What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of Decision
Indecision - an affliction of the dull and brilliant alike - is not only a psychological problem; it is a metaphysical one and a kind of mental illness. The indecisive are not only failure-prone; they are missing the cosmic connection, which Choose ye this day...!
The only book of its kind, The Power of Decision has been hailed as one of the very few genuine masterpieces of New Thought metaphysical literature.
The only book of its kind, The Power of Decision has been hailed as one of the very few genuine masterpieces of New Thought metaphysical literature.
165 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1968
156 people are currently reading
612 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 8, 2013
Amazing. It sounds cliche but reading this book truly changed my life. I thought it would force me to make a decision. Instead, it taught me the power of making decisions and convinced me to actually make them. It gave me permission to make them. No, it demanded that I make them, or else live a half-life.
"Indecision is the decision to fail." This is just one of the hard-hitting, no-nonsense statements Barker makes. He speaks in short, bold sentences, never shying away from his message and his beliefs. He is utterly convinced, and his conviction reaches out from the pages of his book, grabs you by the neck, and forces you to look at your own messes and your own power.
I loved it.
I read this book during an 8 week class and in that short time my decisions began to manifest right before my eyes. Health improvements. Greater peace of mind and the materialization of dreams I thought long dormant or almost dead. Nope. They were only half-decisions that, once decided upon, began to be made manifest. It is Law.
If you don't like the "God" word, of if you don't believe in the power of your own mind, this book is not for you. But if you even have a toe in the waters of Law of Attraction or Science of Mind or whatever you happen to call it, this book will straighten you out and teach you how to fly straight so your goals can - and will - find you, starting with the ones Barker deems most important: a life of happiness, health and creativity. Because without new ideas, Barker states, you are only half-alive. A wasted life.
As I said, he pulls no punches. He expects you to either put down his book and go back to your mundane thinking or else to keep reading and rise to greatness. I love his boldness. Rock on Dr. Barker. Rock on.
"Indecision is the decision to fail." This is just one of the hard-hitting, no-nonsense statements Barker makes. He speaks in short, bold sentences, never shying away from his message and his beliefs. He is utterly convinced, and his conviction reaches out from the pages of his book, grabs you by the neck, and forces you to look at your own messes and your own power.
I loved it.
I read this book during an 8 week class and in that short time my decisions began to manifest right before my eyes. Health improvements. Greater peace of mind and the materialization of dreams I thought long dormant or almost dead. Nope. They were only half-decisions that, once decided upon, began to be made manifest. It is Law.
If you don't like the "God" word, of if you don't believe in the power of your own mind, this book is not for you. But if you even have a toe in the waters of Law of Attraction or Science of Mind or whatever you happen to call it, this book will straighten you out and teach you how to fly straight so your goals can - and will - find you, starting with the ones Barker deems most important: a life of happiness, health and creativity. Because without new ideas, Barker states, you are only half-alive. A wasted life.
As I said, he pulls no punches. He expects you to either put down his book and go back to your mundane thinking or else to keep reading and rise to greatness. I love his boldness. Rock on Dr. Barker. Rock on.
August 6, 2018
Not as great for me as I had expected. For me, The writing style often seemed arrogant and looking down at those who did not agree with the author as being unenlightened. This was especially vexing to me because the author claims to be a well educated minister, yet his views on the nature of God were not in agreement with my own. That being said, I did find some insight and ideas that made reading it worthwhile to some degree.
September 28, 2023
“Success and failure are results of the use of mind. Every success-motivated mind has been a decisive mind. Every failure-motivated mind has been an indecisive mind. Only the dreamer who acted with decision on his dream brought forth something new and valuable.”
“All of this is already in you. The great use it. The non-great do not, so they remain the non great. Decide upon some thing, situation, or condition that you want right now in your present life. Be definite in this decision. Do not limit your decision by investigating the probable reasons why it will never happen. That is the detour to nothing. All false speculations of defeat have to be ruled out of your consciousness. If they enter into the decision for even a fleeting moment, the decision is robbed of authority and the subconscious mind cannot act upon it. You do not need to know how the final result will come to pass. That is the function of the subconscious. It has ways and means that, if they were known, would stagger the intellect.”
~ Raymond Charles Barker from The Power of Decision
Raymond Charles Barker is an old-school 20th century New Thought preacher.
