You can achieve anything you want. Yes, you can. But, like so many things there is a small catch. And here it is - no matter what it is that you desire you must believe strongly in it almost to the exclusion of everything else. Does that sound like an obsession?

Let me tell you how to turn your obsession into reality. You can do it via a little technique that I am going to outline for you.

But first, just so there is no misunderstanding I want to dispel a few myths. First, will just thinking about something bring your goal into existence? No it won't. Materializing a thought can only occur if you add some action to your desire. That is the key. The physical actions must be directed by a concentrated train of thought.

In other words, the mind MUST become involved FIRST.

Think about it. Everything that has ever been brought into existence was first just a thought in the mind of its creator. It had to be.

Unfortunately for most, the humdrum of life gets in the way. But that is only because most people have no method for keeping their dreams and goals uppermost in their minds. Allow me to give you an example.

Let's say you want to write a book. This is a good example for me because I have written several myself, so I know what I am talking about. Will merely thinking about writing a book get the job done? No. However, if you obsess on writing a book you will eventually spark yourself into action. Soon you will have outlined your plan. Something happened. You obsess some more and you are driven to write the first chapter. Pretty soon the action and not the thought is the motivator. The book virtually seems to be writing itself using your hand as the instrument. It becomes almost self-perpetuating.

Highly motivated people can do these things almost at will. But what about everybody else? Not everybody was born with great reserves of self-motivation. How can you train your mind well enough to do these things?

There is a method. It's called an affirmation. First, you need to write your goal down on a small card. Next you read and focus on the words on that card as often as possible. It works. Constantly feeding your mind with the positive thought inspires not only action but also creativity. This method literally forces your mind to bring your goal into existence.

Here is a challenge for you. Try using the method I have outlined above for 30 days. For 30 days you need to read your affirmation as often as possible. Do not miss a single day. It only takes a minute to do. Read it every morning, every evening and as many times as you can in between. At the end of 30 days you will have progressed towards your goal. There is magic in this system. Try it. See for yourself.

Finally, let me leave you with this wonderful quote from Erma Bombek: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.