Affirmations – Six Things to Keep In Mind

First, when it comes to affirmations we want to focus on which current patterns of behavior run counter to our interests. We should also know which aspects of our wellbeing we struggle with the most so that we can formulate affirmations that are likely to have the greatest impact for us.

Secondly, we need to feel motivated enough to take action. Once we have accepted that our subconscious does not always agree with what we want for ourselves, we can work to ‘fix’ the problem through the repeated use of affirmations.

Let’s clarify! Randomly repeating any affirmation is not enough to bring about significant change. If we want our affirmations to be successful, we need to learn to phrase these statements in the right way. That way, our affirmations are more likely to lead to more positive change, feelings and experiences. So keep these tips in mind when formulating positive affirmations.

Fill Your Affirmations With Passion

Affirmations that are full of emotion have a greater effect. If you feel the change you want to see, you will be better able to put your positive affirmations into practice. Say the following: “I am happy.” Now stop and think of a time when you were really happy and get in touch with that feeling. Draw it into yourself and let it fill you with joy. Now say, “I am happy” and really radiate what happiness feels like as you make your statement. Do you see how much more powerful the effect is when you fill your words with feelings? When you fill your affirmations with positive feelings, they can be much more effective in achieving what you want. Positive emotions are a key to successful affirmations!

Visualize Your Affirmations

Use your awareness to create a scene that supports your positive affirmations. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, visualization is a great way to tell your subconscious what you want. If you’re house hunting, imagine the home of your dreams, whether it’s a modest cabin in the woods or an estate on a hill, and make it real in your mind by adding relevant details. The clearer you can see what you are dreaming of, the better your subconscious will see it too.

Ground Your Affirmations

Use facial expressions, gestures of exuberance, thumbs up, affirmative sounds like “Yes I can!”, clap your hands or jump forward. Another way to anchor your message in your body is to take a brisk walk while reciting your affirmations repeatedly. This strengthens the mental-somatic connections[1] in your brain and gives your affirmation more support.

Practice Your Affirmations

Take 10-15 minutes a day to repeat your affirmations. Speak with sincere emotions and visualize to activate different regions of your brain.

Affirmations In Action

Anchor your affirmations in reality by taking action. If you are looking for a job, send off resumes. If you want to be less exposed to plastic toxins, buy glassware to replace your plastic tableware. If you want to get fitter, recite your affirmations while you go to the gym or drive to workout.

Hold to Your Affirmations

It takes time to reprogram your brain. Remind yourself to make your affirmations by putting sticky notes all throughout your home or setting a reminder in your phone, and every time you see it or even just think of it, say your positive affirmation out loud. You can also send yourself a letter or write a reminder in your calendar to make your affirmation. Most importantly, be persistent. If you want to carve a new thought process in your subconscious, hold to it.

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[1] Cascio CN, O’Donnell MB, Tinney FJ, Lieberman MD, Taylor SE, Strecher VJ, Falk EB. Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci. 2016 Apr;11(4):621-9. doi: 10.1093/scan/nsv136. Epub 2015 Nov 5. PMID: 26541373; PMCID: PMC4814782.