I often bring a magic wand to my face-to-face seminars and university classes. The audience usually emits a loud chuckle when I ask for a volunteer and proceed to wave my magic wand over their head and declare them “motivated.” While this approach is conceivably absurd, some motivation books imply that by simply following the author’s suggestions you will instantly become motivated. Authors of these books declare their methods are proven formulas: when one explicitly follows the formula, intense drive and immediate success will result…leading to massive wealth. These dubious claims are usually substantiated by describing a record of personal achievement from a highly charismatic and knowledgeable individual who has succeeded in one field and believes their experience is sufficient to motivate people in diverse disciplines and careers. Upon examining these claims in detail, we usually find little knowledge of actual motivational science or any replicable evidence to support the author’s suggestions. Most of the “secrets” revolve around speaking, thinking, and acting like the author – “do as I do and you too will succeed” is essentially their mantra and motivational wisdom. It’s too bad motivation cannot be mandated, regardless whether you use a magic wand or just words in a book or speech.