A crucial aspect of creating change involves understanding the role your thoughts play in the process of change.

You move in the direction of your most dominant thoughts.

So...

Be mindful of what you think.

Because your thoughts matter.

Be mindful of the images you allow to play out in your mind's eye.

Because the images in your mind's eye do matter.

Be mindful of your intentions.

Because your intentions matter.

As trite as it may sound, the most important conversation you will have all day is the one you have with yourself.

Some additional important ideas about thoughts, images and intentions include...

Have your thoughts, images and intentions aligned with the direction you want to move.

Act "as if" you have already created your desired outcomes.

Avoid the disempowering trap of focusing on what you don't want.

Remember, you move in the direction of your most dominant thoughts, images and intentions.

Focusing on what you DON'T want is a sure way to get more of what you DON'T want in your life.

For example, if you are currently a smoker and want to be smoke free...

You are not against smoking.

You are for your body and optimal health.

Whatever you stand against or fight you give more power to.

Attempts to make personal changes from the perspective of fighting leads to an experience of deprivation.

Focusing on what you want is experienced as a positive assertion of self.

Focusing on what you DON'T want weakens you.

Focusing on what you DO want strengthens you.

Focusing on what you DON'T want leads to intense preoccupation, a sort of cul-de-sac of misery.

Focusing on what you DO want leads to a healthy mindset that leads to positive change.

Focusing on what you DON'T want leads to feeling like a victim. It contributes to self pity, a need to blame and feelings of powerlessness.

Focusing on what you DO want helps you transcend complaining and facilitates feelings of resourcefulness.

Spend a few moments today getting a clear image in your mind's eye clearly seeing, hearing, feeling and experiencing what you want "as if" you already accomplished it.