When I first began studying to be a coach, I noticed very quickly that everyone was adamant about the value of “affirmations” for helping people to achieve their goals. My first reaction was decidedly negative! “Just because you say something over and over again doesn’t make it so!”
What I didn’t understand at the time was something called the “self-talk loop” which actually does function to make what you “say” become what actually “is.” Here’s how it works…
What I didn’t understand at the time was something called the “self-talk loop” which actually does function to make what you “say” become what actually “is.” Here’s how it works…
Let’s say I have the idea in my head that, for whatever reason, I have trouble making friends. My self-talk, which sounds something like, “I don’t make friends easily” reinforces my self-image of being a wall-flower, which determines how I behave at the office party (“See, no one is coming over to talk to you. You don’t belong here anyway.) which then further stimulates and reinforces my self-talk (“Well, that was a miserable experience. You are better off staying home.”) and we’re ready for another trip around the loop. While this is going on, my brain is actually reinforcing the neural pathways that correspond to that experience, making it more and more “real” and more easily accessible for me whenever I want it. Pretty depressing, huh?
How Affirmations Work
If you pay close attention to how your mind really works, you’d be surprised at how often you slip into negativity about yourself and other situations. Affirmations have the power to recode your mind in the same manner that a computer program can be written. So, just as you can negatively program yourself, you can also reprogram your subconscious mind to work FOR you instead of AGAINST you! To do that you need to shift your thinking, talking, and writing to what you really want to achieve.
A powerful way make this shift is by the use of affirmations. These are short, positive statements that describe your goal/outcome in its already completed state, which you read, repeat to yourself, or listen to from recordings. Over time, with daily use, affirmations can reprogram your subconscious mind to help you think more positively about yourself, which will lead to greater success in whatever you are wanting to pursue.
As you actively spend time saying and concentrating on these short positive statements and, eventually, your subconscious mind picks up on them. It may take some time and practice for affirmations to work for you. Some people report that they see results from their efforts right away, while others find that it takes longer for them to reach the subconscious.
In a previous blog I talked in detail about how to construct powerful affirmations, but for now, here are some tips for writing your own affirmations:
Start each affirmation with the words “I am…” This places the focus on the already completed state, as well as establishing a powerful personal connection to your inmost self.
Write them in the present tense, again because you want to describe things as though you already have them. The action is already accomplished.
Keep it POSITIVE! Don’t make affirmations of what you don’t want any longer, such as “I am no longer overweight.” This is because the brain thinks in pictures, not words. This affirmation conjures up the image of overweight, not trim and fit. As an example, you might change this to read, “I am enjoying my new trim and fit figure at 125 lbs.”
Be short and concise to keep things simple. Be as specific as you can. Vagueness produces nebulous results. For example, a poorly worded affirmation is “I am enjoying success in my business and personal relationships.” What is success? Which business? With whom are you in relationship? What does it look like? Feel like? Smell like?
You need to include emotional/feeling words in your affirmations. Emotions are the “fuel” of your affirmations and visualizations. Consider using words like “happily,” “joyfully,” “enthusiastically,” and so forth.
Conclude your affirmation with the phrase “or something better.” So often we set our expectations so low that we settle for much less than what we can achieve or what the universe wants to provide. Adding this phrase opens your field for even greater opportunity to manifest and for you to confidently respond when it does.
How To Use Your Affirmations
There are a few ways that you can choose to use your affirmations. First, concentrate on the things in your life that you want to change. Try to keep it simple by focusing on one at a time. Common topics are usually health, wealth and relationships. Write a few using the guidelines above. Then choose a time to repeat the sayings to yourself every day. Consider building this into your schedule by using the morning and evening as anchor points. Read them OUT LOUD and/or make a recording of yourself repeating the affirmations with soothing music in the background. Get as completely into the scene as possible. Hear any sounds your affirmation suggests. Feel what that success feels like. See the action through your own eyes.
Make sure you keep up with your affirmations. If you don’t see results right away, try sticking with it for a while longer. Before you know it, you’ll realize that these short simple sentences have improved your outlook, one thought at a time!
Would you like some help in getting started? Let me know! I’d love to spend some time talking with you! A great way to get started is with a 45 minute FREE life transformation strategy session.
In this session we will:
Click here to schedule your complimentary session!
My new Facebook site is now up! Please visit. I’d appreciate your “Like!” and if you sign up for my e-list from Facebook, I’ll send you my latest time management suggestions.
Want to use this article on your website or your own Ezine?
