The Secret is nothing new. In fact, they tell you as much in the video. They repeat over and over again that this is thousands of years old. Moreover, they tell you that this inforamtion can be accessed in a number of different places.

Is it a bunch of hooey? Well, let's break it down.

1. Like attracts like. Said another way - Bird of a feather, flock together. Once you are successful and happy, you will find yourself moving into healthy, productive relationships and out of unhealthy, detrimental ones. Some old friends will tell you "You've changed and I don't like you any more".  And you will find yourself thinking - "this person does nothing but sit around and complain about everything" or "How could I have ever been entertained sitting around drinking all day with these guys?" Once they are out of your influence, you will realize how draining negative people are on your energy! The truth is, there are lots of successful people around you who can help you with your dreams. However, they hear you - sitting around and complaining all the time with your friends, and they think "I used to be like that, I'm glad I focus on good things now!" so they don't talk to you. But once you become grateful, positive and joyful, that community that is sitting around you right now will move out of the shadows and embrace you.  So yes, like attracks like. Cynicism is fun, but not terribly productive.

Don't believe me? I got to conventions and talk to lots of writer's. I look at their stuff, offer them advice and make suggestions. I know a lot about the book industry and have gotten people in touch with publishers and improved book sales of existing titles. I help a lot of writers.  However - out of 20 writers, I will approach one and offer my services full time. Because - when the student is ready, the teacher will come. Most people - even if they have a POD book out there, aren't ready. They can't take critism, they are certian they know the right thing and won't listen to anyone else - they sit around with their friends and complain about everything. So I don't help them. Believe me, there are lots of people out there like me, waiting for you to take the first step and show us with your behavior that you are ready to be successful.

2. Gratitude is important. Whoa - um, yeah. Gratitude is very important. It will change your life. Are you depressed? Suicidal? Gratutude is the answer. I have a friend who is clinically depressed. When he gets down, he comes to me and we list all the things he has going for him. It helps him a lot. Experts say, when your down, watch Jerry Springer. Then say to yourself, "At least I'm not in love with a goat. For that I am grateful". I know life can feel hopeless and finding things to be grateful for can be hard. It's true, however - you can start small. I always start small with my friend. "You have me to talk to, you have a lovely wife, you can walk, you're not on life support." Often, doing some charity work will help. It's difficult to feel sorry for yourself when your doing a puppet show for kids with cancer or feeding homeless people. Once, I was driving along, depressed (it happens to all of us). A man on crutches came up to my car at a light and asked for a dollar. I gave him five and then Thanked God that I had 5 dollars to give him.

As annoying as it may seem, as silly as it can seem, write down what you are grateful to every day.

3. Inspired action. Yes, this is discussed in the Secret. And it's important. People rarely regret what they do, they regret what they don't do. Think about your life. What do you regret? Is it not going to college? Is it not saying something to the person in college?  Even if you regret something you did, you will often find out you regret more  "I should have done this" instead of "I should never have done that". If you in a loveless marriage, you probably regret more that "I didn't run out of the church screaming no!" then actually going through with the marriage.

This is the demon of fear. We want to, but we are afraid of what other people will think. And the irony here is that people really envy people who will take risks. Even small ones. They are stuck with their rules and regulations - but you're out there seizing life by the throat and really lliving. Here is where Attraction really goes into high gear. Inspired action isn't about leaping without looking or going where Angels fear to tread. It's about seeing a golden opportunity and going for it.  It's about not making excuses and going for your dreams. It's about giving up on your "quiet desperation".

Inspired action is rarely some big mystical plunge. It's often something small and seemingly insignificant. Suppose you want to be an actor. You're going through the paper and the local community college is offering acting classes. You feel that hitch in your chest, the thing in your mind that says "This is it, this is the thing!" But instead of signing up for the class, you think about the expense, the time it would take and discount your dream. But imagine you take the class. Maybe your in your forties and think "this ship has passed" but you take the class anyway. Then you hear that the local community college is casting for a play. Do you go and try out? Imagine you do, the worst thing that can happen is you won't get cast, but you can still volunteer for back stage. But what if you do and get rave reviews? And this leads to some commercial work. Which leads to a speaking role in a movie that comes to your town.  Ok, you never quit your day job - but think of the stories you can tell the grandkids. This is success. And all you did was take an acting class.

When people reach an impulse moment, usually they resist. Just once, go for it. As long as it isn't illegal and immoral - as long as it feels good and right - why not?

So, is it worth $4.95 to watch the movie - sure. Maybe it won't be for you, but it's only 5 bucks.