We’ve all heard it said so many times it’s almost corny, and it’s still true – you get what you focus on. Not magically – by a lot of effort. And that effort is directed by what you focus on.

So if you’re focussing on getting a new car, you’ll spot opportunities to get it that you otherwise would miss. That can be as simple as actually reading the cars section of your local paper. Or visiting the local car lot. Or maybe a little more subtle, noticing that car parked outside the supermarket with the “For Sale” sticker in the window. All stuff that you wouldn’t take notice of if you’re not in the market for a new car.

It’s not only direct attention that is focussed by the search for a new car. If you want a new car, yet can’t afford it, you’ll also be more likely to spot opportunities to earn the money for it. So long as you’re attention is on the car, rather than not affording it. If your focus is on not affording it, what you’ll most likely see is more confirmations that you can’t have it. You’ll look at the bank statement, or the pile of bills that represent your current reality, not at the part-time business opportunities or the new job advert.

The trick is to ask not “Why isn’t this happening?”, but “How can I make this happen?” or “What do I need to do for this to happen?”