R.H. Jarrett’s “It Works” outlines a plan for achieving desires by harnessing the power of the subconscious mind. The text suggests creating a prioritized list of wants, reviewing it multiple times daily, and focusing thoughts on those desires. It emphasizes the importance of earnest desire and avoiding skepticism while keeping the plan private. The author contends that by following these simple rules, one can tap into an inner power, referred to as “Emmanuel,” to manifest their goals. Jarrett advises starting with easily attainable desires before progressing to more complex ones. Ultimately, the text advocates for a positive and grateful mindset, urging readers to accept accomplishments with thankfulness and faith.

Frequently Asked Questions about “It Works”

1. What is the core principle behind “It Works”?

The core principle is that if you clearly define what you want and consistently focus your thoughts and desires on achieving it, the “omnipotent power” within you (referred to as “Emmanuel” or the subjective mind) will work to bring it to fruition. This involves harnessing the power of your subconscious mind through focused intention and repetition.

2. How do I begin using the “It Works” method?

The first step is to create a list of your desires in order of importance. It emphasizes being specific and detailed about what you want – not just “a car,” but the make, model, color, price, and the date you want it by. Review and revise this list regularly, adding or removing items as your desires evolve.

3. What are the three key rules for achieving my desires according to the text?

The three positive rules of accomplishment are:

Read your list of desires three times a day (morning, noon, and night).
Think about what you want as often as possible throughout the day.
Do not discuss your plan with others, only with the “Greater Power” within you.

4. Why is it important to be specific and detailed about my desires?

Specificity is crucial because it sends a clear and focused signal to your subconscious mind, directing its energy and resources towards achieving a tangible goal. Vague desires are less likely to manifest because they lack the necessary definition and direction.

5. The text mentions an “Omnipotent Power” within. What is this referring to?

The “Omnipotent Power” or “Emmanuel” is the author’s term for the subjective mind or subconscious mind. This inner power is described as being capable and willing to bring about your desires if you can align your conscious (objective) mind with it through focused intention and repetition. The author says you don’t have to understand this power, just accept it.

6. How should I handle skepticism or doubts that arise during the process?

When doubts arise, the text advises rereading your list of desires or mentally reaffirming them to your inner self. Remind yourself that others have achieved similar goals, reinforcing the possibility of your own success. The key is to consistently redirect your thoughts towards your desires, overcoming the negativity that can hinder progress.

7. What should I do when I start experiencing success and achieving my desires?

When you experience initial successes, give thanks and acknowledge the “Omnipotent Power” within you for the accomplishment. Avoid dismissing it as mere coincidence. Acknowledging the power reinforces your faith in the process and encourages further manifestation.

8. Does the “It Works” method have any cautions or ethical considerations?

Yes, the text cautions against desiring things that could harm yourself or others. It emphasizes the importance of aligning your desires with the greater good, ensuring that they contribute to happiness and well-being. The author also suggests starting with smaller, more easily attainable goals before moving on to larger or more complex desires.

Mastering “It Works”: A Comprehensive Study Guide

I. Study Guide: Key Concepts & Principles

This guide is designed to help you thoroughly understand the principles and practices outlined in “It Works” by R.H. Jarrett. It focuses on the core concepts and provides a framework for deeper analysis.

A. Understanding the Central Idea:

The Core Principle: What is the fundamental belief underlying the entire system presented in “It Works”? What is the source of the power that makes it work?
The Role of Desire: Why is clearly defining your desires the foundational step in this plan? What happens if your desires are vague or unfocused?
Objective vs. Subjective Mind: What is the distinction made between the “objective mind” and the “subjective mind” (or “Emmanuel”)? How do they interact, and what roles do they play in the process of manifestation?

B. The Three Positive Rules of Accomplishment:

Rule #1: Reading the List: Why is the act of reading the list of wants three times a day so important? What psychological or spiritual purpose might this serve?
Rule #2: Thinking About Your Wants: How does thinking about your desires contribute to their manifestation? What is the difference between casual wishing and focused thinking?
Rule #3: Avoiding Skepticism: Why is it crucial to avoid discussing your plan with skeptics? How can skepticism undermine the process? How is it important to discuss it with your Greater Power?

C. Practical Application and Common Pitfalls:

Specificity and Detail: Why is it important to be specific and detailed when defining your desires? Provide examples from the text.
The Enemy of Discredit: What is “Discredit,” and how does it manifest? How should you combat it? Why is gratitude a key component?
The Importance of Gratitude: How does expressing gratitude strengthen the connection with the “Omnipotent Power”?
Ethical Considerations: What cautions does the author provide regarding the types of desires one should pursue? Why is it important to consider the impact of your desires on others?
Starting Small: Why does the author recommend starting with more easily attainable desires? What does this build and what does this help you prepare for?

