Positive affirmations are statements that can help reprogram our minds and drive positive change when repeated over time.
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This guide will provide background on affirmations, explain the theory behind how they work, and give actionable tips for using affirmations to improve your life.
What Are Affirmations?
Affirmations are short, positive statements that are focused on a desired outcome.
When repeated frequently, affirmations and mind maps serve to reprogram our subconscious minds.
Examples of affirmations include:
- I am worthy of love and belonging.
- I have the power to achieve my goals.
- My life is filled with prosperity and abundance.
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The Theory Behind Affirmations
The theory behind affirmations is that our subconscious minds control much of what we do, think, and feel. Our conscious thoughts only account for around 10% of our cognitive activity.
The rest happens in our subconscious minds.
Our subconscious is shaped by our past experiences, belief systems, and inputs from the external world. Unfortunately, many of these are negative.
Using targeted affirmations can overwrite those negative subconscious patterns and beliefs.
When affirmations are repeated consistently over weeks and months, new neural pathways are formed reflecting the positive statements.
In time, the conscious and subconscious align to the new affirming beliefs.
10 Ways to Use Affirmations
Here are 10 impactful ways to incorporate affirmations into your life:
1. Say Affirmations Out Loud Daily
Start and end each day by saying your affirmations out loud. Hearing yourself say the affirmations makes them more powerful. Aim for at least 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night.
2. Post Affirmations Visibly
Write down your affirmations and post them visibly around your home and workspace. Put them on mirrors, above your desk, and even on the fridge. Seeing the affirmations repeatedly will drive them deeper into your subconscious.
3. Repeat Affirmations While Exercising
Recite affirmations aloud or silently when exercising. The increased oxygen flow to the brain during exercise helps affirmations sink in. Yoga is another great time for affirmations.
4. Listen to Affirmations Recordings
Create recordings of your affirmations and listen to them often. Listen while driving, doing chores, or as you fall asleep. Repetition is key.
5. Set Affirmations to Music
Set your affirmations to upbeat melodies. Sing or hum them as part of your daily practice. The cadence and tones will help anchor the affirmations in your mind.
6. Write Down Affirmations
Journal your affirmations daily. The physical act of writing helps imprint affirmations into your neural circuitry. Journal first thing in the morning or just before bed.
7. Create Vision Boards
Make collages with images and words representing your affirmations. Place the vision board where you’ll see it often. Visual representations make affirmations more powerful.
8. Meditate on Affirmations
Recite affirmations slowly during meditation. Breathe deeply and focus completely on each word of the affirmation. This amplifies the effects significantly.
9. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Interrupt negative self-talk by replacing it with an affirmation. Stay alert for negative thoughts and immediately counter them with a positive affirmation.
10. Anchor Affirmations to Daily Actions
Link your affirmations to daily habits and actions. For example, recite “I am shedding unhealthy weight” before every meal or “I am a money magnet” when you check your bank balance.
Summary of Benefits
When done consistently over time, affirmations within leadership huddles can be powerful tools for reshaping our self-image, learning styles, beliefs, habits, emotions, and lives. Benefits include:
- Increased self-esteem and confidence.
- A more positive and optimistic outlook.
- Greater motivation and drive.
- Less anxiety and reduced stress.
- Freedom from limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns.
- The ability to overcome challenges and achieve goals.
- Overall improved quality of life.
Commit to making affirmations part of your daily routine and be patient with the process. In time, you will unlock your full potential.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.