Law of Attraction - 10. TRAINING THE HABIT-MIND: Building Habits in the Subconscious Mind - William Walker Atkinson

Law of Attraction - 10. TRAINING THE HABIT-MIND: Building Habits in the Subconscious Mind - William Walker Atkinson (1908)Chapter 10 of William Walker Atkinson's *Thought Vibration or the Law of Attraction in the Thought World* (1906), titled "Training the Habit-Mind", focuses on the subconscious or "habit-mind" as a powerful, automatic mechanism that shapes character, behavior, and life outcomes through repeated impulses. Building on earlier chapters about thought waves, mind building, the secret of the will, immunity to negative thoughts, transmutation of worry, and mental control, Atkinson here emphasizes practical training of the subconscious to align it with constructive patterns. He draws heavily from psychologist William James, quoting him to underscore that habit is the "enormous fly-wheel of society" and the foundation of personal stability.Atkinson explains that the subconscious mind acts as a vast storehouse for suggestions from conscious thought, environment, and others. It operates automatically, turning repeated actions and thoughts into ingrained habits that run without further effort. These habits become second nature, determining reactions in moments of choice or stress. The chapter's core message: most people allow the habit-mind to form haphazardly, accumulating undesirable patterns through laziness, indulgence, or neglect. Yet, with awareness and deliberate effort, anyone can transmit proper impulses to the subconscious, forming beneficial habits while breaking detrimental ones.A pivotal concept is the moment of decision: when the mind faces "Which of these two things shall I do?"—the easy, familiar path versus the higher, effortful one. Atkinson stresses that the habit-mind thrives on what is repeatedly chosen. To build a new habit (e.g., punctuality, self-control, positivity), consciously perform the desired action repeatedly, especially in early stages when resistance is strongest. Make it a rule to act in the new way every time the opportunity arises. The subconscious gradually accepts the new pattern as "natural," reducing resistance until the action becomes automatic.Breaking an old habit follows the inverse: starve it by refusing indulgence, even "just once." Atkinson warns against the dangerous "just-once" idea—the rationalization that a single lapse won't hurt. Each exception reinforces the old groove, making it harder to escape. He likens the mind to a piece of paper: repeated folding creates deep creases that the paper naturally follows. Negative habits form deep mental creases through repetition; positive ones require persistent folding in the desired direction until new creases dominate.Atkinson illustrates with everyday examples. A person wishing to overcome procrastination must start tasks immediately upon deciding, not allowing delay. Someone cultivating courage confronts fears head-on rather than avoiding them. For positivity, replace complaining thoughts with grateful or constructive ones consistently. The subconscious does not judge; it simply reproduces what it receives most often. Transmit strong, clear, positive impulses, and it will build corresponding automatic responses.He addresses the role of willpower in this process. While will initiates change, habit training reduces reliance on sheer force over time. Once a habit is established, it carries momentum, freeing conscious energy for higher pursuits. Atkinson encourages viewing habit formation as scientific and mechanical: apply the law consistently, and results follow inevitably.The chapter ties habit-mind training to the Law of Attraction. Beneficial habits raise vibrational frequency, attracting harmonious conditions, people, and opportunities. Poor habits lower it, drawing discord. By training the subconscious to default to positivity, self-mastery, and constructive action, one aligns inner mechanisms with universal laws for effortless manifestation.In tone, Atkinson is practical, encouraging, and insistent on personal responsibility. He rejects excuses, urging readers to "get down to business" and live deliberately. No one is doomed by past habits; all can re-train the habit-mind through persistence."Training the Habit-Mind" serves as a foundational bridge to later chapters on emotions, brain-cells, desire force, and dynamic energies. Mastering subconscious habits purifies the mental field, making higher teachings more effective. Atkinson's vision empowers: the habit-mind is a faithful servant when properly directed, transforming potential chaos into ordered, abundant living.#LawOfAttraction #ThoughtVibration #WilliamWalkerAtkinson #NewThoughtMovement #MindPower #Manifestation #PositiveThinking #MindOverMatter #MentalVibration #SelfEmpowerment #SpiritualGrowth #ThoughtsBecomeThings #LawOfSuccess #InnerStrength #SuccessMindset #VibrationFrequency #AttractAbundance #PowerOfThought #ConsciousCreation #PersonalDevelopment