In the conscious mind, 2000 neurons fire off every second.  In that same second, the subconscious mind utilizes 4 billion neurons. (Source – Dr. Lee Pulos, Vancouver, Canada, 1992).  The ratio between the conscious and subconscious mind is the same ratio between an ant and an elephant.  With this in mind it is critical to consider yourself truly, ‘of two minds.’

Convincing the antlike conscious mind of anything, is not the issue.  Your objective is to establish a truth in your elephantine subconscious mind.  Do this and you have the power of 2000 conscious neurons combined with 4 billion amazingly powerful subconscious neurons pointed in the same direction: working for you every second of your life.

Now let’s talk about your goals.  If you want to accomplish a goal, you must make your goal a dominant thought.  Repeat a dominant thought enough times and it becomes a cognitive truth.  Using this technique for a positive gain is where the gold dots come in.  Use them as strategic triggers to sustain a dominant thought and a truth.

The seat of emotions and autonomic function is in the subconscious. Any thought that translates into a physical reaction is a thought worth paying attention to. If the thought of your goal gives you a tingle up and down your spine, it is likely a goal worth pursuing. This ‘tingle’ is called, The Elephant Buzz.

Think of the elephant buzz as a litmus test for goals worthy of your time and attention. Don’t let the conscious ant’s chatter tell you it is not realistic or all the reasons it won’t work. Trust the profound understanding of the subconscious elephant.

To select the best gold dot affirmation for you, take a few minutes to fill in the blank lines on the back of a note card. Brainstorm a list of possible goals. Keep this list in your wallet or as a screen saver. Add to it whenever you like. Eventually, you will have a goal on your list that you simply cannot ignore. When the thought of one goal gives you an elephant buzz. BINGO! You have the green light for…

Add some “rocket fuel” to the effectiveness of the gold dot. Repeat it as an affirmation with words like “I am” or “I have,” begin it with “I am grateful for…” or “I am thankful for…”

Plus, pick a goal that is clear, specific, visual and strikes an emotional chord.

Making your gold dot clear, specific, visual and one that has emotional impact ensures that you are establishing a tangible truth in your subconscious mind. Insert an action or material object to make it come to life. The more that a gold dot statement gives you an elephant buzz, the better it is.

For example, you might have a goal of financial independence. You may errantly set a gold dot as:

“I am grateful for my wealth!”   Is this clear, specific, visual and emotionally enticing?  No.

You might change it to:

“I am grateful for having five million dollars and being debt free!”  This is specific, but it is not clear as it could be, it is not visual and lacks a certain amount of emotional intensity.

You must see, smell, taste, touch, hear and feel all the scenarios in your vision.  Instantly see a reflection of you in a mirror as fit and healthy.  Your family is happy and strong.  You’re surrounded by evidence of an abundant life and financial security.  Your scenario appears in a flash as if it were your (future) life flashing across your conscious and subconscious as a present experience.  It is very real, and you are grateful for this “truth” that just hasn’t happened yet.

Coming up with a gold dot statement is not the easiest thing to do.  It is often more of a process leading to an epiphany.  Therefore, don’t get frustrated if it is not immediately coming to you.  Start with a statement and see how it fits you.  How does it make you feel?  How could you tweak it and make it better?  Be patient and it will come to you.  When it fits, when it gives you an emotional buzz… then you’ll know.

Vince Poscente helps business leaders with massive breakthroughs to accelerate leadership growth. His approach to obstacles and resilience has been used by Fortune 500 executives across the globe. He’s a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, which include The Earthquake, The Ant and the Elephant: Leadership For the Self, and The Age of Speed.