Yes it ok to use another method if you find it faster than saying 3 relax 2 relax 1 relax.
It doesn't take long to reach the ideal state research show that most beginner are in the ideal state within 2 minutes of closing their eyes.
If you close your eyes you trigger alpha... the beginning of entering the ideal state... keeping them closed for a minute or 2 and relaxing your thoughts. That is leting go of your anxiety about whether you are doing it right, whether you are at the 'right' level, and instead focusing on those calm and relaxing thoughts like being in a place where you are relax. Slows down the beta activity allowing your alpha state to strenghten. Stating your affirmations with your eyes still closed in are in the ideal state. Open your eyes letting them remain photofocus and start photoreading... You are in the ideal state. Staying in photofocus prevents the beta brainwave pattern from rushing back.
The whole process to get into the accelerative learning state takes 2 to 5 minutes. Five minutes as an absolute beginner learning to get into the accelerative learning state a few time. 2 minutes would be all it takes once you've done it half a dozen times and then comes a point when you just take a breath, mentally state your purpose/affiramations go into photofocus and within 30 seconds you are at the right level.
You know you are at the right level when you practiced it a few times by closing your eyes spending at the most about 5 minutes going though the steps. If you can comfortably in a relaxed manner go through the 3 2 1 steps in less time then you can be assured that you are in the acclerative learning state. Because you are relaxed and at ease about it... that is the ideal state... being relaxed and at ease about it.
Alex