What do you think?
Rate this book
The Aladdin Factor: How to Ask for What You Want--and Get It
Personal happiness. Creative fulfillment. Professional success. Freedom from fear--and a new promise of joy that's yours for the asking.
We have the ability at our fingertips to achieve these things. It's the Aladdin Factor: the magical wellspring of confidence, desire--and the willingness to ask--that allows us to make wishes come true. Now bestselling motivational authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen introduce us to the Aladdin Factor--and help us put it into effect in our own lives.
The Aladdin Factor helps us by pinpointing the majoring stumbling blocks to asking--and teaching simple techniques to overcome them. With inspirational stories about people who have succeeded by asking for what they want, this book shows us how to turn our lives around--no matter what kind of obstacles we face. And with this knowledge, we can reap the riches of a truly well-lived life--a treasure that comes not from an enchanted lamp, but from the heart.
We have the ability at our fingertips to achieve these things. It's the Aladdin Factor: the magical wellspring of confidence, desire--and the willingness to ask--that allows us to make wishes come true. Now bestselling motivational authors Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen introduce us to the Aladdin Factor--and help us put it into effect in our own lives.
The Aladdin Factor helps us by pinpointing the majoring stumbling blocks to asking--and teaching simple techniques to overcome them. With inspirational stories about people who have succeeded by asking for what they want, this book shows us how to turn our lives around--no matter what kind of obstacles we face. And with this knowledge, we can reap the riches of a truly well-lived life--a treasure that comes not from an enchanted lamp, but from the heart.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
214 people are currently reading
2590 people want to read
About the author
Jack Canfield
1,286 books1,749 followersJack Canfield is an American motivational speaker and author. He is best known as the co-creator of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series, which currently has over 124 titles and 100 million copies in print in over 47 languages. According to USA Today, Canfield and his writing partner, Mark Victor Hansen, were the top-selling authors in the United States in 1997.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Canfield received a BA in Chinese History from Harvard University and a Masters from University of Massachusetts. He has worked as a teacher, a workshop facilitator, and a psychotherapist.
Canfield is the founder of "Self Esteem Seminars" in Santa Barbara, and "The Foundation for Self Esteem" in Culver City, California. The stated mission of Self Esteem Seminars is to train entrepreneurs, educators, corporate leaders and employees to achieve their personal and professional goals. The focus of The Foundation for Self Esteem is to train social workers, welfare recipients and human resource professionals.
In 1990,he shared with author Mark Victor Hansen his idea for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. After three years, the two had compiled sixty-eight stories.
Canfield has appeared on numerous television shows, including Good Morning America, 20/20, Eye to Eye, CNN's Talk Back Live, PBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Montel Williams Show, Larry King Live and the BBC.
Canfield's most recent book, The Success Principles (2005), shares 64 principles that he claims can make people more successful. In 2006, he appeared in the DVD, "The Secret," and shared his insights on the Law of Attraction and tips for achieving success in personal and professional life.
Jack Canfield was born on August 19, 1944, in Fort Worth, TX. He is the son of Elmer and Ellen (a homemaker; maiden name, Taylor). He attended high school at Linsly Military Institute, Wheeling, WV, 1962. He went to college at Harvard University, B.A., 1966; University of Massachusetts at Amherst, M.Ed., 1973. Canfield married Judith Ohlbaum in 1971 (divorced, November 1976); he married Georgia Lee Noble on September 9, 1978 (divorced, December 1999); he married Inga Marie Mahoney on July 4, 2001; children: (first marriage) Oran, David, Kyle, Dania; (second marriage) Christopher Noble. He is a Democrat and a Christian, and his hobbies include tennis, travel, skiing, running, billiards, reading, and guitar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
February 12, 2024
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. WISHES:
- Write 101 wishes that I want for myself.
2. CLARIFY YOUR VISION:
- identify items that can be done now, write individuals/institutions I can ask, place a date to be asked by.
3. PERFECT DAY:
- Write Perfect Day Fantasy.
4. RELAX WITH A PARTNER:
- Have a partner record and repeat “what do you want?”
5. STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION:
- Accomplish before you die? What is broken that needs to be fixed?
- Identify physical needs, contribution needs, learning needs.
6. VISUALIZE THE OUTCOME:
- see myself “doing” what I dreamed of. 2x a day (morning and before bed).
7. External Visuals: Collage, Picture/photo, Drawing, Cut out pictures of goals for a scrapbook.
8. LOVE SNACKS:
- Five minutes of hugs, kissing, holding hands, love talk, etc.
1. WISHES:
- Write 101 wishes that I want for myself.
2. CLARIFY YOUR VISION:
- identify items that can be done now, write individuals/institutions I can ask, place a date to be asked by.
