Don’t think of an orange kangaroo.

What are you thinking of?

Our subconscious mind can’t think in negatives. Have you ever tried telling yourself not to cry? Your mind must first think of crying and then attempt not to do so.

This is why commands like:

• Don’t touch that glass
• Don’t go anywhere
• There’s no need to worry
• Don’t drop the ball

Are often ineffective. (Parents and sports coaches in particular know what we’re talking about!)

Instead of focusing on what you don’t want, focus on what you do want. (To use a driving analogy, look where you want to go!) Use a positive command instead. So, the directions above might look like:

• Please keep your hands on the table
• Please stay seated
• Try to relax
• Catch the ball