The law of attraction is a philosophy that promotes positive change. Learn about the core principles of the law of attraction and how to use this philosophy.

Law of Attraction: How the Law of Attraction Works

The law of attraction is a spiritual philosophy that asserts [positive thinking](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking) results in positive outcomes. The law also suggests the reverse is true: [Negative thoughts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions) can produce unwanted consequences. This philosophy hinges on the belief that thoughts are a kind of [energy](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/manage-your-energy-not-your-time) and that positive energy can attract positive things to occur and vice versa.

Spiritualist Andrew Jackson Davis wrote about the concept in the 1855 book *The Great Harmonia*. Australian writer Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 documentary *The Secret* (2006) and subsequent bestselling book of the same name popularized the philosophy of the law of attraction in the twenty-first century. Her trending formulation of this philosophy reached a large audience after her appearance on *The Oprah Winfrey Show* in 2007.
Practitioners and subscribers to the law of attraction claim the following universal laws as foundational to the philosophy:

1. __Like attracts like__. This principle, sometimes known as the law of magnetism, states that similar things are naturally attracted to each other. This central tenet explains how the law of attraction works and why positive emotions can result in positive change and success stories, while negative thoughts and feelings result in negative experiences. 
2. __Nature abhors a vacuum__. Based on the premise that your mind and your life cannot have empty space, this law states that removing negative things from your mind can make space for positive thoughts.
3. __The present is always perfect__. The present is the best time to improve your mentality. Being present is the best mental state to affect change.
The variations on how to use the law of attraction to affect your life are wide-ranging. Consider the following ways to practice the philosophy:

- __Acknowledge negative thoughts__. Start by recognizing any negative thoughts without judgment. Identifying negative thinking can help you combat [cognitive distortions](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personalization-cognitive-distortion) and positively reframe thoughts.
- __Create positive affirmations__. Daily mantras or [positive affirmations](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-affirmations) are a powerful way to change your thinking and foster positive thinking. Practicing positive affirmations is a form of [self-care](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care-plan) that involves making positive statements about yourself to combat limiting beliefs, challenge negative self-talk, and increase [self-esteem](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem).
- __Make a vision board__. If there is an aspect of your life you want to improve, use visualization or a [vision board](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-vision-board) to help you realize your goals. 
- __Practice gratitude__. Keeping a [gratitude](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-gratitude) journal or practicing [mindfulness](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/benefits-of-mindfulness) can help you focus on the positives, even in adverse situations. 
Ready to reinvent your story? Then, you must know how to tap into mental strength. Discover Robin’s approach to overcoming [mental blocks](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mental-block), finding your purpose, and developing a hustler mindset when you sign up for the [MasterClass Annual Membership] (https://www.masterclass.com).
The law of attraction is a philosophy that promotes positive change. Learn about the core principles of the law of attraction and how to use this philosophy.

The law of attraction is a spiritual philosophy that asserts <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-thinking","linkCopy":"positive thinking","category":null}'>positive thinking</a> results in positive outcomes. The law also suggests the reverse is true: <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cognitive-distortions","linkCopy":"Negative thoughts","category":null}'>Negative thoughts</a> can produce unwanted consequences. This philosophy hinges on the belief that thoughts are a kind of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/manage-your-energy-not-your-time' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/manage-your-energy-not-your-time","linkCopy":"energy","category":null}'>energy</a> and that positive energy can attract positive things to occur and vice versa.Spiritualist Andrew Jackson Davis wrote about the concept in the 1855 book The Great Harmonia. Australian writer Rhonda Byrne’s 2006 documentary The Secret (2006) and subsequent bestselling book of the same name popularized the philosophy of the law of attraction in the twenty-first century. Her trending formulation of this philosophy reached a large audience after her appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2007.

What Is the Law of Attraction?

Practitioners and subscribers to the law of attraction claim the following universal laws as foundational to the philosophy:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Like attracts like. This principle, sometimes known as the law of magnetism, states that similar things are naturally attracted to each other. This central tenet explains how the law of attraction works and why positive emotions can result in positive change and success stories, while negative thoughts and feelings result in negative experiences. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Nature abhors a vacuum. Based on the premise that your mind and your life cannot have empty space, this law states that removing negative things from your mind can make space for positive thoughts. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. The present is always perfect. The present is the best time to improve your mentality. Being present is the best mental state to affect change. </li></ol>

3 Laws of Attraction

The variations on how to use the law of attraction to affect your life are wide-ranging. Consider the following ways to practice the philosophy:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Acknowledge negative thoughts. Start by recognizing any negative thoughts without judgment. Identifying negative thinking can help you combat <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personalization-cognitive-distortion' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/personalization-cognitive-distortion","linkCopy":"cognitive distortions","category":null}'>cognitive distortions</a> and positively reframe thoughts. </li><li class="">Create positive affirmations. Daily mantras or <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-affirmations' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/positive-affirmations","linkCopy":"positive affirmations","category":null}'>positive affirmations</a> are a powerful way to change your thinking and foster positive thinking. Practicing positive affirmations is a form of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care-plan' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-care-plan","linkCopy":"self-care","category":null}'>self-care</a> that involves making positive statements about yourself to combat limiting beliefs, challenge negative self-talk, and increase <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/self-esteem","linkCopy":"self-esteem","category":null}'>self-esteem</a>. </li><li class="">Make a vision board. If there is an aspect of your life you want to improve, use visualization or a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-vision-board' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-make-a-vision-board","linkCopy":"vision board","category":null}'>vision board</a> to help you realize your goals. </li><li class="">Practice gratitude. Keeping a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-gratitude' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-practice-gratitude","linkCopy":"gratitude","category":null}'>gratitude</a> journal or practicing <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/benefits-of-mindfulness' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/benefits-of-mindfulness","linkCopy":"mindfulness","category":null}'>mindfulness</a> can help you focus on the positives, even in adverse situations. </li></ul>

How to Use the Law of Attraction

Ready to reinvent your story? Then, you must know how to tap into mental strength. Discover Robin’s approach to overcoming <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mental-block' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mental-block","linkCopy":"mental blocks","category":null}'>mental blocks</a>, finding your purpose, and developing a hustler mindset when you sign up for the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>.

Find Your Power

The law of attraction is a philosophy that promotes positive change. Learn about the core principles of the law of attraction and how to use this philosophy.

The law of attraction is a philosophy that promotes positive change. Learn about the core principles of the law of attraction and how to use this philosophy.
