People tend to think that getting rich is most often a matter of luck and timing. While it is true that some people seem to be preternaturally lucky, the reality is that most wealthy people achieve their financial security by practicing the Law of Attraction. Although many rich people may never have heard of the Law of Attraction, they unwittingly follow its principles.

The Law of Attraction (sometimes known as the Law of Vibration) and its relationship to wealth was documented by Wallace D. Wattles in the early 1900s in a book entitled, "The Science of Getting Rich." Wattles put forth the notion that, "The ownership of money and property comes as a result of doing things in a certain way; those who do things in a certain way, whether on purpose or accidentally, get rich; while those who do not do things in this certain way, no matter how hard they work or how able they are, remain poor."

Wattles' premise is that the foundation of doing things "a certain way" is to begin to think in a certain way. Thoughts, he writes, are a powerful creator of substance. In other words, like attracts like. If you think negatively, you will draw negative energy and experiences into your life; if you think positively, you will draw positive energy and experiences into your life.

Most of us tend to think negative thoughts. When you think, "I'm undesirable," "I'll be late to my appointment," or "I struggle to make ends meet," you create that experience in your life.... You don't attract a desirable partner, you launch a series of events that makes you late to your appointment, and you prevent yourself from making more money. Conversely, if you can manage to change negative self-talk into positive self-talk, you can take the first steps on the path to both happiness and prosperity.

Personal growth instructors like Bob Proctor, who was featured in the phenomenally successful DVD, "The Secret," are using the principles Wattles set forth to teach people how to develop beliefs that lead to financial success. The self help, motivational message he starts with asks people whether or not they truly want to achieve financial independence. For example, his experience is that people are deeply conflicted about money, about their financial goals, and about the prospect of attracting wealth. From there, he works with people to help them change their negative thoughts into affirming thoughts.

But changing one's self-talk and self-perceptions are only one part of the equation. Many people who talk about the Law of Attraction focus on thinking (or, more accurately, wishing) and neglect the second, equally important, component - action. In order to achieve prosperity and wealth, many people find that they have to quit their jobs and change the business they're in. Although this may seem counterintuitive, and it does require a deep belief in yourself and the principles of the Law of Attraction, it can be a necessary prerequisite to fulfilling your dreams.

In our culture, people are often uncomfortable thinking about, talking about, or actively seeking money. But, as Wattles wrote, "No man can rise to his greatest possible height in talent or soul development unless he has plenty of money."