The Law of Attraction is very popular today as a tool to bring about positive change in one's life. It causes you to slow down and really listen to the desires of your heart so you can make conscious choices.What you focus your attention on magnetically draws like people places and things to you. Your thoughts are magnetic.

I have a fictional corollary: The Law of Assumptions. Your assumptions also influence your experiences in life and, most of them are hidden in your unconscious. What beliefs do we assume to be true without testing them.? Where did those assumptions come from? Are they still valid? And, to quote Dr. Phil, "How's that working for you?" Our hidden assumptions can keep the Law of Attraction from working on our behalf.

For more years than I'd like to admit, I've made assumptions (that were wrong) based upon what I thought was incontrovertible evidence or what other people convinced me was true. I unconsciously accepted the assumptions that: "Only people who go to college are going to make a good living. All tall people are good at basketball. All blondes are dumb. My religion is better than yours. My culture is better than yours. Making decisions based on untested assumptions, limits the chances for success. If you want to feel empowered and to make better decisions, start questioning the assumptions that are interwoven in your thinking process and that may now be used to "pigeon hole" people, companies, countries and possibilities. After identifying and questioning hidden assumptions, you can decide to let go of outmoded assumptions so you can live a happier life. 

Because of the lessons I've learned the hard way, I'm now asking questions more often before I act. I'm also learning not only do I need to watch my assumptions, but I also need to watch my words…and I don't mean just the four-letter kind. This is still a daily challenge and it keeps me from living my life on "auto-pilot." It also enables the Law of Attraction to work in my favor.

I've observed that by changing the way I express things, I can actually improve my performance and effectiveness and I'm sure the same principle holds true for you. Studies have found that people who express themselves optimistically perform at a higher level than pessimists.  Optimists look at a situation and see benefits, opportunities and learning experiences. Pessimists look at the same situation and see only the risks, the problems and the negative consequences.

I've learned that the language I use to express my thoughts, whether talking to myself or to others, can strongly influence the way I look at the world and that can impact the results I get from the world. So it is critically important to me to be aware of, and to actively control, the language I use. This skill takes a lot of practice on my part and requires that I slow down and think before I speak. This is something that doesn't come easy to a fast thinker and even faster talker like me.

As I'm now paying more attention to language (mine and everybody else's), I've noticed that most people talk, in everyday life, in negative terms. It’s so common that few people even realize they’re doing it. “How’s it going?” someone asks. “Not bad,” is the reply. “What are you doing?” “Not much.”

Now when I'm asked “How’s it going?,” I say  “Great!” When asked “What are you doing?,” I respond with “I’m enjoying life.” A positive reply makes me feel so much better. It seems silly and insignificant yet, when you make it a habit, it will quickly change your outlook. Say “I’m enjoying life” five times. How do you feel? If you like the way you feel, then consciously use positive language to express yourself. If it doesn't make you feel good, question if there are any hidden assumptions that are keeping you from enjoying life. Do you assume you have to struggle or your not worthy or people won't like you if you enjoy life?

Have you ever noticed the language most people use when they seek to persuade you to do something? “Why don’t we go to the movies tonight?” Stated in the negative, this literally makes you start thinking of reasons why NOT to go to the movies. Listen to how much better this sounds: “Let’s go to the movies tonight.”

A few other examples of how words can change results:

"If you decide to business with us, your order won’t be delayed.”

“When you decide to do business with us, we’ll ship immediately.”

In this case, “If” presumes that they might NOT do business. “When” presumes that they will.

“I understand what you’re saying, but I won’t let you down.”

“I understand what you’re saying, and I can handle that.”

Look at the huge difference in confidence and credibility your can create, just by changing a few words.

By combining the fictional Law of Assumptions with the Law of Attraction and using positive language, you’ll be happier because you will experience the benefits in all areas of your life.