Have you been using the Universal Law of Attraction? What results did you get? If you're like me, initially, you had astounding results, but then the feedback was hit-and-miss or not at all. Disappointing, huh?

The simple formula set out in The Secret (Ask, Believe, Receive) is wonderful, but that doesn't mean we can sit back, contented, repeating affirmations. Once we set the wheels of the Universe in motion, there is still work to be done. So if you're feeling discouraged, don't give up!

Try some of these strategies and see if you improve your results.

Examine your core beliefs. Do you carry around old resentments, feelings of guilt or hatred? Do you believe you deserve to receive your heart's desires? Releasing old baggage and learning to love yourself can open blocked channels and free you to receive.

Desperation is a major block to receiving. I have experienced desperation due to financial need, health issues and even believing I had to prove that the Law of Attraction works! Reminding myself that I have everything I need in this moment eases the feelings of desperation and clears my mind to focus on more positive thoughts and feelings.

How do you feel about money? Do you believe it is "the root of all evil" or that it "doesn't grow on trees?" These negative attitudes can actually repel money from you! Work on establishing a new relationship with money. Show appreciation for the money you have. When you see a penny on the sidewalk, pick it up and thank the Universe for the abundance it represents. I have a crystal bowl at home that is full of loose change. When I come across coins that have been dropped or tossed aside, I pick them up and place them in this bowl with a prayer of thanks. And even though my teenagers raid the bowl from time to time, it continues to overflow with coins.

Speaking of overflowing, how do you feel about the proverbial cup being half-full or half-empty? I used to see my cup as half-full, but now I see it as overflowing. I keep a notebook to jot down daily manifestations of abundance. Freebies, gifts, and financial abundance flow from expected and unexpected sources. Keeping this list helps me to remain in a state of humble gratitude.

How do you feel about the process of change in your life? If you're like me, you resist change at all costs. Yet when we work with the Law of Attraction, we are asking for some major modifications. Whether it's in the areas of health, wealth or relationships, I find that when the major transformations come, everything else changes too. Learning to embrace and celebrate every new challenge and recognizing it as a step toward fulfilling our dreams can open channels in a miraculous way.

After setting your intention, remain open to all possibilities. Leave the details to the Universe. It was very hard for me to accept that I am not responsible for how my dreams manifest or for the outcome. Sometimes the final results look very different from my original plan. But when I remain open, humble and grateful, the effect is beyond my wildest dreams.

Don't give up! Success at using the Law of Attraction doesn’t acknowledge failure. Take a tip from Florence Shinn in her delightful book, The Game of Life and How to Play It. When setbacks come, "baptize" them success and acknowledge them as "a golden link in your chain of good." The key for me is to have faith, regardless of appearances that by invoking the Law of Attraction only good can manifest.

And don't hesitate to ask for help. Sometimes doubts and fears can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to find a "good feeling place." I have a friend who I on any time I'm in the doldrums. A few minutes on the phone with her, and she and I are both back on track. On one particularly difficult day, we traded desires. For one day, each of us affirmed that the other would receive her fondest desires. Each of us had wonderful days, were able to release feelings of discouragement and disappointment, and were also able to return to affirming our own selves with a deeper perspective.

So if you're discouraged with the results you're getting from the Law of Attraction, don't throw in the towel! Try some of the methods described here or other ideas of your own. My experience has been that any failure I experience is not because the Law of Attraction doesn't work but due to errors in my own thinking that can be overcome with a little work.