photo credit: Helga Weber via photopin cc

If you’re like most people, you’re getting nervous. The Valentine’s Day displays have reminded you that Cupid is coming, and you’ve got nothing.

It’s not that you don’t love your spouse or significant other. In fact, it’s how much you do love her/him coupled with the anxiety of anticipating this holiday that can be so paralyzing.

What if 4 simple steps could change all that?

I’d like to give you a quick, creative method for making this your best Valentine’s Day ever. Not only that, this method will teach you a powerful lesson about how your mind works, and you’ll be able to leverage this knowledge for the rest of your life. If you’re single, please don’t tune out. This is for you too!

Step 1: Find a Spot You’ll See Regularly between Now and February 14.

This first step is the most critical. Think of a location where you can place a note to yourself that you’ll see regularly between now and Valentine’s Day. It could be your car’s dashboard, your computer desktop, a white board you see all the time, your office door, an index card that you decide to carry with you for several days.

The specific location doesn’t matter as long as you’re absolutely sure you will see it regularly (at least five times a day) over the next several days.

Step 2: Write a Question That Helps You Focus on Your Desired Outcome.

Now, write a question to yourself that brings to mind what you’d love to see happen on Valentine’s Day. Then place it in the location you identified. Possible questions include:

• How can I make Valentine’s Day awesome?
• How can I show ______ that I truly love her/him on Valentine’s Day?
• What gift could I give _________ on Valentine’s Day that would make her/him cry with joy?

If you’re single (and perhaps even if you’re not), try questions like:

• How can I show myself an extra dose of love on Valentine’s Day?
• How can I do a really good job of taking care of myself for Valentine’s Day?

Want your Valentine’s Day to rock your world this year? Check out this easy, insightful post! <Tweet that!>

Step 3: Whenever You Have an Idea, Capture It.

Here’s what’s going to happen. By setting this question in front of your consciousness, you’re going to get some ideas. Our cerebral cortex can’t help itself. As long as you see the question regularly, your mind will search for possible answers to the question.

When an answer comes, grab it. Write it on an index card, send yourself an email, record a voice memo or voicemail to yourself, write it down and take a picture of it. Do whatever you have to do to capture the idea.

Step 4: Execute!

Ideas are ideas, action is action. Don’t wait until February 13 to do the prep work. Follow through on the best idea you come up with as early as possible, and have fun!

Bonus Step 5: Think of Other Ways This Method Can Work for You.

This method can be effective any time you have a mental gap that requires a creative insight to cross. As long as you have some time, the right location, and the right question, you and those around you will be amazed by your creativity.

Question: I challenge you to comment below with the question you’re going to use to make this Valentine’s Day incredible. It could be one from the list above or something unique, but drop it in below. I promise: your Valentine’s Day will be better if you do!