In an earlier article we described how Napoleon Hill met one of the most successful and wealthy men of the 20th century, Andrew Carnegie. The two men spent three days discussing “The Secret” to which Carnegie attributed his almost unbelievable success. Carnegie explained that everything about business was an aspect of this one, all-important “secret”. That secret was what is now called the LAW OF ATTRACTION.
The first sentence in the famous Think and Grow Rich book is about Andrew Carnegie’s secret:
“In every chapter of this book, mention is made of the money making secrets that have made fortunes for the exceedingly wealthy men whom I have carefully analyzed over a long period of years.”
Indeed, Napoleon Hill conducted 25,000 interviews of extremely successful people over a 20 year period to understand Carnegie’s “magic formula”. And did you notice his choice of words … exceedingly wealthy? Sounds good to me = how about you?
Just What IS This Law of Attraction Stuff?
The shortest possible answer is that “like attracts like”. Of course, that three-word definition is way too brief and simplistic to be of any use if we want to change our life, but the idea is that if we focus on thoughts of health, wealth and successful relationships that is what we will receive in our lives. Conversely, if our every thought is filled with a worry, anxiety and fear, that is what we will attract.
The Law of Attraction has been ridiculed by many people. They dismiss the notion that our thoughts and emotions have any power in 
the physical world and often sneeringly refer to the Law of Attraction as believing in “the mail order catalog in the sky”.
Napoleon Hill and Andrew Carnegie were quite clear about the Law of Attraction and how it works. You can’t lie on the couch and wait for your fire engine red Ferrari to gently float from the sky onto your driveway, keys in the ignition and title on the front seat.
Instead, action is a critical piece of the successful use of the Law of Attraction and focusing our thoughts on what we want brings possibilities, ideas and plans to our minds so that we can carry them out.
How Your Minds Works, How My Mind Works, How Everyone’s Mind Works
To really understand the Law of Attraction, let’s look at our mind and how it works.
Your Conscious Mind
The human brain is the most complex ‘machine’ we’ve found (so far) in the universe. It contains 100,000 miles of blood vessels and 100,000,000,000 neurons and can perform an astonishing 10 quadrillion operations per second. This number is so far beyond our grasp that we can’t comprehend it – but there it is, nevertheless.
And every time we think, our brain lights up like a Christmas tree as all those little neurons, or nerve cells, connect with each other. Now get ready for this astonishing fact:
“If you were to write out your brain’s potential as expressed by the number of possible neural connections it could make, it would take you seventy-five years to write out all the zeros. That’s the level of power and capacity you have at your disposal every moment of every day.”
“In other words, your potential to achieve what you want is essentially without limit.” [The Answer, John Asaref & Murray Smith, page 36]
Your Subconscious Mind
Your subconscious mind is sometimes referred to as your unconscious or non-conscious mind and some writers further ‘divide’ our minds into the conscious, subconscious and Superconscious. But regardless of the semantic differences, here’s the point: as amazing as your conscious mind is, it’s puny and pathetic to your subconscious.
Brilliant Bruce Lipton, biologist, author, speaker and epigenetics expert flatly states that the subconscious mind is *one million* times more powerful than the conscious mind!
One analogy that’s often used is that using the conscious, instead of enlisting the subconscious to achieve your goals, is like trying to pull an ocean liner with a rowboat.
The truth of this can easily be seen when we consider that the conscious mind processes about 2,000 bits of information per second (almost all of which is outside our conscious notice) while the subconscious processes about 400,000,000 bits per second.
The amount of raw power at the disposal of every human being is truly even beyond our imagination!!!
Since this is so why do so many of us live such miserable lives?
Why We MUST Get Our Subconscious Mind To Go Along If We Want To Change Our Lives
The subconscious mind is the repository of all our habits and beliefs, most of which are outside of our conscious awareness. So if, for instance, you want to lose weight and have tried a zillion times – and failed every time – it’s because you have some unconscious habits and beliefs that are working against you.
Yes, your conscious mind wants to lose weight – but your unconscious believes that’s a bad idea. In any ‘contest’ between the conscious and unconscious mind, the subconscious will win every single time.
So all your resolutions that ‘this time you absolutely will stick to your diet’ are useless until you get your subconscious to go along for the ride.
Regardless of *what* you want to change in your life, all change MUST begin in the mind. If your life isn’t the way you want it to be it’s always because some time in the past you had a thought that was repeated again and again until it became a habitual thought. an attitude, a habit and a belief.
The fact that you aren’t consciously aware of any sabotaging belief is irrelevant. The subconscious mind will deliver the same results again and again until you change your mind.
