In the late 1980’s an aspiring actor named Jim Carrey would park his car on Mulholland Drive, overlooking the iconic Hollywood sign in Beverly Hills. He would sit there and imagine a life in which he was a successful actor who would be able to afford one of the prestigious mansions that adorn that famous road in the Santa Monica Mountains. Carrey went even further with is visualization, and wrote himself a check for $10 million for acting services rendered, dating it for Thanksgiving 1995. He placed that check in his wallet, where it sat for years. By 1995, he would be a renowned star for movies such as The Mask, Dumb & Dumber, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and have a net worth of over $10 million.
Coincidence? Luck? Nope. According to Carrey, his successes manifested by his use of the Law of Attraction.
Understanding the Law of Attraction
The Law of Attraction has is a concept founded in the notion that our beliefs, emotions, and thoughts have the power to shape our experiences. In essence, the theory suggests that like attracts like—meaning that positive thoughts bring positive outcomes, while negative thoughts bring negative experiences. Although modern day literature such as The Secret, Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires, and other self-help books have currently sparked interest in this philosophy, the concepts actually draw on ancient spiritual and metaphysical traditions. At its foundation, the Law of Attraction asserts that your thoughts and feelings release a certain frequency, which the universe responds to by manifesting similar vibrations. In other words, your thoughts have power– whatever energy you radiate will be equivalent to the energy you receive in return. Your way of thinking has the authority to either attract or repel different energies that are all contingent on your mindset. For example, if you are focused on abundance, success, or happiness, you will attract more of those elements into your life. Conversely, dwelling on fears, worries, or scarcity can elicit those conditions.
The 3 Fundamentals in the Law of Attraction
1. Ask
When asking for what you want, clarify what you desire– whether it’s material wealth, personal growth, or emotional fulfillment. This process involves being specific and clear about your results. Asking for a clear intention will yield a more precise and accurate outcome of what you want to garner.
2. Believe
You must believe that what you have asked for will be granted and is coming to you. Develop unwavering faith that your desire will manifest. One of the most vital components in this step is to remove any and all doubt. You have to steadfastly believe that the universe has heard your petition, is aligning things in your favor, and will bring your request to fruition.
3. Receive
Since the universe is a mirror reflecting your dominant thoughts, believing that you already have what you have asked for actually reflects back the notion that you have essentially received it. Therefore, act as though what you desire is already on its way and is yours. Cultivating a sense of gratitude and optimistic expectancy helps open up the channel.
How to Use the Law of Attraction in Everyday Life
Using the Law of Attraction effectively requires more than just wishful thinking. Below are some practical steps to apply into your daily life:
1. Clarify Your Intentions
Before attracting anything, you need to be specific about what you want. Vague desires will render vague results. For example, instead of wishing for “more money,” specify an exact amount you would like to earn and by when. Visualization can be a powerful tool here as well. Picture yourself achieving your goals, feeling the emotions that would come with that accomplishment, and imagining your blessings as having already been bestowed upon you.
2. Practice Positive Thinking
Your mindset is vital in using the Law of Attraction. (And for living a joyous life as well!) Focus on positive thoughts and emotions related to your desires. Express gratitude for what you already have and for what is coming to you. Combat and replace negative thought patterns with affirmations that align with your goals. For instance, rather than thinking, “I can’t do this,” shift to “I am capable of achieving my dreams.”
3. Take Action
While the Law of Attraction emphasizes thoughts and emotions, action is a critical component. Taking inspired action that aligns with your desires helps you partner with the universe. This means setting clear goals, working purposefully toward them, and taking steps that bring you closer to what your desired outcome. If you are trying to attract a new job, for example, update your resume, network, and apply for positions that resonate with you.
4. Cultivate Patience and Trust
One of the most challenging aspects of the Law of Attraction is trusting the process and having patience. We live in a world of instant gratification and that luxury can deter us from maintaining faith and perseverance. Sometimes, what you desire doesn’t manifest right away or it may appear in ways that did not align with your preconceived expectations. Incidents may occur that are out of your control. It is imperative in these circumstances to release any doubt and remain steadfast in the belief that what you want is still coming to you. Fight the temptation to brood over the lack of results. Trust that the universe is working on your plan. Delays are not necessarily denials.
5. Let Go of Limiting Beliefs
Often, what holds people back from manifesting their desires are deep-rooted beliefs that create internal resistance. These could be subconscious beliefs like, “I’m not worthy of success” or “I’ll never make that much money.” Acknowledging and then surrendering these limiting beliefs is mandatory in attracting what you want. Implementing strategies such as meditation, praying, journaling, or talking to a therapist can help you unpack and transform these negative patterns.
6. Express Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful emotion that enhances the Law of Attraction. By appreciating what you already have, you open yourself to receiving more. Showing gratitude extinguishes doubt, anxiety, and hopelessness. It opens the door to joy, appreciation, and faith. Start a daily gratitude practice, listing things you are thankful for—big and small. This helps shift your focus and state of consciousness from lack to abundance, creating a positive cycle of attraction.
The Law of Attraction is more than just a mystical concept; it serves as a powerful reminder that our mindset, beliefs, and emotions can shape our reality. By utilizing positive thinking, taking inspired action, and trusting the process, you can use this universal law to bring about desired changes in their life. Although it may take time, enacting its principles encourages a more proactive, optimistic, and empowered approach to life.