Thanks for appreciating the value of this content. You’re welcome to reproduce this article, but you must reproduce it in its entirety and leave all the links active. Additionally, here is the short bio that you should include:
Dr. Steve Stutz, CTACC is a Life Success Coach, specializing in helping busy professionals and entrepreneurs not only survive but to thrive in life and business. To receive periodic personal development tips and success mindset articles, please join his e-list by visiting www.forwardpathcoaching.com
How Affirmations Work
If you pay close attention to how your mind really works, you’d be surprised at how often you slip into negativity about yourself and other situations. Affirmations have the power to recode your mind in the same manner that a computer program can be written. So, just as you can negatively program yourself, you can also reprogram your subconscious mind to work FOR you instead of AGAINST you! To do that you need to shift your thinking, talking, and writing to what you really want to achieve.
A powerful way make this shift is by the use of affirmations. These are short, positive statements that describe your goal/outcome in its already completed state, which you read, repeat to yourself, or listen to from recordings. Over time, with daily use, affirmations can reprogram your subconscious mind to help you think more positively about yourself, which will lead to greater success in whatever you are wanting to pursue.
As you actively spend time saying and concentrating on these short positive statements and, eventually, your subconscious mind picks up on them. It may take some time and practice for affirmations to work for you. Some people report that they see results from their efforts right away, while others find that it takes longer for them to reach the subconscious.
In a previous blog I talked in detail about how to construct powerful affirmations, but for now, here are some tips for writing your own affirmations:
Start each affirmation with the words “I am…” This places the focus on the already completed state, as well as establishing a powerful personal connection to your inmost self.
Write them in the present tense, again because you want to describe things as though you already have them. The action is already accomplished.
Keep it POSITIVE! Don’t make affirmations of what you don’t want any longer, such as “I am no longer overweight.” This is because the brain thinks in pictures, not words. This affirmation conjures up the image of overweight, not trim and fit. As an example, you might change this to read, “I am enjoying my new trim and fit figure at 125 lbs.”
Be short and concise to keep things simple. Be as specific as you can. Vagueness produces nebulous results. For example, a poorly worded affirmation is “I am enjoying success in my business and personal relationships.” What is success? Which business? With whom are you in relationship? What does it look like? Feel like? Smell like?
You need to include emotional/feeling words in your affirmations. Emotions are the “fuel” of your affirmations and visualizations. Consider using words like “happily,” “joyfully,” “enthusiastically,” and so forth.
Conclude your affirmation with the phrase “or something better.” So often we set our expectations so low that we settle for much less than what we can achieve or what the universe wants to provide. Adding this phrase opens your field for even greater opportunity to manifest and for you to confidently respond when it does.
How To Use Your Affirmations
There are a few ways that you can choose to use your affirmations. First, concentrate on the things in your life that you want to change. Try to keep it simple by focusing on one at a time. Common topics are usually health, wealth and relationships. Write a few using the guidelines above. Then choose a time to repeat the sayings to yourself every day. Consider building this into your schedule by using the morning and evening as anchor points. Read them OUT LOUD and/or make a recording of yourself repeating the affirmations with soothing music in the background. Get as completely into the scene as possible. Hear any sounds your affirmation suggests. Feel what that success feels like. See the action through your own eyes.
Make sure you keep up with your affirmations. If you don’t see results right away, try sticking with it for a while longer. Before you know it, you’ll realize that these short simple sentences have improved your outlook, one thought at a time!
Would you like some help in getting started? Let me know! I’d love to spend some time talking with you! A great way to get started is with a 45 minute FREE life transformation strategy session.
In this session we will:
- Uncover hidden challenges that may be the cause of chaos, stress and discord in your life.
- Create a crystal clear vision for your “ultimate life” of tremendous success on your terms with ample quality time and energy for all your priorities.
- Leave the session renewed, re-energized, and inspired to transform your life and accomplish all of the things that are really important to you.
Click here to schedule your complimentary session!
My new Facebook site is now up! Please visit. I’d appreciate your “Like!” and if you sign up for my e-list from Facebook, I’ll send you my latest time management suggestions.
Want to use this article on your website or your own Ezine?
Thanks for appreciating the value of this content. You’re welcome to reproduce this article, but you must reproduce it in its entirety and leave all the links active. Additionally, here is the short bio that you should include:
Dr. Steve Stutz, CTACC is a Life Success Coach, specializing in helping busy professionals and entrepreneurs not only survive but to thrive in life and business. To receive periodic personal development tips and success mindset articles, please join his e-list by visiting www.forwardpathcoaching.com
Copyright: krasimiranevenova / 123RF Stock Photo
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