up after you have tried the program
for a short while and have obtained no appreciable results. This brings
us to another point.

Many persons expect immediate results when they begin to use
self-hypnosis. If they don't get the results they anticipated
immediately, they want to know "what's wrong?" My answer is usually
that "nothing is wrong" and that they need only keep steadily applying
the instructions. Certainly, one doesn't become a proficient typist,
musician, actor or sportsman because he has mastered the basic
techniques. It takes time to acquire proficiency.

Let me assure you that anyone using and applying this technique can
benefit from it. One of the troubles in dealing with any problem is
routing defeatism and hopelessness. You can incorporate posthypnotic
corrective measures in the suggestions that you give yourself. However,
I believe that they must be dealt with on a conscious level as well. You
must believe that you can conquer your difficulties no matter how long
you have had them. If you are prepared to work with self-hypnosis in an
unremitting manner, you will achieve the self-help that you seek. Now
and then, you can anticipate a setback in your progress, but this
needn't discourage you from your overall task. Recount the progress
already made. If you have a "let-down" because you expected quicker and
more dramatic results, remember that this is a common feeling shared by
many with emotional problems. Remember, also, how long you have had the
problem.

No doubt, you have tried other methods and became discouraged because
you weren't making the progress you had anticipated. You dropped the
idea and landed back where you started. Make up your mind, consciously,
that you will work with untiring sincerity and a perseverance that will
not falter because your chosen goal is not achieved immediately. I know
of no therapy that leads straight to positive results without obstacles
and intermittent failure. Success comes in spite of intervening failures
because the ultimate direction has been clearly thought out and charted.
Self-hypnosis will finally work because you are constantly conditioning
your subconscious to react in a positive, constructive manner. The
program must, of necessity, become automatic in nature. When it does,
you will suddenly find yourself feeling the way you wanted to and doing
the things that you set out to do with the aid of self-hypnosis. You
actually cultivate those feelings that