'The Secret' - the movie that served to highlight the Law of Attraction, inspired hope in many of us, hope that we can all make our dreams come true. I decided to prove that it could happen.

The problem in all of this is the tendency to believe that gratification will be instant. Now wouldn't that be nice! But that's the stuff of dreams. Unfortunately it doesn't quite work that way. Consequently, many people tend to become disgruntled, disillusioned, and ask why it seems to be working for some but not for them.

The recent economic downturn was an excellent time to really put into place the Law of Attraction. Unfortunately, what happened instead was that too many people lost faith. There was the fear of ever recovering after share losses, the desperation when people became unemployed, and there was overall uncertainty which meant that people became negative. And we all know the ramifications of that! You see, those times of uncertainty are the times when you really have to be strong. You have to reflect every day and affirm what you have and be grateful, instead of focusing on the negatives.

I watched a documentary recently about an Aboriginal man who was once a successful actor. He was extremely well-spoken, clearly well-educated, and had enjoyed the fruits of his acting skills.

Unfortunately he began to experiment with drugs, and with that, he allowed his job opportunities to slip away. Still on drugs he needed a way to support his habit and so, he took to burglary. He was good at that too! In time though, he was caught and sent to prison. He was accepting of his fate and did his due time, several times, eventually reaching the decision that he was getting too old for prison life!

And on his final release, he determined to make a documentary of life, which for the viewer was quite disturbing, but for him, life-changing.

What impressed me about him was that he was still able to attract his past co-workers and enlist their help for the documentary. He never ever engaged in blame-passing for what had happened to him. Sure, he had regrets, but he never ever lost sight of who he was and his faith in himself remained strong.

It's that sort of faith, that belief that things will get better, that will allow the Law of Attraction to work for you too. But first you must overtly and consciously, invite success into your life. Make it a daily occurrence. And then, take steps, patient steps, to ensure that it happens.

It will take more energy than just watching The Secret. Watching the movie may change your thinking processes but that is but the beginning, because what happens from then on, must be your self-education, education that works on altering your entrenched habits.

Compare it to trying to lose weight. This requires not only embracing an exercise routine, but also a change in diet. The two are vital for success, otherwise results will be disappointing at best, and soon your bad habits will return. The weight-loss industry is successful because it thrives on people's failure. Do want to be a part of that failure?

So here is my success advice! Thirst for knowledge. Invite support wherever you can. Learn from those who are already successful. And don't forget, that as you journey towards success, take time out to help others to succeed as well. That is part of gratitude!

By: Maria Rattray