefully it will help thousands of people turn their lives around. The whole point is if Charlie was born without legs, then Charlie should focus on his strengths and talents and continue to refine those things so maybe he could become the scientist who solves the cure for cancer. If a $19.99 DVD movie with a lot of flare and music can do this, then to hell with all the skeptics and debunkers… What have you done to help the human race and your country lately? Oh wait, I already know the answer, you debunked the Secret! Woohoo good for you! I’m sure your parents are very proud of you! See, that’s is where the Secret is coming from, it’s trying to tell people like you to get off the treadmill and start doing something important with your life. Of course, you have freewill and follow whatever is in your heart. God Bless.
@Octavian Wow, cranky much?
Did you even read this article before responding, or did you just search for articles about “debunking The Secret” and cut-and-paste this diatribe without worrying who you might hit with your “friendly fire?” ‘Cause your rant really doesn’t fit here, much. In fact, as I pondered how to respond? I realized the post itself pretty much covers it.
I’m lost. Isn’t it all about the pursuit of happiness? About living life to the fullest? I appreciate both Tori and Octavian’s views though I’ve got problems with someone training others into killing machines. Surely if everyone practiced the principles from such self-help, or “narcissistic” resources, there wouldn’t be a need for killing machines.
Octavian’s message I all but subscribe to with this exception - the way Octavian uses these principles & exercises, sounds like manipulation of individuals which, for me, doesn’t cover the even bigger picture of an harmonious, happy world.
I see nothing wrong with The Secret, though I have spent a lot of time researching it most recently. Having just downloaded the Science of Getting Richer from their website and briefly reading the first few chapters, I agree the method shouldn’t be scrutinized so closely if the end result is so positive. It becomes irrelevant.
As per Tori: “If The Secret were just a renaming of other people’s work on positive thinking (with credit given) I wouldn’t have an issue
But the way those ideas were repackaged for The Secret brought in a lot of pure bunk, and it’s the bunk I object to. ”
In fact, the writings of Wallace D Wattles is what the The Secret is inspired by and is given credit on their website - that’s the free download.
If it wasn’t marketed and repackaged the way it was, it’s impact would’ve been far less, the distribution of this “positive thought” stifled.
What lies are we living from misinformation and ill-informed producers that we suffer at the hands of, every minute of every day? The TV organization that commissioned the project (and eventually broadcast it after the popularity of the DVD) said, in response to the broadcast ” It didn’t do that well”.
Maybe that’s because they didn’t market the broadcast well or the market had already been saturated by DVD sales? Why would they admit that it was successful when their first decision was NOT to broadcast it?
Who scrutinizes “them”? How do they market their products? It’s become the norm to market this way for anything if you want your service, message, voice heard.
Is anyone aware of The Chaser?
Has anyone got any input on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey in this forum?
I also agree with Eric - we perpetuate negativity through giving it too much weight. The media - that never-ending source that we all seem manipulated by, has much to answer for in my humble opinion.
Sadly, we’ve become a society that thrives on tragedy and negativity……… and it sells. But I strongly believe we’re influenced by what sells by the media - not the other way around. They just seem to have taken that “train wreck” mentality and truly exploited it so we now thrive on it.
I used to scoff at the TV news and their “pathetic” attempts to satisfy the “whimps” with their very brief 15-30 second “feel-good” stories at the end of each edition. Often thinking, it was for those that couldn’t accept the harsh reality of the world we live in. I could - I’m pretty tough (or so I thought).
But after a recent and interesting discussion with a friend, I wonder what would happen if the news was ALL “feel-good” stories and that’s all that was reported. Giving no strength to terrorism, crime and negativity.
Can you imagine tuning in to find out what fantastic new discovery had happened or what new “good” developments had happened in war-torn countries? We don’t hear near enough of it.
Nope, I think I’m all for The Secret now. Despite it’s obvious misinterpretations and failings, despite the claims that its dangerous by victimizing those that haven’t had success from it, despite it’s marketing and re-packaging, there’s a positive that outweighs all the negatives I’ve read and heard thus far.
Sure it’s narcissistic and seems to have a sharp focus on Money. But I want happiness and money is a catalyst for me to achieve that - as a means to an end, a stepping stone.
But it isn’t my god - I’m not sure I even have one but I do know my happiness comes from giving, from seeing people smile, from adding something positive to their life - it’s freakin’ infectious when it’s sincere and being financially secure means I CAN follow that path in the long term and achieve real happiness.
All feedback greatly welcomed and appreciated.
Now THAT’s a rant!!..;)
Wow, Phil, that’s a mouthful ; )
I guess I just can’t say that it’s all about the pursuit of happiness, or living life to the fullest - the first problem I have is defining “it”. So after a lot of time sweating over the meaning of life, the universe and everything, I came to the conclusion that life is about life, and trying to define it beyond that is just too limiting for me.
As for The Secret… my objection isn’t to the pretty marketing. I like the marketing (especially the parchment and sealing wax!) What I object to most is the pseudo-science, which does no one any good.
I know I’ve barely touched on the points you’ve raised here, but I want to skip ahead and repeat your last paragraph…
“…I do know my happiness comes from giving, from seeing people smile, from adding something positive to their life - it’s freakin’ infectious when it’s sincere and being financially secure means I CAN follow that path in the long term and achieve real happiness.
Who could argue with that? : )
I see that octavian is trying to use his ego crushing skills here. No need for the personal attacks in this discussion, they won’t work.