attraction [uh-trak-shuhn] -noun 1. the power or act of alluring, drawing to, inviting, or engaging; 2. an invisible power in a body by which it draws anything to itself

The past few years there has been a lot of buzz about “attraction.” The principles have been around for ages, but lately they have gained momentum and popularity. There is the Law of Attraction, the Law of Reciprocity and the Golden Rule. Each of these concepts is foundationally appealing and can at their core be good ideals to live by. Personally, I have my own twist on these laws and rules that puts each in a different perspective.

Law of Attraction – This law basically says that what you think about, focus on and meditate on will come to you. Much has been written on this subject and there has even been a movie (The Secret) made about it. Looking a little deeper, some say that it is who you are at your core that attracts things and people to you. Therefore, if you don’t like the things you are attracting, this definition suggests that you need to change who you are.

My take on this law is that you not only need to focus on the things you want and be a good person, but you also need to take action. Keeping the things you want at the forefront of your mind keeps you alert to the opportunities to attract these things. Writing the things down further cements your focus on the desired attraction. But it isn’t enough to just write it down, make a wish, blow out a candle and cross your fingers for a goal without action is merely a thought.

Once you have your goal in mind, and is written down, it is now time to take action. Thoughts don’t attract. Actions attract. It’s very similar to how they say you make your own luck. When “lucky” things happen to people, it is usually a result of the actions they took and the hard work they put into obtaining that “lucky” result.

Law of Reciprocity – This law sounds great on the surface where if you do something for someone that they, or someone else, will do something good for you. Many times people that look to take advantage of this Law set out with the end result in mind where the person they are helping is expected to return the favor. They may even go so far as to outline what the other person can do for them. This is where my view takes a total 180 to the contrary.

My view is when you do something good for someone, it has to be with the right spirit. It can’t be with a tit-for-tat mindset. For this law to provide results, you must first give without measure. And continue to give without expectations. Don’t look over your shoulder for your good deeds to be returned. They will. Be joyful and earnest in your generosity and it will come back to you 10-fold.

Golden Rule – We’ve all heard it as “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Another take on the rule is to treat others like you would want to be treated. Of the three, I think the Golden Rule at its core is the closest to my personal definition. But here is my twist.

I say, do unto others or treat others as they would want to be treated. This takes a little more work than the standard definition requires. What may be good, acceptable and desirable for you may not be for someone else. Instead, take a little time to get to know what makes the other person tick or what they appreciate and use that as your basis to “Do unto them.” Maybe with that spin, it could be called the Platinum Rule?

Now let’s put it all together into the Reciprocal Golden Rule of Attraction. The common thread that holds them all together is taking action with the right spirit. Give without measure and without expectations. Look for opportunities to be a blessing to others. Be conscious of those around you and what is important to them. It’s been my experience that doing these things will put you well on your way to having what you want and what you need. And you’ll help and make a lot of people very happy along the way!