"The Secret" movie jump-started the discussion of the law of attraction and manifestation in mainstream culture. People are flocking to seminars, workshops and gurus to help learn the secrets of manifestation so we can fulfill our heart's desire.

My manifestation guru looks a little different than most. She has wavy golden locks, a shaggy beard, 3 inch eyelashes, four legs and speaks no English (or any human language). My guru's name is Sandy and she is my labradoodle dog.

Sandy suffered a back injury recently and her physical activity is limited while she recovers. I'm no longer bringing her favorite tennis ball with us to play fetch. Over the past few weeks, however, I've watched her unfailingly manifest one tennis ball after another out of the thick, overgrown, ankle-high grass in our local school yard! Something magical has been going on given Sandy's success at regularly finding what amounts to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Here are Sandy's key lessons for all of us:

1. Be Clear on What You Want

Sandy knows what she wants. It's not a stick, a squirrel, a pine cone, or her mom. It's a round, fuzzy, green tennis ball. To manifest your dreams, it's critical to take the time to be clear on what it is you DO want. Create that picture and hold it fiercely in your mind and in your heart as Sandy holds her beloved tennis ball in her jaw.

2. You Deserve What You Want

Humans have a unique ability for creating our own suffering. We wonder if we are worthy and deserving our dreams. Dogs and Master Manifesters like Sandy do not. There is no doubt in Sandy's mind that she is fully deserving of that tennis ball. She doesn't assess whether if her parents were different if it would be easier for her to find a tennis ball. Sandy throws herself into pursuit of her dream with no hesitation.

3. Belief is Stronger than the Physical Evidence

Holding a powerful belief, even when the results you're looking for don't seem to come in, is critical. Sandy's belief in her dream is unwavering. The moment I tell her she's probably not going to find any balls today is, of course, the moment her head pops up from the grass with her latest conquest. Despite a lack of physical evidence in the moment, or even in the face of criticism or disbelief from people around you, maintain and hold your belief and its vibration as strongly as you can.

4. Consistent Effort

A great degree of Sandy's success is because of her consistent effort. She keep circling, tracking and hunting down her goal. She has equal measure of passion and patience. Taking small purposeful action on a consistent basis is far more powerful and effective than taking one huge giant step every now and then.

5. The Joy is in the Journey

Each time we go to the park, it's clear how in the moment Sandy is. She is grateful to be outside, sniffing the dirt, on the hunt for her treasure whether it's raining or sunny. Let's remember that the joy is in the journey, not simply in the attainment of our goals. Savor the process of discovery and be in the present moment. That is where the magic happens.

By the way, I think Sandy sensed I was writing this article. Today, she found three balls in the park!

Success Strategist, coach and best-selling author, Carolyn B. Ellis, is the founder of ThriveAfterDivorce.com, created for divorced people who want to stop struggling and start thriving. To get free tips on every aspect of living through a divorce, from legal issues to single parenting to getting back into the dating world, visit www.ThriveAfterDivorce.com.