3. PERFECT DAY:
- Write Perfect Day Fantasy.
4. RELAX WITH A PARTNER:
- Have a partner record and repeat “what do you want?”
5. STRETCH YOUR IMAGINATION:
- Accomplish before you die? What is broken that needs to be fixed?
- Identify physical needs, contribution needs, learning needs.
6. VISUALIZE THE OUTCOME:
- see myself “doing” what I dreamed of. 2x a day (morning and before bed).
7. External Visuals: Collage, Picture/photo, Drawing, Cut out pictures of goals for a scrapbook.
8. LOVE SNACKS:
- Five minutes of hugs, kissing, holding hands, love talk, etc.
August 2, 2012
Loy Machedo’s Book Review – Aladdin Factor by Jack Canfield.
I had purchased this book in the year 1999, when I think I was hardly 20 years old. At that phase of my life, this book was a total master-piece. I was amazed and marveled at the wisdom contained in these pages. It is nearly after 13 years, that I am re-reading this book once again to discover, what it was that gave me such a ray of hope, strength and courage.
The book is in typical Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen’s fashion – Cherry Picking motivational, inspirational and feel-good stories, with real-life examples, testimonies, quotations and super-imposing on the readers extras from a galaxy of star cast authors like John Gray, Tony Robbins, Jim Cathcart, Patricia Fripp, bob Proctor, Nido Qubein and Barbara De Angelis.
However, this time when I read it, the feeling was different.
The Plus Points:
This book suits someone who is looking for Motivation, Inspiration, Pep-Talk and a Feel Good pat on the back.
The chapters are short and there are plenty of small shorter stories, quotes and anecdotes that make each chapter interesting to read.
Even after all these years there are certain points of wisdom I still use – for instance the power of the written goals, the power of asking, knowing exactly what you want and being specific.
The No-So-Great Points about this book:
This is just a feel good book. It does not have real life strategies that can guarantee anyone anything. It is more like the lighter version of ‘visualize’ success and the Universe will give it to you nonsense.
Many a time, you will just skim through the pages as you will realize points have been repeated and re-repeated once again by other authors and people just to drive home a point.
The inclusion of ‘Pray to Jesus’ in one small chapter seemed to categorize this book to a group who would believe in him. What about non-Christ followers? And why in the world bring in the placebo effect of praying to any gods?
Overall Verdict
A book with good intentions and a good gift to someone starting new into the world of self-improvement and development. However, for someone in the advanced stages of their life and those who have been in this game of Self-Improvement for a long time, this is just a nice story book you read to little children. Agreed I had purchased this book a long time ago and was absolutely impressed with it. Now it is time I gave it away to someone else as it is no use for me to have it in my library anymore.
Overall Rating
5 out of 10.
Loy Machedo
loymachedo.com
February 12, 2010
I hated the format of this book. It was like Canfield would make a single small statement like "Be Bold" and then would add some strange quotes and anecdotes from other people all in different fonts. If you can get through the rabble, there are some good ideas in this book, like creating your own wish list, and how to ask for what you want. But the format is terrible.
January 2, 2011
I guess I'd give this 2.5 stars. Writers, they are not. They are more compilers of information. And the info in this book was delivered by chapter 2. Bottom line: Figure out what you want and don't be afraid to ask for it.
The Aladdin storyline was lame, though there were some good principles relayed. I just thought it could have been summed up much more quickly. Also, I think the authors should have addressed giving back. People who keep asking but never give are annoying. And just because someone WILL do something for you doesn't mean you should rely on them to do so repeatedly.
The Aladdin storyline was lame, though there were some good principles relayed. I just thought it could have been summed up much more quickly. Also, I think the authors should have addressed giving back. People who keep asking but never give are annoying. And just because someone WILL do something for you doesn't mean you should rely on them to do so repeatedly.
March 5, 2015
The heart of this book is simple: ask for what you want and you just may get it. The way it was written -- with lots of stories and anecdotes -- didn't suit my preference. But it is filled with some helpful advice on identifying what to ask for and having the courage to ask for it. I'm glad I read it.
November 27, 2019
Barf. Barf. Barf.
I started with a very negative opinion of this book, based on the rapidly increasing self-absorption of someone who was really taken with it. Years later - at a point where I realize I need to get better at asking for help - I wondered if I had unfairly blamed the book. Nope. Barf.
At the very opening with the Aladdin analogy, Aladdin's wish is not so much for riches but for people to recognize that he is really a prince, even though he looks like a beggar. He knows if people will just see that he is really a prince, then he will have access to all the riches.
