My cousin Judi pointed out that will power should more aptly be called won’t power. Normally, we are focusing our will on what we want to avoid: “I won’t take that drink,” “I won’t eat those chips,” “I won’t give in to that obsessive-compulsive urge.”
It is very hard for won’t power to work. That is because we are focusing our attention on what we don’t want, instead of on what we do want. The is true in all aspects of life. It’s far more effective to tell school children, “Walk in the hall,” instead of “Don’t run in the hall.”
“I can be what I will to be” is a powerful affirmation from The Master Key System, by Charles Haanel. It is used to purposely manifest the person you want to be and the life you want to live. Note that it isn’t, “I can avoid being what I don’t want to be.” A basic principle of manifesting is that like attracts like. If you focus your mind and emotions on lack or on negative circumstances instead of on the solutions to your problems then you may be bringing on more negativity.
So, how can we use will power effectively? Simply by focusing your attention on what you want. Instead of thinking, “I can resist alcohol,” try thinking, “I can live a sober, healthy and happy life.” It actually feels good to put aside your fears and anger and imagine the life you want to live. The more detail and emotion you put into your imagination, the better it feels and the easier it will be to attract to you.
I can be what I will to be. If I will it, it will come to pass.
