The Mathematical Equation of Faith: How to Transform Possibilities into Probabilities

David Meltzer
mathematical equation faith
mathematical equation faith

I’ve discovered a mathematical equation that has transformed my life – I call it faith. For years, I mistakenly labeled it as luck, but I’ve come to understand it’s something far more powerful. This equation is simple yet profound: when I pay attention to and direct my intention toward the coincidences I want, remarkable things happen.

What makes this approach so effective is its deliberate focus. I’m not concerned with what others want, what’s missing, or what I don’t want. If I catch myself drifting into negative thought patterns, I immediately redirect my thinking back to what I call “the realm of thoughtfulness.” This conscious redirection has become one of my most valuable habits.

The 3D Printing Model of Manifestation

To explain how this works, I use the analogy of 3D printing. Think about how a 3D printer operates: it starts with an idea, a digital blueprint, and then somehow materializes a physical object from seemingly nothing. Our imagination functions in much the same way.

We begin with nothing but a thought. We envision what we want. At this stage, it’s merely a possibility floating in our minds. But there’s a mathematical advantage that comes into play here – the difference between not thinking about what you want versus actively thinking about it is the first step in manifestation.

The process works like this:

  • Start with a clear idea of what you want
  • Focus your attention and intention on this idea
  • Move from possibility to probability through inspired action
  • Maintain faith in the process even when results aren’t immediate

When we think about what we want, we create a possibility. This is the first transformation in the equation. But the real magic happens in the next step.

From Possibility to Probability

The critical shift occurs when we move from merely thinking about what we want to becoming inspired by it. Inspiration is the catalyst that transforms possibilities into probabilities. When I speak about my goals to others, that’s one level of commitment. But when I reach the point of inspiration where I feel that I must be what I can be – that’s when everything changes.

This is the state where I wake up each morning with an unshakable drive, thinking “I must do this.” I’m willing to do whatever it takes to achieve my vision. At this point, what was once just a possibility now becomes a probability.

When I become inspired, I move from the idea of speaking about my goals to the conviction that I must be what I can be.

I’ve applied this equation throughout my career, from my time as CEO of Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment to my current role as Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute. The pattern is consistent: when I direct my full attention and intention toward specific goals with unwavering faith, coincidences begin to align in my favor.

This isn’t mystical thinking – it’s a practical approach to achievement. Our brains are wired to notice what we focus on. When we concentrate on opportunities related to our goals, we’re more likely to spot them and take action. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle that increases our probability of success.

Putting Faith Into Practice

To apply this mathematical equation of faith in your own life, start by getting clear about what you truly want. Not what others expect of you or what you think you should want – but what genuinely inspires you.

Next, practice redirecting your attention whenever you catch yourself focusing on what’s missing or what you don’t want. This takes discipline, but it becomes easier with practice.

Finally, move beyond merely thinking or talking about your goals. Reach for that state of inspiration where taking action becomes a must, not just a should. When you wake up feeling that you must take steps toward your vision, you’ll know you’ve shifted from possibility to probability.

I’ve witnessed this equation work in my life and in the lives of countless entrepreneurs and athletes I’ve coached. The mathematical advantage is real. By directing our attention and intention toward what we want with unwavering faith, we can transform mere possibilities into high probabilities – and ultimately, into reality.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is faith different from what we typically call luck?

What many people call luck is actually a manifestation of faith in action. While luck implies random chance, faith involves deliberately focusing your attention and intention on specific outcomes you desire. This focused approach creates a mathematical advantage by making you more aware of opportunities aligned with your goals.

Q: What exactly do you mean by the “realm of thoughtfulness”?

The realm of thoughtfulness refers to a mental state where you consciously direct your thinking toward what you want rather than what you don’t want. It’s a space of positive, intentional focus rather than reactive or negative thinking. When I notice myself focusing on what’s missing or what I don’t want, I deliberately redirect my thoughts back to this realm.

Q: How does the 3D printing analogy apply to personal achievement?

Just as a 3D printer transforms a digital blueprint into a physical object, our minds can transform thoughts into reality. We start with nothing but an idea (the blueprint), focus our attention on it (the printing process), and through inspired action, we begin to materialize that idea in the physical world. The key is maintaining faith in this process even when results aren’t immediately visible.

Q: What’s the difference between possibility and probability in your equation?

A possibility exists when you simply think about what you want – it could happen, but there’s no momentum behind it. A probability emerges when you become inspired to take consistent action toward your goal. This shift happens when you move from “I should do this” to “I must do this.” At this point, the mathematical odds of achievement increase dramatically because your actions consistently align with your desired outcome.

Q: How can someone practice redirecting negative thoughts effectively?

Start by becoming aware of your thought patterns. When you catch yourself focusing on what’s missing or what you don’t want, pause and ask, “What do I want instead?” Then deliberately shift your attention to that desired outcome. This might feel unnatural at first, but with practice, it becomes a habit. I recommend setting reminders throughout your day to check in with your thoughts and redirect them as needed. Over time, this redirection becomes more automatic.

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​​David Meltzer is the Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and formerly served as CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire. He is a globally recognized entrepreneur, investor, and top business coach. Variety Magazine has recognized him as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.