
Note: This post is a revamped edition of the first article that I posted on my blog, on January 17, 2016. I hope that it will inspire you to turn within and activate more of the innate greatness that’s the real YOU.
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Until May 6, 1954, a mile had never been run in under four minutes. Think of it: under four minutes to run 1,760 yards, 5,280 feet, or 1609.34 meters. That a human can run that distance, that fast, is still an amazing feat. The math works out to an average of fifteen miles per hours.
At the time, the idea of running a sub four-minute mile was inconceivable to most people. The human body was believed incapable of moving that fast; as though opposing forces were shouting “impossible!” and that we had to listen. That assumption stood as a seemingly solid and unbreakable barrier until it crumbled under the will, belief, and ability of one man–Roger Bannister; who ran a race that was fueled by the indomitable power of his spirit. His world record of 3 minutes 59.4 seconds was set at Iffley Road Track in Oxford, England.
There’s a rumour that I’m going to use for the purpose of this article; and it doesn’t matter one whit if it’s true. Years ago, I read that in preparation for his famous run, Roger wrote a time–sub four minutes–on a slip of paper and placed it in his shoes.
Imagine how keeping his desire close
and being reminded of it
could motivate him to achieve his goal.
You, too, can write a note to yourself, about any desire that you choose. It’s important to be specific and clear. By doing so, we bring our intention to life. We’re not leaving our life to fate; we’re writing our own destiny! For this technique to be effective, ensure that you read your note (goal card) every day, with an attitude of calm and receptive faith. If the logical mind comes knocking, don’t open the door.
For those of you who may wonder how doing what I’ve just described could possibly make any difference, please know that I “hear” what you might be thinking. We’ve been conditioned to believe that we must be extremely fortunate, born lucky, or work extremely hard to achieve our goals. But such is not actually the case. In support of this, I offer the following quote, which is attributed to Andrew Carnegie, who was one of the wealthiest men in the world:
“Any idea that is held in the mind, that is emphasized, that is either feared or revered,
will begin at once to cloth itself
in the most convenient and appropriate form available.”
When the quote is interpreted through the materialism lens of “reality,” the part about an idea “clothing” itself in form seems ludicrous. The KEY of understanding the principle of deliberate manifestation is to know your true Self (beyond the ego) and realize the following:
Awareness is all that there is. Every person, object, and event is made of Awareness. It’s impossible to have an experience in the absence of Awareness. Such explains why the nature of the thoughts and feelings that we entertain is so important. They’re the mental blueprints for our life.
Now, I ask you: What will you write on your goal card? Would you like to lose a few pounds? If so, write an affirmation, phrased in the present tense, and assume you’re at your ideal weight NOW. If it’s financial prosperity that you desire, write that affirmation and assume you’re that rich NOW. Make it your habit to read your goal card when you first awaken in the morning, and before drifting off to sleep at night. These are the times of day when our subconscious mind is receptive and highly impressionable. Believe that you have your desire NOW—because NOW is all that we ever experience. The past and the future are only concepts. So what’s your desire? Better health? Greater success? Loving relationships? You know what to do.
Based on the title of this article, I also suggest setting aside a minimum of four minutes each day to envision your goal in as much sensory vividness as possible. Imagine a scene that implies that your goal has already been achieved. By doing so, you’re planting a seed of intention in the garden of your mind. Through gentle but persistent repetition, the subconscious mind will accept your new belief and prompt you to act upon intuitive nudges. The more that you trust, the closer you’ll move toward the fulfillment of your goal.
In case you’re curious, Roger’s record for a sub four-minute mile lasted for only forty-six days before it was broken by John Landy, on June 21, 1954. So, where does the world record stand now? Has it been lowered by a few more seconds, or a minute or two? According to Chatgpt, the current record for a human running the mile was set on July 7, 1999 by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco. His time stands at 3:43.13. This didn’t happen by chance.
The mysterious power of belief was involved…every…step…of…the…way.
Special Note: To add to your understanding about the nature of our “reality,” I recommend reading some or all of the following articles in my blog. They contain information that supports what I’ve already shared. Here’s list of titles, with links that lead directly to the articles:
- What’s Driving the Dream Bus?
- Moving Mountains
- Baker’s Dozen: Power Quotes
- Notes from Beyond
- Be Curious: (Gospel of Thomas)
- Manifest: A Key Piece of Information
- Affirming Truth
- The Master Key
- This Mental Universe
- Deliberate Creation 5:5
Dare to dream (and care for one another).
With heartfelt regards,
Art
Copyright © – 2025 – R. Arthur Russell
P.S. Please share this article if you enjoyed it. If you’d like to view my latest book (This Taste of Flesh and Bones), press here. My YouTube videos can be found at Think2wice@I-Am-Aware. May the content of either or both help you along your spiritual journey. “Thank You” & “Note to Publishers” 🙏🏻🧡
Wonderful to see your email in my inbox this morning Art. I had just been listening to Ruiz Jr’s Mastery of Life on audiobook and your post was a nice bookend. Every day I walk my path I discover new wonders. As I’ve said before your book and thoughts are very helpful for me. Thank you!
Owen
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Hello Owen, Thank you so much for your kind comment. It’s a pleasure to hear from you! I’m sure the Mastery of Life audiobook will be wonderful! I’ve learned so much from authors who have taken the time to share what they have learned. I’m glad that my book is being useful for you. Thank you again! 🙏
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