Can you solve problems easily? Can you learn new things efficiently? Can you increase your brain power? Whatever you think and feel about these questions, those thoughts and feelings will have an effect on your brain function, because brain power and psychology are intimately connected.

Checkmate in four moves, the book said, so I looked until I found it. I love chess puzzles, and I used to think those elegant solutions were not often possible in real games. Then it occurred to me that they probably are there, but that without the expectation of finding them, I settled for less worthy moves. I find the elegant ones more often now.

A man I know spent his childhood with wealthy kids and their families. Is it coincidence that he now makes more money than most of us? Did his rich friends give him money? Did they help him in business? No, no, and no. He simply feels that a certain level of income is normal, and his mind will always push him towards that level.

Are you beginning to see how expectation and belief can expand or limit not only your mind, but your life? So how do you apply this to increasing your brain power?

I'll never say that anything is possible, but what you think is possible certainly affects what you accomplish. If you think you can increase your brain power, you are far more likely to do what is necessary to get that result. Do you think you can? Do you think you are intelligent? If not, how do you change your outlook?

Don't worry. I'm not going to tell you to stand in front of a mirror making positive affirmations. There is an easier way.

What you look for, you find, and this changes your mind. Want to prove this to yourself? Watch for polite drivers for a few days, making a mental note to yourself each time you see one. Focus just on the polite ones, ignoring the rest. It will change your experience of driving in a positive way. Then watch for rude drivers for a few days, and you'll begin to see them all over.

If you actually do the exercise above, you'll get the point. You experience the world not just according to what is there, but even more according to what you pay attention to. Now, to apply this to your thinking process:

Find your successes. Notice when you learn something new. Write it down even. Point out your problem-solving successes to yourself, and you'll have more of them. When you are thinking clearly and effectively, tell yourself, "Look at that brain go!"

Telling yourself you are intelligent may help, but evidence is more convincing than affirmation. So if you are working to improve your mind, just watch, and you will find examples of progress, however large or small. Focus on these, and remember them. You can start doing this right now.