He’s in the same school of thought (Science of Mind) as Ernest Holmes, Michael Beckwith, Louise Haye and that crowd. If you like them, you’ll love Raymond. Super cool guy.
As a Divinely-inspired genius put on this planet to share your precious gifts and love and compassion and creativity and abundance? (Awesome. :)
And while we’re shaping that self-image, we wanna remember that we aren’t some helpless little creature trying to get by in a world of other separate little creatures. Noperz. According to Barker and his friends, we’re “pure Intelligence”—and our job is to recognize this fact and align with and express it in our day-to-day lives. Powerful stuff.
Here are some of my favorite Big Ideas:
1. How’s Your Estimate - Of yourself?
2. The Present - Becoming the future.
3. Walking Forward - And looking forward.
4. What Thought Seeds - Are you planting?
5. You Know - Deep down you know.
Let’s tap into the divine within us as we dance with our angels and decide to create our ideal lives and a grand utopia in the process, shall we?!?
-----
Here's my video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2074...
And click here to find 250+ more of my reviews:
http://bit.ly/BrianReviews
Brian
“All of this is already in you. The great use it. The non-great do not, so they remain the non great. Decide upon some thing, situation, or condition that you want right now in your present life. Be definite in this decision. Do not limit your decision by investigating the probable reasons why it will never happen. That is the detour to nothing. All false speculations of defeat have to be ruled out of your consciousness. If they enter into the decision for even a fleeting moment, the decision is robbed of authority and the subconscious mind cannot act upon it. You do not need to know how the final result will come to pass. That is the function of the subconscious. It has ways and means that, if they were known, would stagger the intellect.”
~ Raymond Charles Barker from The Power of Decision
Raymond Charles Barker is an old-school 20th century New Thought preacher.
He’s in the same school of thought (Science of Mind) as Ernest Holmes, Michael Beckwith, Louise Haye and that crowd. If you like them, you’ll love Raymond. Super cool guy.
As a Divinely-inspired genius put on this planet to share your precious gifts and love and compassion and creativity and abundance? (Awesome. :)
And while we’re shaping that self-image, we wanna remember that we aren’t some helpless little creature trying to get by in a world of other separate little creatures. Noperz. According to Barker and his friends, we’re “pure Intelligence”—and our job is to recognize this fact and align with and express it in our day-to-day lives. Powerful stuff.
Here are some of my favorite Big Ideas:
1. How’s Your Estimate - Of yourself?
2. The Present - Becoming the future.
3. Walking Forward - And looking forward.
4. What Thought Seeds - Are you planting?
5. You Know - Deep down you know.
Let’s tap into the divine within us as we dance with our angels and decide to create our ideal lives and a grand utopia in the process, shall we?!?
-----
Here's my video review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2074...
And click here to find 250+ more of my reviews:
http://bit.ly/BrianReviews
Brian
February 25, 2019
I didn’t like his writing style. He repeats the same thing over and over, just words it differently, the whole book could have 30 pages and nothing would be missing. He mentions God or a verse from the Bible on almost every single page. And he has a very condescending tone. At some point he said that if you do not agree with this books so far, there is something wrong with you. I should have stopped at that, but I continued.
I stopped at the end of the book, after a story about someone healing broken bones with their mind.
If you’re looking for something spiritual, you may like it, if you’re looking for psychology and science, run.
I stopped at the end of the book, after a story about someone healing broken bones with their mind.
If you’re looking for something spiritual, you may like it, if you’re looking for psychology and science, run.
January 10, 2021
I made a decision: I did not finish.
Too many biblical references for my liking.
Too many biblical references for my liking.
January 11, 2014
awesome
August 1, 2011
Barker's deft analysis and charge for action is changing my life, right now. Amazing.
October 11, 2018
Review:
This was not my favorite "change your mind, change your life" book. The author, Raymond Barker rubbed me the wrong way for a few reasons:
1. Barker claims to be a Christian throughout the book, but he makes me question that. He talks about the church he attends. He frequently references bible verses. He talks of God. I felt like this book was written to Christians. And yet, he describes deity in such a different way from what I'm accustomed to, that it made me question my assumption that he and I share common spiritual beliefs. I wouldn't have minded if he espoused opposite spiritual beliefs. However, it does bother me that I am hearing "Rely on your traditional understanding of God," and in the next breath "God is not who you think he is; in fact—you are God." I can see how this can be a helpful belief for people to take control of their lives and live in the now. However, I feel weird about it.
