Think of a time when you really wanted something badly. When your need to have or achieve it consumed your thoughts, yet your mind convinced you it was out of reach or unattainable.

One of the greatest mysteries that surround the elusive nature of success, happiness and peace of mind is revealed when we understand one simple truth: Desire — in and of itself — means little and moves nothing.

The truth is what you and I want matters little in this life. Everyone wants health, wealth, happiness and wisdom. Not everyone has these qualities, nor will they achieve them. Occasionally we do manage to enjoy one, or even all of them, for a time. It is this accidental bumping into success that has led us to believe that if we want something badly enough — and if we work hard enough for it — we are assured of getting it.

Good intentions are not, however, enough for us to rally the forces of nature to provide its abundance for us. There are other laws of nature with which we are less familiar and less skilled at employing. These laws are so available and powerful that merely practicing them produces enormous and rapid abundance.

What matters is what we expect of ourselves; what we believe is inevitable for us. What matters is our mindset about who we are and what we deserve.

It is not enough to want, wish or hope. It is not enough to set goals or work hard. We must affirm over and over again in our mind’s eye, and in our heart, that what we want is inevitable. We must see it, hear it, taste it and feel it happening right now. And, we must do this regardless of any and all evidence to the contrary. We must establish faith (defined as belief without evidence) in our quest. We must act as though, pray as though, and move through our world as though what we want ... ALREADY IS.

As human beings, we have the distinct advantage of having the extraordinary inability to distinguish between the real and the very well-imagined. A crystal-clear vision that is well rehearsed over and over becomes real, regardless of any evidence to the contrary. This is how you and I can turn our desires into our realities.

Pick a Number

Money is often seen as a villain in our lives, when actually it is merely an amplifier of our intentions. It can make bad intentions worse, as well as good intentions better. Our lives can be enhanced tremendously with financial freedom. Freedom to make our avocation our occupation. Freedom to give our time and money. Freedom to pursue our childhood dreams — and our adult fascinations.

You don’t necessarily have to be rich monetarily to enjoy these freedoms. What would you do differently in your life if you could just maintain your current income without going to work?

Now take a minute to dream a little. Pick a number ... any income that would really alter your life, yet is still believable. Can you see yourself earning an extra thousand a month? What would you do with it? How would you make your life more fulfilling, more secure, and more adventuresome? How would you maximize your education, your personal and spiritual development?

Now write a vision of your life and the freedom you have just imagined. Describe it in detail, with as much passion, emotion and enthusiasm as possible. The key to having your subconscious mind access and believe in your vision is to make it vivid, clear and full of every detail, including the most important detail: how you feel.

Whether it’s in the area of your wealth, relationships, health, achievements, or all of the above — take charge of your future. Have the courage to direct its course. Be responsible for creating your life of choice. Our world will amaze you with its generosity. It is not without a price, yet if you chose a course dear to your heart, it is a price you will love to pay.