Whatever happens, do not, I repeat, do not think of a large pink elephant. A really big pink elephant standing on one leg with his trunk swinging through the air. Pink elephant. Pink ELEPHANT. DO NOT THINK ABOUT A PINK ELEPHANT! Not surprisingly, most people can’t help but think about a pink elephant. This is why it is better to think about what you do want instead of what you don’t want. Instead of saying “don’t drop the dishes,” try saying “be careful with the dishes.” Instead of saying “I don’t want to fail the test,” say “I want to pass the test.” Focusing on what you do want will increase your chances of attaining it.