2. His "step-by-step" program is not very accessible. The book didn't feel organized to me at all. It just felt like a goulash of abstract ideas haphazardly put together. (I am a huge fan of excellent organization of ideas.)
3. I couldn't help but think that the information contained in this book could have been more-succinctly delivered in a 2-page PDF.
This was not my favorite "change your mind, change your life" book. The author, Raymond Barker rubbed me the wrong way for a few reasons:
1. Barker claims to be a Christian throughout the book, but he makes me question that. He talks about the church he attends. He frequently references bible verses. He talks of God. I felt like this book was written to Christians. And yet, he describes deity in such a different way from what I'm accustomed to, that it made me question my assumption that he and I share common spiritual beliefs. I wouldn't have minded if he espoused opposite spiritual beliefs. However, it does bother me that I am hearing "Rely on your traditional understanding of God," and in the next breath "God is not who you think he is; in fact—you are God." I can see how this can be a helpful belief for people to take control of their lives and live in the now. However, I feel weird about it.
2. His "step-by-step" program is not very accessible. The book didn't feel organized to me at all. It just felt like a goulash of abstract ideas haphazardly put together. (I am a huge fan of excellent organization of ideas.)
3. I couldn't help but think that the information contained in this book could have been more-succinctly delivered in a 2-page PDF.
July 30, 2017
When the student is ready the teacher appears. I picked up this book at the right time in my life and I must confess it literally blew me away.
The title can be somewhat misleading; sounds like just another personal development book. It's way much more than that.
The last time any book ever hit this hard was when I read "Your Faith is Your Fortune" by Neville Goddard.
If you ever come across this book just buy it. If you can't yet relate to the concepts within keep it aside and return to it much later when you are ready. One day either you or someone you know will be unimaginably thankful you did.
I told my friend that this book is "The Ark of Covenant." I mean every word of it. I wonder how I never found out about this author before now. I'm about going through it a second time.
Not buying it would had being among the greatest mistakes of my life.
The title can be somewhat misleading; sounds like just another personal development book. It's way much more than that.
The last time any book ever hit this hard was when I read "Your Faith is Your Fortune" by Neville Goddard.
If you ever come across this book just buy it. If you can't yet relate to the concepts within keep it aside and return to it much later when you are ready. One day either you or someone you know will be unimaginably thankful you did.
I told my friend that this book is "The Ark of Covenant." I mean every word of it. I wonder how I never found out about this author before now. I'm about going through it a second time.
Not buying it would had being among the greatest mistakes of my life.
February 25, 2017
كتاب جميل في معظم أجزائه، يغير لك منظورك في الحياة، ويجعلك تعيد التفكير بشكل جدي بالأفكار والمعتقدات الراسخة لديك، وبل والبحث في خميرة العقل الباطن، والبحث وراء قراراتنا المتخذة، وعدم القدرة على اتخاذ قرار ما .
أجمل مافيه انه يعزز مفهوم الاستقلالية و أهمية اتخاذ القرار ، وأن اتخاذ القرار هو شيء صحيح بالعموم، دون النظر الى العاقبة ويبقى أفضل من عدم اتخاذ قرار او التردد .
فيه جانب سلبي وهو اسلوب التنمية المبتذل "بالنسبة لي على الأقل" عندما يقول قل بصوت عالي ، ردد بشكل مستمر .... هذا الاسلوب لا يستهويني ابداً .
انصح بقراءة الكتاب بشدة.
أجمل مافيه انه يعزز مفهوم الاستقلالية و أهمية اتخاذ القرار ، وأن اتخاذ القرار هو شيء صحيح بالعموم، دون النظر الى العاقبة ويبقى أفضل من عدم اتخاذ قرار او التردد .
فيه جانب سلبي وهو اسلوب التنمية المبتذل "بالنسبة لي على الأقل" عندما يقول قل بصوت عالي ، ردد بشكل مستمر .... هذا الاسلوب لا يستهويني ابداً .
انصح بقراءة الكتاب بشدة.
May 27, 2021
We exist to open up new paths, not to follow the ones already trodden. It’s the beauty of the universal gift we’ve received, namely that of manifesting the future, and we can realize it by perceiving within ourselves this “divine” capacity. It inspires and guides us in our actions and helps us feel we can make a difference.
Inspiring book!
Inspiring book!
