You see, intention alone won't get you to your goals. In fact, many new age writers on the power of intention seem to have forgotten the saying that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." They may argue otherwise, but perhaps the universe doesn't care what your intentions are.

If the universe doesn't care, can the "positive thinking" or other ways to focus your thoughts help you get what you want? They can, because there are other reasons why it matters what you think and what you intend to have happen. Using the "power of intention" can help you if used as the tool that it is.

My wife and I were looking for a car a while back. We decided that a Chevy Astro Van would work well for our purposes, and we wanted a used one at a good price, and only a few years old. With that intention in mind, we soon saw Chevy Astros everywhere. They were there before, naturally, but now we were "tuned in" to them.

You've probably had a similar experience at some time. You become aware of something, and you start to see more of the same all over. Just count the red bicycles you see this week and there will soon seem to be more red bicycles than you thought there could be.

This isn't mystical. It is due to the reticular cortex - a small organ in your brain that directs incoming stimulus to your conscious or unconscious mind. This "gatekeeper" of your mind works in any area you direct your attention, so it will help you "tune in" to whatever you decide to focus on.

For the reticular cortex to work for you, just have to focus on what you want. Be more specific in what your intentions are for best results. Of course, just intending to do something, be someone or get something isn't enough. This is nothing more than wishful thinking if more isn't done.

We were seeing those Chevy Astros all over, but we also had to call to set up appointments to test-drive the cars. We set aside the money too. I found a friend who knew about mechanics, so we would know we were getting a good van. Eventually, we bought exactly what we needed, and for 40% less than it was worth. This is the power of intention - when it goes beyond wishful thinking to actions that make goals happen.

This "power of intention" is a nice idea, but ideas are not ultimate and infallible truths. They are tools, and when you use them as such you get much further in life. Don't be the person who discovers the wonders of a hammer while pounding nails, but then tries to use it to cut wood or pound in screws. Wisdom says drop a tool and picks up another when necessary.

It may not seem like it sometimes, but clinging to an idea in all circumstances is just as silly as clinging to that hammer when it's time to cut a board or bolt something. Use the power of intention as far as it works then (to program your reticular cortex), but drop it and put those other tools to work when the time comes.