Once you've got your statements, then what? How do you remember to repeat them in a consistent way?

Choose your triggers. Select a certain habit or activity that you engage in every single day. It can be something as simple as brushing your teeth. Any activity that gives you about 30 seconds of time to focus will work. It helps to choose an activity that is somehow related to your intention statement.

For example, let's say that you want to feel less rushed. Think of a trigger related to time. Hitting snooze button? Looking at your watch? Waiting for your bus or train? Don't choose ALL of these-you won't remember them all. Instead, choose one single action to be your trigger for repeating that statement. Think "time" whenever you engage in that activity, and repeat your statement: "I have plenty of time to accomplish everything I need to do." Or, you could use that trigger to think "relaxed" and repeat "I am relaxed and unhurried."

Use language that works best for you, but make sure it is present tense and positive--say "I am relaxed" instead of "I'm not stressed." Neuroscientific studies indicate that if we say word "stressed" our brains will zero in on that and skip "not" part!

Once you've selected it, start creating habit of repeating your statement to yourself whenever you engage in that behavior.

Want to work on your attitude about money? Every time you open your checkbook or use your credit card, remember "plenty" and repeat your intention statement about it. "I attract plenty of money for all of my needs." Maybe you want to spend less money. In that case, think "save" and say "I save money wisely" or "I am thrifty and frugal."

Looking to improve your approach to your wellness? Repeat your intention statement each time you take first bite of a meal or lace up your exercising shoes. Think "healthy" and repeat "I am fit, healthy and active."

Longing to find a loving relationship? Each time you see an affectionate couple or someone you find attractive, remember "love" and state your intention: "I am loved deeply and treated lovingly."

It's easy to get caught up in negative thought cycles we've all developed during our lives. Our brains already know "I'm never going to get ahead financially" story and "No matter what I do, I can't lose this weight" story. Our minds are getting way too many repeats of "Other people fulfill their dreams, but not me" fairy tale.

Ack. Turn page. New story!

Dish up some positive intention statements, and make sure they become a regular part of your routine by attaching them to triggers you feel will work best for you. Make it easy for your brain to remember to remember.

And okay, use Post-its if that helps.

"Hey, how'd ya know fuzz was there?" my buddy pressed me as we arrived safely back at our car.

"Uh, I just knew somehow. A guess, I guess," I muttered, covering for myself as best I could under circumstances.

"Well, a pretty good one, man. We'd be up creek if they caught us. Thanks. You're all right. We should have you around every time we go drinking."

Ah, music to my ears. And so my young career as a drinking guard began!

My friends, at sixteen, were older than I but still under legal drinking age of eighteen in New York State. I was fifteen and considered myself really lucky to be included in this older gang at a time of life when acceptance and belonging was paramount. And to have access to liquor through their connections was heaven for me.

I would do almost anything to please these guys and stay tight with them. I mused to myself, My newfound super-vision is coming in real handy. If we got busted for underage drinking, we'd all get grounded by our parents, not to mention getting in trouble with law. I've got to keep this good thing going!

On that fateful night, my need for approval prompted me to keep expanding this burgeoning, new skill that I stumbled across in line of necessity and opportunity.

As I played with my prowess as a night watchman for gang, I realized I was doing more than clairvoyance, "clear seeing." Each time I playfully sent myself out to scan scene for police, I was having a bona fide out-of-body experience. I didn't have a name for it then, but I sure knew I was doing it! I was right on mark every time I called a cop alert. My skill was valued by friends I valued. Literally, I was flying high!

Since my teenage discovery, I've continued to explore out-of-body adventures. And I always laugh in admiration when I look back on how God tricked me into developing my first natural spiritual ability.

(c)2004, Keith Varnum. All rights in all media reserved.