February 8, 2025
A powerful book with a lot of helpful information. This book verges on pseudo science, but I guess thats maybe part of its charm. I could live without the blanket statements and sweeping generalizations though. I still give it 4 stars just because of how helpful it is. The writing is clear and easy to get through as well.
April 30, 2021
This was a very powerful book for me. A favorite saying of mine is "indecision kills" which is true. The type of decision talked about here is the kind that leads to creating the kind of life I truly want. Many things from this book have stayed with me over the many years since I first read it.
did-not-finish
December 8, 202312/23 DNF Page 85. I have gotten some thoughtful and even helpful bits out of this so far, but they had to be excavated out of a mess of metaphysical and stylistic confusion and I just can't take any more - anything else I might get out of it doesn't feel worth the digging.
May 27, 2018
Interesting book. I like the chapters idea and its really inspirational book.
January 17, 2019
What a powerful book! Opened my eyes! I want to read it again!
January 13, 2024
Some of his views I don't agree with; however, this book has a lot of great content to think about.
November 9, 2025
Didn't love this book. A few parts got my attention, but for the most part, it felt like a chore to listen to.
April 23, 2021
A rare Gift of life.
This book elevates you to a higher level of consciousness. A well written material that will change your life for good.
This book elevates you to a higher level of consciousness. A well written material that will change your life for good.
March 2, 2017
Interesting thoughts. Don't agree with all of the ideas but left me inspired. May have been harder to read than listen to.
November 9, 2014
Barker’s is very readable little book which is closely aligned with the principles of the much more complex and heavy-going Science of Mind by Ernest Holmes, to which I espouse. This book was a breath of fresh air compared to the density of the latter, and I was inspired again by the premise of reprograming my subconscious mindset through decisive, affirmative thought. He provides processes for treating the subconscious blocks to happiness, health, living richly and creatively and pretty much sums up that success and failure depends on how we use our mind.
"The conscious mind, operating in the field of subconscious creative intelligence, gives it decisions which then produce life experiences.”
"The conscious mind, operating in the field of subconscious creative intelligence, gives it decisions which then produce life experiences.”
January 9, 2026
I’ve tried time and time again over the past years to enjoy “self help” literature like this, because it’s so popular in modern culture, yet every time I am left with the feeling that I just wasted my time on yet another repetitive and vapid piece of garbage…
All self help literature, by my estimation, is nothing more than classical philosophy which has been repackaged into modern day baby food, and seems to be popular with those who prefer to be told what to do rather than to employ critical thinking. The unoriginal thoughts within this book definitely could have been summed up in a page or two.
I’ll try another self help book in a couple of years when I forget how reading these makes me feel 😂
All self help literature, by my estimation, is nothing more than classical philosophy which has been repackaged into modern day baby food, and seems to be popular with those who prefer to be told what to do rather than to employ critical thinking. The unoriginal thoughts within this book definitely could have been summed up in a page or two.
I’ll try another self help book in a couple of years when I forget how reading these makes me feel 😂
May 14, 2017
Simple But Clear Ideas for Easy Living
I think Dr. Barker clearly understands and explains the power of decision and it's link to everyday life and happiness. We truly control our lives by our decisions or lack thereof. Having studied Science of Mind for years, this was a great reminder of how simple it is to control our lives and live happily. If we stay stuck it is clearly our fault and our decision to stay stuck.
I think Dr. Barker clearly understands and explains the power of decision and it's link to everyday life and happiness. We truly control our lives by our decisions or lack thereof. Having studied Science of Mind for years, this was a great reminder of how simple it is to control our lives and live happily. If we stay stuck it is clearly our fault and our decision to stay stuck.
March 27, 2011
Accessible language, clear thinking, and ideas easily put to practical application make this one of my all time spiritual favorites, one I return to time and again. Barker was a giant in New Thought philosophy, and with the timeless wisdom in "The Power of Decision", he remains so today.
October 1, 2014
This is a special book. Its a really important reminder or realigner. It talks to you and is a balm for your thoughts. Its meaningful, insightful and it doesn't feel flowery inspite of its uplifting touch.
January 22, 2013
A must read!
June 8, 2013
Absolutely beautiful! Changed my life and thinking; initiated the realization that the decision to be fully the self that you love and deeply want to be precedes all others!
August 3, 2018
Chủ yếu bàn về lòng tin khi ra quyết định.
February 10, 2016
Great condensed book about Science of Mind. I will most likely read it again.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews