We tend to get ourselves into some unhelpful thinking habits and think negatively about ourselves and situations. This is generally due to our experiences. However using positive self-statements can help to develop a new attitude to ourselves and our situations.
What is an affirmation exactly?
An affirmation is a simple yet powerful statement that assists to support the connection between your unconscious mind and your conscious mind. The more you strengthen this connection the more resilient you will be when difficult or challenging circumstances arise. Therefore, the best way strengthen your resilience is to practice affirmations every single day.
The word affirmation comes from the Latin affirmare, originally meaning “to make steady, strengthen.”
Affirmations certainly strengthen us by helping us believe in the potential of an action we desire to manifest. When we verbally affirm our dreams and ambitions, we are instantly empowered with a deep sense of reassurance that our wishful words will become reality.
Affirmations are proven methods of self-improvement because of their ability to rewire our brains. Much like exercise, they raise the level of feel-good hormones and push our brains to form new clusters of “positive thought” neurons. In the sequence of thought-speech-action, affirmations play an integral role by breaking patterns of negative thoughts, negative speech, and, in turn, negative actions.
Affirmations define your focus. When you focus your energy on the things you want, achieving your goals, the positive, uplifting and good, you are creating an abundance mindset and strengthening your resolve to make it happen. Too often we get stuck in the ‘impossible’ mindset, but affirmations can turn this around. When you begin to positively affirm what is actually possible, a whole world of opportunity opens up to you.
There are so many benefits of using affirmations as part of your daily morning routine. It is a perfect way to start your day on a positive and productive note. They help increase your awareness of your thoughts and words making it easier to recognise the negative self-doubt thought patterns holding you back.
Here are some examples of affirmations:
- Everything is going to work out for my highest good.
- I am in charge of my mind.
- I am strong in mind, body and spirit.
- I am unique. I feel good about being alive and being me.
- Amazing opportunities exist for me in every aspect of my life.
- I choose to be happy right now. I love my life.
- I appreciate everything I have.
- I am positive and optimistic. I believe things will always work out for the best.
- I am a powerful creator. I create the life I want.
- I choose to work with a focused mind.
- I am thankful for all that I have.
- I create the life I desire.
- I have unlimited potential.
- I now release the drama of my past. I consciously create my future.
- I have all that I need to make today great.
- I am grateful for another day to make a positive contribution.
- I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of my decisions.
- I am a leader and lover of life.
- Something wonderful is about to happen to me.
Choose a statement from above, or make one that means more to you, and repeat it throughout the day, every day! You may want to make or print out a card with your affirmation, and carry it with you.
Importantly, for the positive affirmations to work, you must use it whenever you notice you have that negative thought.
- Acknowledge it
- Remember it is just a thought
- Then challenge it with your affirmation
Example: “Why do bad things always happen to me”? Replace this negative thought with “Something wonderful is about to happen to me”.