It's not just that the writing is often gratingly the opposite of eloquent, nor that so much of it is rehashed stories where they keep changing the fonts and did not make good choices there. It is that so much of the entire point is based on distinguishing yourself by imposing on others, and not even for good reasons. One of the exercises mentioned was going into "ethnic" restaurants and asking for a food from a different cuisine, like going into an Italian restaurant and asking for a burrito - just to get used to asking outrageously. I have worked enough customer service to want to slap anyone who does that to someone else.
There can be real issues with confidence and feelings of worthiness; some of the examples given under being afraid to ask are horrific and that resonates with me deeply. However, this is not the answer. This is mainly people who have made millions from motivational speaking congratulating themselves on changing the world, with no analysis of race or class or looking at the bigger picture.
Aladdin knows he belongs in the quiet peace of the palace, leaving the crowded marketplace behind. It's okay if everyone else is left in the heat and dirt. I have work to do on asking, but this will never be my path.
I started with a very negative opinion of this book, based on the rapidly increasing self-absorption of someone who was really taken with it. Years later - at a point where I realize I need to get better at asking for help - I wondered if I had unfairly blamed the book. Nope. Barf.
At the very opening with the Aladdin analogy, Aladdin's wish is not so much for riches but for people to recognize that he is really a prince, even though he looks like a beggar. He knows if people will just see that he is really a prince, then he will have access to all the riches.
It's not just that the writing is often gratingly the opposite of eloquent, nor that so much of it is rehashed stories where they keep changing the fonts and did not make good choices there. It is that so much of the entire point is based on distinguishing yourself by imposing on others, and not even for good reasons. One of the exercises mentioned was going into "ethnic" restaurants and asking for a food from a different cuisine, like going into an Italian restaurant and asking for a burrito - just to get used to asking outrageously. I have worked enough customer service to want to slap anyone who does that to someone else.
There can be real issues with confidence and feelings of worthiness; some of the examples given under being afraid to ask are horrific and that resonates with me deeply. However, this is not the answer. This is mainly people who have made millions from motivational speaking congratulating themselves on changing the world, with no analysis of race or class or looking at the bigger picture.
Aladdin knows he belongs in the quiet peace of the palace, leaving the crowded marketplace behind. It's okay if everyone else is left in the heat and dirt. I have work to do on asking, but this will never be my path.
March 3, 2019
The Aladdin Factor is all about asking: why we don’t ask for what we want, how to know what to ask for, and who to ask. According to the authors, we can have anything we want in like; we just need to ask for it. They use Aladdin and his experience with the genie as a metaphor for this process.
I found some parts of this book helpful, like figuring out what you want and why you don’t ask for it, but overall this book was just filled with quotes, stories, and anecdotes from other people. There is more from other people than the authors themselves. And although some of these quotes and stories were helpful, overall it seemed like they were page-fillers. This book wasn’t a waste of my time, I like to believe that no book is, but I didn’t get as much value as I would have liked. Should have asked someone about it first, I guess!
I found some parts of this book helpful, like figuring out what you want and why you don’t ask for it, but overall this book was just filled with quotes, stories, and anecdotes from other people. There is more from other people than the authors themselves. And although some of these quotes and stories were helpful, overall it seemed like they were page-fillers. This book wasn’t a waste of my time, I like to believe that no book is, but I didn’t get as much value as I would have liked. Should have asked someone about it first, I guess!
February 23, 2021
In its prime back in 1995 I would've loved this book. Too bad I didn't find it then. Great info, I've just read so many similar books with far more excitement that are more current. That's why it got a 3.
After the basic content was recieved, I started skimming and skipping personal stories cause it just felt like a waste of my time cause I couldn't keep interest.
The main points.... amazing and great! I think a skimmed down pocket versions of the easy concepts to accept would be great. Some of the personal stories were fun and others were dated and unrelateable. Full of some good quotes which now have been used and heard everywhere.
Great book for the most part, just old is all.
After the basic content was recieved, I started skimming and skipping personal stories cause it just felt like a waste of my time cause I couldn't keep interest.
The main points.... amazing and great! I think a skimmed down pocket versions of the easy concepts to accept would be great. Some of the personal stories were fun and others were dated and unrelateable. Full of some good quotes which now have been used and heard everywhere.
Great book for the most part, just old is all.
June 25, 2024
P38: You train people on how to treat you by how you treat yourself
P 45: Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand uncaring ways.
P 61: You don't always get what you ask for, but you always get what you don't ask for
P 101: If you keep doing what you've always done, you'd keep getting what you always got
P 112: If you wait until the weather is just right, you'd never plant anything. Don't wait, the time will never be right.
P 231: All things are difficult before they are easy
P 237: We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them. E Hubbard
P 45: Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the thousand uncaring ways.
