Don't think about the problems - think about what you want

You will see that this is an exactly opposite course from the one which we would naturally be inclined to adopt.

It will therefore have an exactly opposite effect to the one usually secured. Most persons concentrate intently upon unsatisfactory conditions, thereby giving the condition that measure of energy and vitality which is necessary in order to supply a vigorous growth.

- Extract from The Master Key System

This is an interesting concept. I would normally sit and plan how I am going to overcome a specific problem, but his philosophy has a different approach. It says: “Ignore the problem. By ignoring it, you are cutting off from it its lifeblood – which are your thoughts. Over time, the problem will die and fade.”

And look at this:

Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him; And the desire of the righteous shall be granted.

So do I just ignore the problem?

Does this mean I totally ignore the problem? Am I being an ostrich, sticking my head in the sand?

I think what it is really about, is the focus of our thoughts. When we have a problem, our natural instinct is to start looking at ways to solve the problem. We focus on the problem and try to figure out how to get rid of it.

Two Ways to deal with a problem

A problem represents a specific set of circumstances in a specific area of my life. When trying to overcome this problem, I have at least two ways in which to try and do this:

• Number 1:
• Focus on the problem and think about it until I find a solution
• Start implementing that solution
• Number 2
• Create a vivid mental picture of an alternative set of circumstances that I would rather have in my life, than the current circumstances representing the problem
• Begin to identify what is lacking my life at the moment to make those circumstances real
• Create an action plan that will begin to bring into my life those things that I have identified
• Think of this new set of circumstances every day, and do something every day to work on some part of that action plan that will bring into my life the things that are lacking, to create the desired circumstances.

Is this really so different?

In the first option, you are most probably driven by emotions such as fear, worry, stress, anxiety, anger, hatred, disappointment, and who knows what else. These emotions, when allowed to live within you for long enough, will produce depression. Depression removes all motivation. Ultimately, the problem has a much better chance of surviving, or even if you solve that one, being replaced by other problems. It’s a dark life.

In the second option, you are driven by emotions such as hope, faith, excitement, desire and other similarly positive emotions. You have a vision that you are working towards. Your focus is on positive things. Your focus every day is on progress towards something good, rather than progress away from something bad.