Chaos to Control: A Practical Guide to Getting Things Done

Another aspect to be aware of is that your brain does not know the difference between a positive and negative statement. If you are told not to think about a big hairy ape with a large yellow banana, what image do you create in your head whilst not trying to think about it? So, if you are constantly saying “I don’t want to have debt,” your brain is thinking “debt, debt, debt”. The conscious mind sends this to the unconscious mind and this becomes your focus. This is why, when setting goals, you must think in the positive rather than in the negative. Instead of saying “I don’t want to be in debt anymore”, try “I wish to have an abundance of money to pay for all my needs and requirements in life.” Because the subconscious mind has such an influence on our lives, it means that we can practise a very powerful trick to help us to manifest our goals more quickly and with less difficulty.

Our plans miscarry because they have no aim. When a man does not know what harbour he is making for, no wind is the right wind.”
– Seneca

There are many books written on the power of visualisation, so much so that visualisation techniques have become very much a part of sports and business training and practice. Visualisation is the simple process of creating a picture in your mind’s eye of your ideal outcome.

Can you see how this affects your ability to get what you want and your ability to achieve your goals?

Having a vision for the future, which you are passionate about, helps you to connect with your daily tasks on a higher level

Exercise improves cardiovascular flow; if your blood is circulating more efficiently in your body, this will lead you to have more energy.

How to meditate
There are many forms of meditation, depending on your motivations for meditation. One of the simplest forms, and that easiest for the beginner, is a breathing meditation.
Choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. You can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture on the floor, in a chair or in any other position that is comfortable. The most important thing is to keep your back straight to prevent your mind from becoming sleepy.
Close your eyes and turn your attention to your breathing. Breathe naturally through your nose. Do not attempt to control your breath. Become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is the object of meditation

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
– Aristotle

Stress cannot survive long if you truly focus on the present.

We should always try to focus on the now, while giving the past and the future their deserved attention. Remember, if you focus on the present, you do still have the ability to change the future. Don’t pre-empt what hasn’t happened and don’t waste time thinking about it. Use your time effectively, and make it work to your advantage. You have the power to change things now. So remember, focus is all about now. If your thoughts wander, try to bring them back to the present. Focusing on your breathing can help you to quieten the mind and bring it back to the now.