P 61: You don't always get what you ask for, but you always get what you don't ask for
P 101: If you keep doing what you've always done, you'd keep getting what you always got
P 112: If you wait until the weather is just right, you'd never plant anything. Don't wait, the time will never be right.
P 231: All things are difficult before they are easy
P 237: We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them. E Hubbard
January 14, 2018
Good...some wisdom and great stories...However, I don't truly believe just saying something will happen will make it happen. Yes, if we are positive we will notice the positive and gravitate toward the positive. If we believe we can do something, we can. I do 100% agree with that. But, he made the best seller list with Chicken Soup for the Soul, not because he visualized it, but because he compiled a lot of good stories. It wouldn't have mattered if he had said 'best seller' to himself before going to sleep every night or not. People just love good stories.
November 24, 2017
This book is wonderful. Basically, it's all bout being able to ask! How to ask, why to ask, when to ask and what will you get when you ask. I think the two bring together a very amazing book on this and quite frankly I took a ton of notes. What I learned:
Rejection is not the end of the world
Be specific
Ask yourself how would Jesus do this?
Build anastrophic images
You have to feel worthy
Do 1 good action per day
Increase your capacity to love.
Rejection is not the end of the world
Be specific
Ask yourself how would Jesus do this?
Build anastrophic images
You have to feel worthy
Do 1 good action per day
Increase your capacity to love.
October 11, 2019
The title is what drew me in and it was what kept me going till midway. It reminds me a great deal of "The Four Million and Other Stories" by O'Henry. I can't say that I loved this book all that much, after the midway point it turned into a recipe book. Just wished it would have ended when the Aladdin references ended. Some stories were genuinely touching and they made me appreciate the power of asking. All in all, if you really have nothing else to read then this is the book for you.
July 28, 2024
I found most interesting the piece around overcoming typical sales related fears. The first part around desires and wants was a bit repetitive for me, since I was familiar with the ideas (eg, vision boards, law of attraction). Overall it fell a bit old school on the sales approach and testimonials (eg, be confident, sales as numbers game).
July 10, 2019
Nice book for those who have problem to ask , there is some good techniques to help you be better.
However too much stories inside that at the end i felt like i am mot able to finish all of that ralking about the same thing over and over.
However too much stories inside that at the end i felt like i am mot able to finish all of that ralking about the same thing over and over.
August 27, 2021
Another solid book from Canfield and Hansen,but as with some of the others,if you've read The Success Principles,then you've already read most of what this book covers.
There are some exercises in this book that I can't wait to do however and it's a great book if you're new to the authors.
There are some exercises in this book that I can't wait to do however and it's a great book if you're new to the authors.
May 29, 2022
I read this book twice it is so good! I will keep reading it until I master asking.
I think a lot but I have a hard time asking for what I want until much time goes by and I can't hold it in any longer. This book is a motivator.
I think a lot but I have a hard time asking for what I want until much time goes by and I can't hold it in any longer. This book is a motivator.
July 25, 2017
A good study into the importance of learning to ask for what you want. Not fond of the new age bent the material promotes however.
March 24, 2017
Good concepts and practices. Nearly all of the principles, anecdotes, and examples in this book were better shared and explored in The Success Principles by the same author. I would recommend the 10th Anniversary edition of TSP over this.
June 13, 2017
For some of us it is so difficult to ask things. Yet, Canfield and Hansen use a humourous way to teach us how to always ask in order to receive.
June 21, 2017
This was the book that taught me how to ask for what I want.
September 7, 2018
The law of attraction shared in a simple and practical manner. Whatever you want, you can have. A must read!
January 4, 2019
Love this book. The power of asking can and will open doors for you. It's a great read with timeless advice that you can apply in your life today.
April 1, 2019
Took me a while to get through this, but inspirational stories throughout. I heard about this book my 1L year of law school and finally finished it.
July 16, 2019
Ask and you shall receive.
August 16, 2019
rtgggdfgfdg
August 14, 2020
One of the best books of Jack I have read sofar 🏅!!!
Practical and straightforward recommendations on how to wisely ask for what we want. Love it!!!!
Practical and straightforward recommendations on how to wisely ask for what we want. Love it!!!!
October 11, 2020
The logic is a bit messy. The stories have much potential to be polished before it touches people’s inner realm.
October 19, 2020
A great book full of practical advice. Some of the chapter lean on interweaving a useful parable, but even better are the anecdotes peppered throughout.
January 7, 2021
I liked it, mainly the concept and ideas brought. I didn't really like the examples but overall, the theory on how to ask in order to get is really good. I recommend this book.
February 27, 2021
Really good self help book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews