There are four major rules that the subconscious mind follows. Understanding these will greatly help you on your path to self-improvement. Keep in mind while reading these rules that the subconscious mind reacts similarly to a very young child.

Rule 1 — It Does Exactly as the Conscious Mind States

This would be a wonderful feature if the conscious mind would always make the best decisions. Unfortunately, since the conscious mind is a creature of habit, in many instances it does not make the proper decisions. Therefore, even though you want to progress in a certain area, if your conscious mind is continually fighting change, which is its nature, the subconscious will not change.

Rule 2 — It Does Not Understand the Concept of Negative

The subconscious mind does not respond or react to words; it responds to pictures and emotions. Wherever you place your thoughts, focus, and emotions, your subconscious mind will respond. People who have a desire to change, rather than thinking about what they do want, often focus on what they don't want.

Rather than focusing on being healthy, they focus on not wanting to be sick. Rather than focusing on having a great relationship, they focus on not breaking up. Since the focus is on the negative rather than the positive, they end up attracting to their lives more of what they don't want.

Rule 3 — It Does Not Have a Sense of Humor

Think about some of the humorous phrases or idioms that you use on a daily basis. Now imagine stating these phrases to a four-year-old child. Do you think she would understand exactly what you mean? Remember, the subconscious mind takes everything that the conscious mind says literally.

Here are a few statements that people say on a daily basis. As you read them, think about how well a four-year-old child would understand them. “He's so funny that it drives me crazy.” “He knocks my socks off.” “Doesn't he just kill you?” It is important to be literal while speaking and mean exactly what you say. Keep in mind that whatever you say, at any time of the day, your subconscious mind is responding with, “Make it so!”

Rule 4 — It Does Not Understand Sarcasm

Sarcasm is another type of speech that your four-year-old child within does not understand. You will be much more effective with your speech if you can avoid sarcasm totally. There is actually no positive or redeeming feature in utilizing sarcasm. For the most part it is simply a humorous way to say something negative or insulting.

Take a moment to think of any statements that you say on a regular basis that may be sarcastic. If you said them to a four-year-old, would the statements be understood the way that you meant them to be?