My Year in the Master Key System

As mentioned in my blog a few weeks ago, I have decided to embark upon a one-year journey into the world of Charles Haanel, author of The Master Key System.  Touted as THE book that inspired The Secret and many other books, study programs, videos and self-help workshops, The Master Key System is the compilation of a 24-week program that was initially delivered by Haanel as a correspondence course. 

So why am I doing this?  I’ve been a student of the personal growth, self-help, professional development movement for the last 11 years.  I’ve created my own programs, written my own books and taught my own workshops.  So, what more could I need to know?

Lawyers study the law their whole lives; accountants are required refresher courses each year to update their knowledge of recent tax changes; physicians and nurses are in constant learning mode, participating in knowledge and practice review sessions.  So why shouldn’t a success professional such as myself update my learning, especially from a source that seems so fundamental.  And who doesn’t know enough about success?

The Master Key System is based on the concept that you create in your mind everything that happens around you.  Now, before you roll your eyes and say “here’s another one of these gurus whose going to tell me to think positively”, let me tell you a story about a skeptic who actually helped me understand a key element in my learning.

On my way to a meeting downtown last week, I started focusing on getting a great parking spot.  It’s a game I play with myself to reinforce my belief that I actually can create good things in my everyday life.  And sure enough, when I arrived at my destination, here was someone pulling out of THE perfect parking spot.  When one of my colleagues arrived, I mentioned my experience with the parking spot.  He asked me “how much of what arrives in your life do you really think happened because you “created” it, and how much do you think is coincidence”.  I started answering, but as I spoke, I had an insight. 

It doesn’t matter, does it?  If good things are happening to me, what difference does it make if I’ve created it or if it was a coincidence?  Learning the mental discipline, the focus on what I want, the positive attitude, how to quit thinking about negative things in my life...all of that is good stuff.  And if it creates, as Haanel and others put forth, good things in my life, all the better. 

So I’m going to suspend disbelief for one whole year and jump into this program full-hearted.  I invite you to join me, by reading my blogs and even, if you dare, get yourself a copy of the book and study along with me.  I’d love to hear your comments, ideas and challenges with the material – it’ll make it more fun, learning alongside others.

So, good luck and here we go!