Sometimes that which we most urgently desire, we drive away and that which we most desperately fear, we attract. All of us have seen the athlete on the verge of astounding triumph who tightens up, becomes nervous, and blows the very victory he has worked so hard to achieve.

In her writing, Shinn’s theme is the link between people’s minds and attitudes and their success and happiness. Prepare, yes, certainly. But there comes a time when too strong an intensity of desire can actually work against you.

Very often, the success we feel may have been denied us is closer to being ours than we think. The ability to achieve a relaxed state of expectancy is the best mindset for bringing success into your life. It is possible that you have unknowingly built a wall around your success, which can fall once you come to certain realizations.

We have seen hard-working people who are “worry magnets,” their anxiety broadcasting to all around them as they recount their fears, constantly looking over their shoulders to see if apocalyptic disaster is gaining on them. Heck, I’ve been there a time or two myself, and had to grasp myself by the metaphorical collar and turn my thoughts around to focus on the mountain top, the good to come.

Facing the same situation, we also have known the cool, calm, confident individuals who radiate competence and clarity about their goals, who quietly, steadily persevere with clear certainty as to their ultimate destination.

Who is more likely to attract the support they need? Who will get the promotion? The loan? Who is more likely to be able to nimbly leap aboard the ship when it finally comes in?

Shinn is best known for her first book, “The Game of Life and How to Play It,” written in 1925. Written in 1940 at the end of a decade of economic troubles, when war clouds were thundering over Europe and Asia, “The Secret Door To Success” focuses on staying the course even when you are weary and feel burdened. Shinn relies heavily on scripture and references to God abound. Even if that is not your spiritual path or source of inspiration, continue on, there is still much to be gained and learned, the principles are universal, the truths eternal.

Life has a way of shaping itself to your expectations, good or bad, thus allowing your thoughts and actions to express relaxed, unwavering faith in your ultimate success. Many times life feels overwhelming. It is then, in the darkest hours, that it is most important to choose faith over fear.

Faith in ourselves, faith in our ability to continue onward. No matter what the future holds, calm, relaxed faith is a much better ally than fear. Find that place within you and you will have found the “secret door to success.”

Closing quotes:

“When you undervalue who you are, the world will undervalue what you do.” — Suze Orman

“When you are grateful, fear disappears and abundance appears.” — Anthony Robbins

“Those who speak most of illness, have illness; those who speak most of prosperity have it.” — “The Secret,” by Rhonda Byrne