One of the most important steps in consciously using the Law of Attraction is learning to change our expectations. Why? Because the Universe delivers exactly what we expect to see. Our expectations are formed on the foundation of our existing beliefs.

If we believe ourselves to be lacking financially, we will expect to see a bigger proportion of bills than income - and the universe delivers. If we believe we are sick, overweight or weak, we expect to feel pain and fatigue - and the universe delivers. If we believe ourselves to be unworthy of love, we expect not to be loved - and guess what the universe delivers?

Think back to the experiences you've had in your past and ask yourself if you got what you were expecting. Have you ever uttered statements like these?

I just can't get ahead!
I'm so sick of struggling.
Everything always goes wrong for me.
If it wasn't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.
This is too good to be true, something's going to go wrong.

Words like these are actually self-fulfilling prophesies. You are, in effect, placing your order with the universe at the moment you begin feeling the feelings behind the words (yes, even before you SPEAK the words!). The universe doesn't care what words you use, it pays attention to your vibrations - the energetic signal you're sending out. That signal is formed by your beliefs and expectations.

So how do we change our expectations? Is it possible? Absolutely!

One of the most powerful things you can begin doing is consciously expecting the best. Throughout the course of your day, take a few moments to pause and expect something wonderful. Say to yourself, "Today is going to be a great day!" Try to find the positive expectation in every experience. If your boss asks to speak with you privately, rather than expecting him to reprimand or fire you, expect him to praise you and give you a pay raise! Rather than expecting to see bills in your mailbox when you get home, expect to see a check.

The more you can keep this feeling of happy expectation in your heart, the more often you will see results that directly mirror your expectations.

Does it sound unbelievable? Far-fetched? Try this little experiment:

Before leaving your home one morning, say to yourself, "Sometime today I will see the image of a bumblebee (or any image you choose - it should be something you wouldn't ordinarily see during your daily activities). I choose to attract this image into my awareness, and it will jump out at me so I don't miss it. I KNOW I will see this bumblebee, and that will prove to me that my expectations DO affect my experiences." As you speak these words, infuse them with power and conviction! Believe with all of your heart that you will indeed attract this image to yourself. Then let go of it and continue with your day like usual.

If you don't see the image you've chosen, you know you didn't put enough power and faith into your expectation!

The first time I tried this experiment, it didn't work for me. Looking back, I'm aware that I didn't really BELIEVE I would see a bumblebee. I hoped I would, but I was doubtful. Still, I decided to try again the next day. That's when I really energized my expectation with unshakable faith and conviction. I was DETERMINED to see a bumblebee sometime during my day, and I wouldn't accept any other outcome. Boy did I get what I asked for! All that day, I saw bumblebees wherever I went. Bumblebee logos on passing trucks, references to bees mentioned on the radio, a cashier wearing a bumblebee pin when I did some shopping, and my husband watching a television special on bees when I got home!

Once you begin to see that you can influence your experiences even in small ways, imagine the sense of empowerment you'll feel when you decide to expect something better in the bigger aspects of your life. Try it, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!