nd here be it noted what, I believe, no writer has ever before
observed, that as perseverance depends on renewed forethought and
reflection, so by continued practice and thought, in self-suggestion,
the one practicing begins to find before long that his conscious will
is acting more vigorously in his waking hours, and that he can finally
dispense with the sleeping process. For, in fact, when we once find
that our will is really beginning to obey us, and inspire courage or
indifference where we were once timid, there is no end to the
confidence and power which may ensue.

Now this is absolutely true. A man may _will_ certain things ere he
falls asleep. This willing should not be _intense_, as the old animal
magnetizers taught; it ought rather to be like a quiet, firm desire or
familiarization with what we want, often gently repeated till we fall
asleep in it. So the seeker wills or wishes that he shall, during all
the next day, feel strong and vigorous, hopeful, energetic, cheerful,
bold or calm or peaceful. And the result will be obtained just in
proportion to the degree in which the command or desire has impressed
the mind, or sunk into it.

But, as I have said: Do not expect that all of this will result from a
first trial. It may even be that those who succeed very promptly will
be more likely to give out in the end than those who work up from
small beginnings. The first step may very well be that of merely
selecting some particular object and calmly or gently, yet
determinedly directing the mind to it, to be recalled at a certain
hoar. Repeat the experiment, if successful add to it something else.
Violent effort is unadvisable, yet mere repetition _without thought_
is time lost. _Think_ while willing what it is you want, _and above
all, if you can, think with a feeling that the idea is to recur to
you_.

This acting or working two thoughts at once may be difficult for some
readers to understand, though all writers on the brain illustrate it.
It may be formulated thus: "I wish to remember tomorrow at four
o'clock to visit my bookseller--bookseller's--four o'clock--four
o'clock." But with practice the two will become as one conception.

When the object of a state of mind, as, for instance, calmness all day
long, is obtained, even partially, the operator (who must, of course,
do all to _help himself_ to keep calm, should he remember his wish)
will begin to believe in himself sincerely, or in the power of his
will