You can approach a goal in two ways. You can try to get it. Or you can try to receive it. One is a direct approach. The other is an indirect one.
Our intuition is to go after what we want directly, but in my experience, receiving it works better. The reason for that can be explained easily.
Our intuition includes 4.5 billion years of evolution. In a significant portion of that period, we weren’t subject to a legal system as we are now.
Before the civilization, when we wanted or needed something, we simply went out and got it. That’s rarely the case right now. Now, we have to work, earn money, and then fulfill our wants and needs with the money we made.
A System of Voluntary Exchanges
Our system now is based on voluntary exchanges. That means we need to create the conditions that would result in us receiving what we want. That sounds obvious when you read it, but I believe that we carry a different program in our unconscious mind.
In our conscious mind, we know that our system is based on voluntary exchanges. In our unconscious mind, we still carry the program that goes out and gets what they want.
Most of the time, we act from our unconscious mind. We act out the unconscious programs that don’t work anymore. As a result, we get disappointed, frustrated, and wonder what’s wrong with the world.
Practice the New Paradigm Consciously
To achieve the results we want, we need to practice the new paradigm consciously until we make it second nature. In my experience, the best way to do that is to develop the identity of the person who receives what I want.
Let’s say you want to make a million dollars. Instead of asking how you can make a million dollars, ask who you have to be to make a million dollars.
Your answer might be to become an entrepreneur to make a million dollars. Now, ask yourself how you can become an entrepreneur. What are the differences between you and an entrepreneur? Determine those differences and work on eliminating them.
Here are a few ideas.
- Entrepreneurs don’t trade their time for money.
- Entrepreneurs work on unproven ideas.
- Entrepreneurs don’t waste their time.
- Entrepreneurs are open-minded.
- Entrepreneurs are decisive.
- Entrepreneurs take calculated risks.
- Entrepreneurs are systematic in their approach.
And the list goes on. You might disagree with some of the points. You might have your own perception of an entrepreneur. That’s perfectly fine. The goal here is to define those traits and to work on cultivating them.
Conclusion
Our genetic inheritance includes programs of going out and getting what we want. That approach doesn’t work in our society anymore because we live in a system of voluntary exchanges.
In the system of voluntary exchanges, we need to receive what we want. In my experience, the best way to do that is to become the person who receives what we want.
To achieve that, determine the traits of the person who receives what you want, and cultivate those personality traits.
When you become the person who receives what you want, what you want comes as a byproduct.