The Law of Attraction is a familiar concept to those interested in self-development and self-improvement, myself among them. Many believe it to be a sound principle for creating abundance. Others ascribe it near mythical powers. Whatever your belief, I’d like to offer a new spin on how you can view, and then use, The Law of Attraction to create the life of your dreams.

First let’s look at the words.

Law, by its scientific not legal meaning, is defined as “a statement of fact, deduced from observation, to the effect that a particular natural or scientific phenomenon always occurs if certain conditions are present.”

A natural phenomenon occurs if certain conditions are present. Check.

Attraction, again by its scientific not social meaning, is defined as “a force under the influence of which objects tend to move toward each other.”

Tend to move toward each other. Now we’re getting somewhere.

Now let’s put the two simplified statements together: A natural phenomenon where, if certain conditions are present, objects tend to move toward each other.

That is the heart of the Law of Attraction. It is the function of establishing proper conditions that will naturally result in a desired outcome. And establishing those conditions requires planning and deliberate effort. It is concrete by nature, and not some wish upon a star, rainbows and unicorns, kumbaya, please-Universe-give-me-what-I-want mentality.

The Law of Attraction requires consistent, functional effort over time conducive to creating the ideal conditions relative to the desired outcome.

Wow. That was a mouthful. In other words, we have to do what works.

But let’s take Attraction a step further. Let’s break up the word. Instead of Attraction, let’s call it At-traction. At Traction.

To be at something means to be in a particular state relative to it, such as being at odds with someone.

Traction, for our discussion here, is defined as “the grip of a tire on a road or a wheel on a rail.” Grip, purchase, friction, adhesion. As in to stick to something. At Traction is a state by which we maintain a state of attaching ourselves to something for a long enough duration to generate the results we want.

So by my definition, The Law of Attraction is nothing more than good old fashioned grit and sticktoitiveness. It is persistence and determination—often in the face of adversity—that yields dividends over time.

It’s simple: 1. Decide what you want. 2. Create the right conditions. 3. Stick to it. 4. Enjoy the rewards.

In this light The Law of Attraction is quite practical, when applied correctly.

Now get to work at-tracting your dreams!