D. Connecting to Broader Concepts:

Self-Help Traditions: How does “It Works” fit into the broader tradition of self-help literature? What other philosophies or movements might it be related to?
The Power of Belief: How is the concept of the “power of belief” central to the success of this plan? What role does faith play?
The Subconscious Mind: How can you best utilize the capabilities of your subconscious mind?

II. Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

According to “It Works,” what is the key difference between people who achieve their desires and those who do not?
Describe the role of the “objective mind” in the process of achieving one’s desires, according to the author.
Summarize the first of the Three Positive Rules of Accomplishment and explain its importance.
Why does the author emphasize the importance of being specific and detailed when defining your desires?
What is “Discredit,” and how does it hinder the process of achieving your desires?
Explain the connection between gratitude and the “Omnipotent Power” described in the text.
What ethical considerations does the author raise regarding the types of desires one should pursue?
Why does the author suggest starting with smaller, more attainable desires?
How does avoiding skeptics contribute to the success of the plan outlined in “It Works”?
How does “It Works” connect to the concept of utilizing the power of your subconscious mind?

III. Quiz Answer Key

The key difference lies in their awareness and utilization of a powerful inner resource. Those who achieve their desires consciously tap into this power, while others overlook or dismiss it, failing to realize their full potential.
The objective mind is the everyday, conscious mind that identifies and defines desires. It must be trained to focus clearly on what one wants, providing the “Omnipotent Power” with a specific target to aim for.
The first rule involves reading the list of desired things three times daily: morning, noon, and night. This practice helps to imprint the desires onto the subconscious mind, reinforcing their importance and maintaining focus.
Specificity and detail are crucial because they provide a clear and unambiguous target for the “Omnipotent Power” to work towards. Vague desires lead to vague results, while precise goals enable the power to manifest them effectively.
“Discredit” is a form of doubt or disbelief that arises when one experiences initial success, attributing it to chance rather than the power of the method. It hinders progress by undermining faith and weakening the connection to the “Omnipotent Power.”
Gratitude is essential because it strengthens the connection with the “Omnipotent Power” by acknowledging and appreciating its role in fulfilling desires. It fosters a positive mindset and reinforces the belief in the power’s ability to manifest further desires.
The author cautions against pursuing desires that could harm oneself or others, emphasizing the importance of considering the ethical implications of one’s wants. One should only strive for desires that will give the greatest good to both the individual and his or her community.
Starting with smaller desires helps build confidence and faith in the process, demonstrating the power’s ability to manifest tangible results. This builds the assurance needed to tackle larger, more complex goals later on.
Avoiding skeptics is vital because their negativity and doubt can undermine one’s belief in the process and weaken the connection to the “Omnipotent Power.” Surrounding oneself with positive and supportive influences helps maintain a strong and focused mindset.
“It Works” emphasizes the importance of clear, focused thinking, and repetition to impress desired goals and outcomes onto the subconscious mind. By regularly thinking about your desires, the subconscious mind begins to influence your thoughts, actions, and opportunities to align with those goals.

IV. Essay Questions

Consider the following questions and formulate well-supported essays based on the source material.

Analyze the psychological principles underlying the “It Works” plan. How does it relate to concepts such as the law of attraction, positive thinking, and the power of suggestion?
Critically evaluate the effectiveness of the “It Works” plan. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Under what circumstances might it be most effective, and what are its limitations?
Discuss the ethical implications of the “It Works” plan. To what extent does it encourage selfish desires, and how does the author address these concerns?
Compare and contrast the concept of the “Omnipotent Power” in “It Works” with similar concepts in other spiritual or philosophical traditions.
Explore the historical context of “It Works.” How does it reflect the cultural and social values of its time, and how does it relate to other self-help movements of the early 20th century?

V. Glossary of Key Terms

Objective Mind: The conscious, everyday mind that we use for reasoning, logic, and decision-making.
Subjective Mind (Emmanuel): Referred to as “God in us”. The subconscious or inner mind that possesses immense power and is capable of manifesting desires.
Omnipotent Power: The limitless and all-powerful force within each individual, capable of bringing about desired outcomes.
Desire: A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something; a crucial element in activating the “Omnipotent Power.”
The Plan: The concise, definite method outlined by the author, consisting of writing down desires, reading the list regularly, and focusing thoughts on those desires.
Three Positive Rules of Accomplishment: The three core actions that must be taken to activate the plan: reading the list, thinking about desires, and avoiding skepticism.
Discredit: A feeling of doubt or disbelief that arises when one experiences initial success, attributing it to chance rather than the power of the method.