Creative joy

How to Get What You Want: Advice from Supercoach Michael Neill

How to get what you want? In some situations, the question is clear. In others, it might feel more complex, even out of reach.

In his book Supercoach, Michael Neill summarises the three main approaches that most of us use to get what we want from life. He breaks our behaviour down into three approaches: acquisition-based thinking, attraction-based thinking, and creation-based thinking:

“—Acquisition-based thinking places the power outside us in the visible physical world. If we want some of that power for ourselves, we need to go out and get it. When we don’t get what we want, it’s either because the world is rigged against people like us or we just aren’t trying hard enough.

Attraction-based thinking places the power outside us in the invisible metaphysical world. If we want to tap into that power we need to align our thoughts, feelings, intentions and desires. When we don’t get what we want, it’s either because God/the universe has a higher plan for us or we just aren’t thinking positively enough.

—Creation-based thinking recognizes that the power is (and always has been) inside us. We access that power through the choices we make about how to be (our “ground of being”), how to see (our attitude, or “angle of approach”) and what to do (the words we speak and the actions we take). When we don’t get what we want, it’s either beaver we haven’t yet found a way or it’s just taking more time than we want it to. No blame, no fault, no shame. And when getting what you want stops being about you and becomes more simply about what you want, it becomes a lot easier.”

Supercoach, Michael Neill (2013)

In other words, as Michael writes, the question we need to ask ourselves isn’t “What do I want?” but “What would I love to create?”

What would you love to create this year? And do you have any suggestions or advice when it comes to how to get what you want? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

Further reading: Are your goals helping you or hurting you? & 5x5x5: the simple way to achieve your BHAGs

Image: Dustin Scarpitti