How To Change Your Mind & Get The Law Of Attraction Working FOR You, Instead Of Against You
Repetition is the easiest way to change your mind. Going over your goals again and again and again – for as long as it takes – is a sure path to success. When you build a belief in your ability to do something, and you have no contradictory thoughts, it’s a done deal. The results you want WILL eventually show up, whether it’s weight loss, health, strength, self confidence, money or the love of your life.
Here is a succinct explanation from one of our favorite books, The Secret of the Ages by Robert Collier. This is one of my all-time favorite quotes and is sitting in front of my computer as I write these words …
The most important province of your conscious mind is to center your thoughts on the thing you want, “Believe that you receive”, and then shut the door on every suggestion of fear or worry or failure.
Once you gain the ability to do that, nothing else is impossible to you. (page 15).
Moses Jones says
I have always been fascinated with the law of attraction and the power of your subconscious mind. A lot of people that I do know believe in the subconscious and its power to influence your life. I don’t hear as much ridicule towards the law of attraction and the subconscious mind as I do hear towards God (which shares similar definitions and functions interestingly enough. I believe the subconscious mind can explain things like intuition and the ability to read people especially since it processes a lot more information than the conscious. I have read a few books and even own one that talks about the laws of attraction.
david says
explanation of subconsiouness is great everyone should read this.
Virendersehwag says
It is a very good artical
And very useful
@VinceSmithMusic says
I’ve known about the law of attraction for a long time, it really works if you take the time to use it in your everyday life.
BlissPlan says
Yes, that’s the thing – we need to invest our time in making it work. Most of us aren’t willing to do that. At least, we aren’t until we really get desperate.
@paula2761 says
This is very useful information provided in a well written manner. I have known about this for many years and will vouch that the Law of Attraction indeed does work. Great advice, thank you.
BlissPlan says
Paula, if you have any successful experiences with the Law of Attraction it would be great to hear about them? I know it has definitely worked for me in the past.
AndrewEgbars says
Thanks for the insight. I found the bit on “How to Change Your Mind & Get The Law Of Attraction Working for You, Instead Of Against You” very interesting.” I will still like to go through the book “Think and Grow Rich” by Andrew Carnegie for more info.
BlissPlan says
Andrew: it’s been a classic for decades and many have claimed that they have gotten rich simply by following the precepts in this book. If you have any interest in increasing your income you might want to check it out.
Alicante says
It is truly amazing to me how powerful the subconscious mind is. It can sabotage you, or support you in your endeavours, whatever they may be. The fact that so many people have been able to harness its power is encouraging. Thank you for offering your help with getting going on this!
BlissPlan says
IF it truly works, then this power is available to all of us, regardless of who we are. Very encouraging to anyone who is willing to experiment, I think. Thanks for sharing.
BlissPlan says
Yes, the subconscious is incredibly powerful compared to our conscious mind. We can drastically increase our power by tapping into this power. It’s great.
Kev Johnson says
This was an intensely interesting article. I have often wondered what it would be like to be mastering the laws of attraction. It is something we all aspire to and dream of and now the secrets are finally unlocked.
Marshall Rarfield says
I have always been intrigued by the subconscious mind and what is going on in our heads that WE DON’T EVEN KNOW. I had no idea that this also decided who we love or not. This is a great article, has changed my thoughts.
Jessica says
I have heard of the law of attraction before but had never attributed it to Andrew Carnegie or Napoleon Hill. I am skeptical of this method because I do believe that people expect so much for so little out of it, but I do know how powerful changing your thoughts can be. I went through a really rough patch and was constantly complaining and down on myself. I joined a group that was very positive thinkers and my outlook drastically changed. Thanks for sharing!
BlissPlan says
Yesterday I read an article where someone was scoffing at the Law of Attraction because people believed they could get something for nothing. The great writers – like Napoleon Hill – constantly emphasized that we are “co”-creators, meaning that we have to do our part. Hill said we would receive creative ideas, contacts and opportunities and it was up to us to follow through. So I know what you mean about expecting too much – but that just means that they have a very superficial understanding of the Law. It’s great that your group helped you to change your outlook. Thanks for sharing.
sasha says
I read Think and Grow Rich and it is truly a meaningful book that can change lives. I see how the law of attraction works in daily life. If you are an optimistic person, people will approach you with optimism as well. It is almost common sense, but it is still hard for so many people to learn this lesson.
BlissPlan says
Sasha, you’re right that it is common sense. Of course, we see evidence all around us every day that ‘common sense’ isn’t so common, unfortunately. Just watch the news and learn that. :-(
Helen says
This seems interesting.. I’ll try to use this next time I attempt to lose weight. I never thought about the subconscious mind also has to go along the journey of weight loss. Extremely useful information, changed the way I think about everyday life now!
