If you’ve dipped your toes into the world of self-development, you’ve probably stumbled across the concept of the “law of attraction.” It’s everywhere – a recurring theme in countless books, workshops, and motivational speeches. The idea is simple and alluring: dream it, see it, feel it, and then… don’t worry too much about the how. Just trust the universe, and voila! What you desire will come to you.
The Appeal of the Law of Attraction
It’s easy to see why the law of attraction is so appealing. Who doesn’t want to believe that thinking big and feeling good will effortlessly bring all your desires to life? It sounds simple, but there’s a downside.
The Dark Side of the Law of Attraction
The law of attraction can inadvertently promote toxic positivity, victim-blaming, and feelings of guilt and shame. The notion that negative thoughts lead to negative outcomes can leave people feeling responsible for their struggles. Rather than empowering them, it can foster self-doubt and inaction.
As Mark Manson explains in The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, “Negative emotions are a call to action. When you feel them, it’s because you’re supposed to do something.” While thoughts and emotions are not the same, I believe that ignoring negative thoughts is linked to ignoring negative emotions. Both are signals that something needs to be addressed, urging you to take action and make a change.
Vision Boards and Goal Setting: Their Real Purpose
I’m all for dreaming, visualizing, and setting goals. In fact, having a clear vision is crucial—it’s what guides you. But vision boards and goal lists aren’t the entire solution. They’re part of the toolkit, not the whole thing.
The Law of Effection: A Practical Alternative
I agree more with MJ DeMarco’s “law of effection” from The Millionaire Fastlane. This law emphasizes creating value and taking action, rather than relying on just visualization. Your success is built on what you do and the value you bring, not what you wish for.
Action: The Missing Ingredient in Manifestation
Manifesting without action is like planning a road trip and never leaving the driveway. Sure, you know where you’re going, but nothing will happen unless you take the first step and keep moving forward.
Dream Big, But Do the Work
Dreams and goals are important, but consistent action is what makes things happen. Set your vision, but then get to work. Small steps, even when progress is slow, build momentum over time.
A Balanced Approach to Success
While the law of attraction has some value, relying on it alone is not enough. A positive mindset can help, but true success comes from action, not just wishful thinking.
My Takeaway: Action Over Attraction
I’ll continue setting goals and staying motivated, but I’ll focus more on what really matters: taking action, building momentum, and creating value. Because in the end, dreaming is easy – doing is where the magic happens.