What is Will (The)?
Last updated: February 25, 2026
Troward devotes an entire chapter of the Edinburgh Lectures to the Will, defining it as the central controlling power that regulates both intuition and imagination.
Understanding Will (The) in New Thought
Troward devotes an entire chapter of the Edinburgh Lectures to the Will, defining it as the central controlling power that regulates both intuition and imagination. Without the Will, "we should lose all sense of individuality." In Haanel, the Will is exercised through repeated affirmation and concentration: "I can be what I will to be".
In New Thought, the Will is not merely a faculty of desire but a foundational, executive power of the individual consciousness, central to self-realization and manifestation. It is understood as the directing force that shapes one's inner world and, consequently, their outer reality, acting as the bridge between thought and experience. This concept gained prominence through figures like Thomas Troward, who elevated the Will to a primary spiritual faculty, essential for maintaining individuality and consciously directing creative energy. Its significance lies in empowering individuals to actively participate in their own destiny, asserting mastery over their mental states and external circumstances, rather than being passive recipients of fate.
What the Teachers Say
Will (The) vs. Desire
While both Will and Desire involve wanting or intention, they operate at different levels of consciousness and purpose. Understanding their distinction is crucial for effective mental practice.
| Aspect | Will (The) | Desire |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Executive faculty that directs and controls | Emotional impulse or longing |
| Origin | Arises from conscious decision and understanding | Emerges from feeling and wanting |
| Stability | Steady and persistent when properly developed | Variable and often temporary |
| Method | Works through concentration and directed thought | Operates through emotional energy and attraction |
| Relationship to Law | Coordinates with universal principles intelligently | May conflict with or ignore natural law |
Etymology
The English word "will" derives from the Old English "willan," meaning "to wish, desire, be willing." This can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic "wiljanan," and ultimately to the Proto-Indo-European root "welh-," meaning "to choose, wish, want." This linguistic lineage highlights the inherent connection between will, desire, and choice, emphasizing the active, volitional aspect of the concept.
How to Practice This
Practitioners of New Thought apply the Will primarily through focused affirmation and concentrated mental effort. This involves consciously choosing and repeating positive statements that align with desired outcomes, thereby impressing these intentions upon the subconscious mind. Techniques include daily affirmations, visualization exercises where the desired reality is vividly imagined, and sustained meditation on specific goals. The consistent application of the Will in this manner is believed to reprogram limiting beliefs and direct the universal creative force towards the manifestation of one's intentions.
Connection to Manifestation
The Will serves as the bridge between mental conception and physical manifestation in New Thought practice. Through sustained concentration and directed intention, the Will transforms abstract ideas into concrete reality by maintaining focus until the desired outcome materializes. Haanel's affirmation 'I can be what I will to be' demonstrates how the Will operates as the controlling mechanism in conscious creation. When properly developed, the Will harmonizes personal intention with universal law, ensuring that manifestation occurs through cooperation rather than force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will in New Thought is the intelligent directing faculty of consciousness, while willpower is mere force or effort. True Will works through understanding and cooperation with universal law, not through struggle or coercion.
The Will is developed through concentration exercises, sustained attention to single thoughts, and regular affirmation practice. Haanel particularly emphasizes holding one thought steadily for increasing periods of time.
No, the properly developed Will works in harmony with universal law rather than against it. Troward teaches that the Will succeeds by understanding and cooperating with natural principles, not by opposing them.
The Will directs attention and maintains focus during spiritual practice. It serves as the organizing principle that coordinates intuition, imagination, and receptivity to divine guidance.
Surrender involves aligning personal will with Divine Will rather than abandoning volition entirely. The highest use of Will involves conscious cooperation with spiritual law while maintaining active participation in the creative process.
Explore Further
Used by: Haanel, Troward, T. Troward