BlissPlan says
If our conscious mind wants to lose weight, and we have ‘programming’ in our subconscious that says, “No way!” then any efforts to lose weight are doomed before we start. Weight loss definitely MUST begin in the mind or it’s not going to happen.
burhan says
i came to know about these in my year 9 from my uncle and i watched a Video it was the coolest thing that i ever knew i shared these knowledge with my friends and it was a fun knowing everything that we do how it went and be able to resolve the situation simply because of knowing the problem.
BlissPlan says
Do you remember what video you watched? Sounds interesting – and good for your uncle for teaching you at such an early age.
Cindy Mae says
Excellent article and full of some amazing information. My husband and I both could not believe the amount of miles of blood vessels we have in our brains . . . just mind blowing. Our minds are crazy machines!
Antonia Steele says
I really appreciate the insights, it has given me a clearer outlook of what I have been looking for in my life, The Law of Attraction is a special way to improve not only ourselves but also the lives of the people around us.
Norm says
what a very interesting post, i like it very educational and informative, thanks for sharing.
surveysprofit says
This is an awesome post that has great insight on the law of attraction. I particularly love the subconscious mind part. It truly can help or harm you. Great post that inspires me.
BlissPlan says
Amazing to think that our own mind works against us sometimes, isn’t it. Not a pleasant thought. I’m glad you are inspired – now make some changes. :-)
BradParkman says
I’m constantly being sabotaged by my own sub conscious. This is deffinitly a valuable read to help identify some of the personal hold ups that we all have working against us.
If you take your time to read the content you will be able to harness a lot more potential and excel.
BlissPlan says
It’s a bummer, isn’t it, when our own subconscious is working against us. The good news is that it’s never too late to make changes. Fortunately. :-)
KBundick says
The Law of Attraction was a very interesting read. I like the fact that if you center your thoughts on the things that you want then you have a positive outlook about getting that.
Jay says
This is a great article. I have recently read books such as The Secret, and The Power, which help discuss ways to become more positive and tap into the unconscious mind to better the law of attraction in our lives. The law of attraction is amazing. I never thought before that emotions and feelings are the reason why our lives are the way they are now. With simple changes, life can be so much better.
BlissPlan says
Jay, you are so right – it’s SIMPLE, which is key. If methods are complicated then we are less likely to follow through. This is very empowering.
Peter says
This is awesome and useful article. I remember that I’ve read one book that has involve the mind and attraction, “Master Your Mind, Design Your Destiny”. Thanks for you post and maybe I will try your suggestion at the end, try to read this book “DRAMATICALLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE STARTING IN THE NEXT 5 MINUTES”
BlissPlan says
Peter, I’ve never heard of that book. Thanks for the lead.
Raine says
I totally believe in the laws of attraction. I’ve also read on research about the heart. The heart actually contains more neurons, supposedly, than the brain. The heart is the seat of our memories. Our muscles also store memories. If we have a lot of bad memories and associations we can still change this around and attract wealth and success!
BlissPlan says
The Heartmath Institute has done some interesting work and concludes that the heart is more of a seat of intelligence than the mind. And Raine you are so right – the mind isn’t just in the brain. Instead, it’s stored throughout our entire body.
malik says
it is truly a meaningful book that can change lives.I like the fact that if you center your thougthat you want then you have a positive outlook about getting that.
JR155 says
Great concept and post, I really like the fact that the subject matter takes time to focus on nurturing the mind towards life changing results. I am inspired by this article, thank you.
wendy says
This is the most fascinating piece of reading. I never knew just how much our minds play a roll in our lives. I knew the subconscious mind did alot but not to this degree. I am amazed at what we are learning about now. I know we will learn even more in the future.
BlissPlan says
Our species is just getting started on investing our own brains. We all have one (well, most of us anyway :-) but we don’t know much about what goes on inside there. Strange, when you think about it (pun intended).
dirtymoose says
A very interesing article. The brain is a truly amazing organ. We are still in the early stages of begining to understand this complex organ. A positive mindset is always the way forward. Thankyou for sharing your insights.
@deyangergov says
That is very helpful information. Thanks for the post, that will help a lot of people if they know and concentrate of how to put it to work.
juffdaman says
an excellent description of the brain and its many wonders. truly happy that i took the time to read this article in its entirety … thanks:D
nana says
very good article and full of some amazing information and very useful information….
