Building Confidence in the Law of Attraction

​I frequently hear from students and clients, as well as on social media, phrases like, “I’ve been trying to manifest *blank*, but it just doesn’t work for me.” This begs the fundamental question: “What’s holding me back? Why isn’t the Law of Attraction working for me?”

I’ve come to realize that confidence is the transformative key to every aspect of our lives. Many plans and desires remain unrealized due to a lack of confidence in our dreams, goals, and even our most basic desires. Tragically, some leave this world, never having fully realized their potential, simply because they lack confidence. However, here’s the empowering truth: confidence is something we can cultivate, and it is one of the most essential tools in our arsenal when using the Law of Attraction.
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We need to have confidence in our ability to manifest our desires (self-confidence) as well as confidence that the Law of Attraction will provide us with the very things we desire. I remember my first attempt at using the Law of Attraction; I was skeptical and unsure of myself and my abilities. I felt awkward, but a skilled teacher told me, “You don’t have to be an absolute believer to get results. You just have to entertain the possibility that you could achieve results.” The outcomes I experienced during my initial attempt were so evident that I quickly became a firm believer.

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It’s clear that confidence is crucial for effectively using the Law of Attraction to manifest our biggest dreams and desires. In my book, The Lehrman Project: Experiments in Subconscious Communication, I quote motivational speaker Brian Tracy, who said, “Whatever you expect, with confidence, becomes your own self-fulfilling prophecy.”

​The good news is that confidence is not a fixed trait; rather, it is a skill that anyone can develop. Here are five simple steps to help you build confidence, which can guide you on your journey to mastering the Law of Attraction.

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1. Practice Being Confident: The best way to develop confidence is to practice it every day. In a recent blog post, I referenced Harvard psychologist William James, who introduced the ‘as if’ principle. This principle states that if you wish to possess something-be it an emotion, a qualification, or a lifestyle—you should act ‘as if’ you already have it. By cultivating confidence in small things, you will eventually gain the confidence needed to manifest your true desires.
 
2. Fill Your Mind with Positive Thoughts: A powerful way to build confidence is by focusing on positive thoughts. Reflect on what it means to be confident, read about the topic of confidence, and visualize yourself acting with assurance. Think about the confident people you admire. Our thoughts shape how we perceive the world. As William James said, “If you form a picture in your mind of what you would like to be and hold that picture there long enough, you will become exactly as you have been thinking.”
 
3. Acknowledge Your Confidence: You can further develop your confidence by recognizing that you already possess it. Anyone can feel confident for a single day; if you can do that, why not extend it to a week or even a month? Consider the areas of your life where you take initiative, show resourcefulness, follow through on your plans, or stand up for yourself. By acknowledging these moments of confidence, they will become more prominent and influential in your life.
 
4. Overcome Fear: Remember that fear can be blinding, especially the fear of failure. It’s essential to eliminate doubts and negative thoughts from your mind. As Shakespeare wrote, “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the gift we oft might win by failing to attempt.”
 
5. Take Action: Finally, it’s crucial to take action on your desires, dreams, goals, and Convictions. It’s easy to give up and let ourselves get sidetracked. When we question and doubt our abilities, our confidence tends to diminish. Therefore, let’s commit to following through, staying the course, and nurturing our confidence.

​Building confidence takes time, but it is definitely worth the effort. We learn by doing, and if you can project confidence in your ability to manifest your desires today, you will find it even easier to trust the Law of Attraction tomorrow. When that happens, you will no longer ask, “Why isn’t this working for me?” Instead, you will become an absolute believer.