I stressed the primary importance of mulling over the purpose of the incubation until as clear an image as possible was formed of the essential quest. I encouraged the incubant to devote sufficient time to activate and bring toward awareness all the feelings associated with this theme. I was especially concerned that the incubant give serious consideration to the secondary gains of his current predicament, as well as to the various sources of positive incentive to a resolution of the situation:

As you contemplate your purpose, it is crucial that you examine all the ways in which you may be possibly benefiting from your current situation of conflict. Search hard for such paradoxical benefits, and honestly consider your readiness to let go of those that may be incompatible with your purpose. If you can humbly accept your susceptibility to these sources of resistance, but you find yourself, nevertheless, willing to let go of their benefits, you may open yourself to other resources which may offer genuine possibilities for change.

Such is the general tenor of what I tried to communicate to the incubant about the problem of the secondary gains of the presenting difficulty. I also encouraged the incubant to consider the sources of positive incentive for change:

Summon all the reasons you can about the desirability of fulfilling your purpose. Savor what you wish to accomplish. Consider how accomplishing your purpose will place you in greater harmony with life and your highest ideals. How have others been missing out on you and your special gifts because of your problem, and how will they be better served as you fulfill your purpose? But be sure to evaluate realistically your readiness to make use of the fruits of your incubation, so that you won't be hoping to profit by new possibilities that you can't actually implement. Perhaps the humble acceptance of your limitations may again be helpful in opening yourself to other resources.

These were issues that the incubant was primarily to ponder alone later during the preparation period, but I would provide some hints how the person might apply these general suggestions to the particular problem being presented. For instance, to a person wanting to overcome a lack of self-confidence in creative self- expression, I would propose that the person not only review all the facts and intuitions which affirmed the value of the person's creative gifts, but also search for possible fears of letting go of perfectionistic standards, and consider the readiness to assume, nevertheless, the discipline and labor that all creative work requires.