Moses Jones says
I personally do believe in at least some form of the Laws of Attraction. I have witnessed it in fact. Our thoughts do attract certain things. I don’t think that you can just think your desires into existence, you do have to take action and work towards your goals.
One thing I do believe is the phrase that whatever you want the most will avoid you and whatever you fear, you will attract
maria says
wow.. this post is great…very interesing article…. i like tihs post.. thanks
Kundan says
Yes, I do agree that action is a key component of the law of attraction. This was missing from the Secret, the movie that popularized it! They made it seem like all you had to do was visualize and the Ferrari would come floating into our drive way, keys in the ignition and all! I am so glad you pointed out the importance of taking action!
mmcdan15 says
I have noticed the principle of “like attracts like” for quite some time now. Believe it or not, it is even prevalent in chemistry! However, in my life, I have also found that opposites do attract, just like the poles of a magnet. I guess it really just is about the person!
Anna R says
I tried to get the book but it gives me an error! But this is a really interesting article, I’m glad I read it! I’ve been trying to battle something for quite a long time, and it just doesn’t seem to work. To understand it better is great! And 75 years to write all the zeros, wow, that’s amazing! I’m going to be studying psychology at university from september, so this was a very intriguing article :) thanks for sharing!
Shiloh says
It is amazing how many of us are not able to reach our true potential because we are sabotaged by our subconscious mind. Once we become aware of this and get our conscious, subconscious and superconscious minds to work together we will attract positive energy and be able to live our best lives.
Kim Stewart says
This has always been an interesting topic for me? i have often wondered if the “Laws of Atrraction” really do indeed work as it’s been said they do? i think it would be a neat idea to start a goals book and write out your goals every day..In positive “SPEAK” only! Great topic neat ideas!
Kim Stewart says
I have always been very intrigued by the “Laws of Atrraction” and how it works and if it really does work? Have oftened wondered what it would do for me in my life if i was to embrace the idea and really go for it? Like starting a daily goals journal and keeping it updated everday with only positive thoughts and ideas in it? where that would take me and what it would do for me? The idea that if you only think good thoughts will bring U great wealth, health and love? I wonder?!! Great website.. Love it
BlissPlan says
Very insightful comments. It’s definitely much easier to like people who are more like us and that attract us by their attitudes and beliefs.
Moses Jones says
I was always fascinated by the laws of attraction and the power of our subconscious mind. While a lot of people would deny it, I do believe that our very thoughts influence the world around us. After all, thoughts influence our actions which will in turn influence the world around us.
LinR says
Thanks for this article! I always used to be sceptical about the power of positive thinking, but it really is amazingly helpful. As someone currently trying to lose weight I’ve seen first-hand how important my mindset is to my progress, and how crucial it is to get my subconscious working with rather than against me.
BlissPlan says
It’s definitely important to become ‘synchronized’ – otherwise we’re working against ourselves.
Anna R says
Very helpful post, I’m doing psychology at uni soon , so it was very interesting to read this. I’ve been trying to change something in my life for a while now, and hopefully knowing this will help me battle it! Amazing to think how many processes go on in our brain at a time. Although I did try to get the book but its not letting me.
vic says
wow, thats crazy i will be sure to keep all of that in mind! lol :)
345138 says
Wow! This was a very interesting article! I agree that we have to get our subconscious mind to go along with what we do.
Najma says
It is really a very useful article to read. Law of attraction is present since the creation of human kind on the face of earth. It is the law of attraction which really make difference in person’s life. The article has explained every thing Law of attraction covers.
Rick Jones says
Wow this just goes to show what you can do with the right frame of mind. Attraction is there to be grabbed! Change your life in 5 minutes, well what better time to start!
Brianna says
This is a very helpful and informative article. I believe in the laws of attraction more than anything. It’s interesting how many things can be possibilities if we just set our minds to it. If more people knew about this information I think there would be more positive outlooks on life.
Joe T. says
This is a really nice article, I’ve always wondered about what goes on in our minds and having that kind of power in my head is awesome for imaginating things. This is very educational and informative, kind of reminds of a teacher who always told us interesting things.
theaudioyard says
This is very useful information provided in a well written manner. Thanks for the post, it will help out a lot of people. Such an interesting article, great work!
Arif says
Very nice
Morganna says
I will tell you that my subconscious mind is, and always has been my worst enemy.
I’ve been trying to control it my entire life, having survived physical abuse as
a child.
I can not agree more that all change must start in the mind, and the worst part
is when the subconscious allows us to lie to ourselves, as what the article said
about weight loss and how we thwart our own efforts. Then after emotions take over, and you lose 100% control, toxic bag right there.
I’ve always been interested in this subject and this was a real treat to read. <3