The same thing is true when we have a problem we're trying to solve or eliminate from our lives. If we focus on the challenge, we're concentrating on the surface issue, and our subconscious simply creates more of it. The solution can't appear as long as the condition fills our consciousness. When we affirm about a solution appearing, but feel frustrated, upset or concerned about the situation, or think about the problem in any way, then our belief in the challenge stops any resolution from manifesting. Just like the board stopping the martial artist's hand. We're focused on the surface and not seeing through it to the possibility of a solution.

In every problem, there is always an answer available. When we're affirming things to change, however, we may be trying to control how the situation resolves. We may not like the remedy the Universe has for us. Instead of a troublesome coworker changing their attitude, we may have to change jobs. Or we may have to alter our attitude to be more tolerant. Other priorities may make what we believe to be our answer obsolete. We may want more abundance, and try to increase our income at our present job, only to find that we're unexpectedly moving to another location.

If we're still stuck in the problem, one of the best ways to get a way to appear is to do what Emmet Fox called "The Golden Key." Remember that God, and all Its goodness, is always at the center of every situation, no matter how negative. Turn the attention from the problem to the Universe and all of Its qualities. Meditate on and affirm harmony, abundance, joy, health, etc. in all areas of life. Remember that God is everywhere present, knowing and seeing all, has infinite power and authority, is perfect action and divine order.

These are the ideas we want to fill our minds with when we feel blocked. In so doing, we're getting our limited perception of the situation out of the way. We're taking our attention from the problem to the perspective of the Universe, where the difficulty doesn't exist. This begins to uplift our consciousness to allow more creative solutions to flow.

Answer: I understand how it is to feel power within, but not know what to do with it. Your capabilities are as great as you can imagine. It's been said that "Whatever you can conceive and believe, you can achieve." Many times, we can conceive of doing great things, have fantastic ideas, but if we don't believe we can actually accomplish them, then they don't come into fruition. We are both limited and freed by how much we believe in ourselves and our potential.

We each have everything we need within us to achieve what we want, but most of us just follow the path we've always taken. To actually make the strides to a better future, we have to be able to let go of old, restrictive ways of thinking, and believe (there's that word again) that change is possible.

I'd suggest that you begin to read self-help books, such as "Psycho- Cybernetics," "The Magic of Believing," "The Ultimate Secret of Total Self-Confidence," "Think and Grow Rich," "The Power of Positive Thinking," etc. If you read any of the articles on my site (which I suggest), there's always a recommended book on the sidebar, and I review a book each month in my newsletter. Most of them are books that have made an impact in my life.

I got my copy of this book over twenty years ago. Since then, it's become a classic of how to manifest the life you want. It touches on all the basics of how to use your mind to its highest potential, along with clear instructions on how to practice each one. Starting with the basics of creative visualization, she explains the steps and what to do at each step of the way. She addresses how to write and use affirmations. From this practical beginning, she moves deeper into more advanced areas, still giving easily understood directions on how to experience it for yourself. Subjects such as healing, prosperity, relationships, self-esteem, among others are covered.

Many people who already have a grounding in these ideas may think they have little use for this book. Although it can be considered an introduction to the power of your mind, since it covers so much ground, it also condenses the information so that it's a wonderful reference text. Filled with affirmations, techniques, meditations, and exercises, this book is an essential addition to the library of anyone who uses these ideas.