When practising self affirmation, don't do it like most of the people out there
Instead, avoid getting caught out by the usual pitfalls & you'll see results.
Many people swear that self affirmation is the real deal, saying that the simple act alone has changed their lives by many folds. However, many others experienced lack of results from it. Indeed nothing much has changed for them.
So is it that is creating this difference between the 2 groups?
First of all, let us understand what self affirmation is
Self affirmations is the term used to describe the practice of repeatedly affirming (by voicing out like reciting or chanting) what you desire to have. It's generic and you can practice affirmations for almost anything.
Practicing positive affirmations has been said to bring positive changes to life, create a new reality, healthy, relaxing and attracts to you your desires. It is a great tool which can help you boost your capabilities and results.
An example of a positive affirmation is "Everyday in everyway I am getting healthier and healthier".
Or you can just use "I am getting more and more healthier".Affirmations take can the form of 'I am', 'I can' and 'I will' statements. Such as "I am confident" or "I can be confident" etc. 'I am' are affirmations of who you are, 'I can' statements are about your capability or potential, and 'I will' is for what you want to achieve or change.
Why self affirmations works
Though it seems like just talk and no action, self affirmation works primarily because of the power of intention. Chanting affirmations signals your intent, and you are declaring it to the universe and to your brain.
Our brains cannot differentiate between reality and illusion. If you vividly imagine something as real as possible, the brain will accept it as reality. This is how self affirmations work. The more you chant an affirmation with belief, power, emotion, desire, and the more repetitions, the more 'real' it becomes to the brain.
Follow the below tips and guidelines when you are coming up with your own affirmations. Doing this can help you to create more effective affirmations.
1. Refer to the present
Your affirmation should be referring to the present. Why? If you use past tense that would mean you are inferring (to your subconscious and your unconscious) that this is something that you previously wanted in the past but not necessarily right now.
Likewise when you use future tense it means what you are asking for will only happen 'sometime' in the future. And while it is normal and realistic to expect that whatever it is you are affirming will only happen in the future, it is important to specifically state when. If this future period is vague then the mind would not know when it is and when it should happen.
So, as far as you can, try to use the word 'Now' in your affirmations. If it is more apt to state a future period, then make sure you specifically state when it will happen. Give it a specific date, for example - By May 2012 I would have achieved ________
2. Avoid negative words
Make use of positive words / statements and avoid negatives in your affirmations. The reason for this is because double negatives are not recognized by the subconscious mind. If you say something like "I will no longer overeat", what will be picked up by the subconscious is "I will overeat". Rather than using a double negative, use a positive statement instead. For example,"I will eat healthy foods in healthy portions".
Using positive statements would help you get the intended message across.
3. Have a few alternatives - mix it up!
Instead of just using one affirmation and repeating it over and over again, have a few variations of it. This helps keep things fresh and interesting when you are doing the practice of your affirmations. In addition this also prevents things from getting 'boring' and helps you avoid getting into a state where you end up just going through the motions and doing your affirmations without any passion or intent.
4. Keep it short and impactful
Don't come up with a long winded, detailed affirmation with too much information crammed into it. Instead, you want to keep your affirmations short and straight to the point. A short sentence of around 5 - 12 words would be perfect.
Also you don't need to use big complex words. Rather write your affirmation in a style that is in the usual way that you communicate internally and externally. If this is the way you usually speak to yourself, then it is the best way for you to get the message across.
5. Be specific
This is the reason you are writing your own affirmation in the first place. You want it to be as specific to your objective as possible. The less vague the affirmation, the better it is. Success can only be present when there is precision and clarity.
Knowing how to use affirmations effectively can prevent it from being a total waste of time
How to use affirmations? Like many other things, there are certain ground rules which should be followed to ensure that your self affirmations are actually effective. Increase your chances of having effective affirmations by knowing how to use affirmations. Review the guidelines below.
The Rules...
1. How to craft good affirmations
When practicing affirmations, make sure it is stated in the present. Don't use time based words that refer to the future. Phrases such as 'in the future' , 'by next year' , 'tomorrow' etc. The reason is because our brains do not follow the concept of time. If you affirm 'I will make 1 million dollars next year' , to your mind it will always be the next year. The use of specific dates can help solve this problem.
Personally for me, I try to refrain from using 'I will' statements as well. As it may also imply that it is something that you will only achieve in the (vague) future. Again solve this problem by adding specific dates into your affirmation.
I prefer statements which refer more to the present. It gives the feeling that it is happening now. Moreover, our brains only really understand the present. Use statements like these ;
I am becoming more and more……. everyday
I am feeling more and more……everyday
I am improving in……….. each and everyday
(Everyday) I am moving closer and closer to my goal of…..
Notice that all those statements imply that you have not attained your goal yet, but you are getting closer and closer to it. This is how to use affirmations effectively.
One thing to avoid at all costs is to affirm things that are blatantly untrue. For example 'I am a millionaire'. If you are not, then who are you kidding? Your subconscious mind will pick that up and know that you're full of bull. That makes the subconscious mind less receptive to future affirmations.
2. Do it with emotion and passion
Showing emotion & passion is a signal that you believe in what you're doing and that you genuinely want it. If I told you to run a campaign on saving cockroaches from extinction, will you be very emotional and passionate about it?
When doing affirmations, put more of yourself into it. Don't just say it blandly. Show that you care, that you want it, that it is important and that you believe in it. Your subconscious mind and the universe will pick that up and act on it. If you say it like you don't believe it's possible then it won't happen. Say it like you don't really care… it won't happen.
In the end, it's not just what you are affirming, but how are you affirming it. You must be congruent. Every fibre within you must be pulling in the same direction, and this includes your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. Every drop of doubt must be eliminated.
How to use affirmations with emotion?
Voice – verbalize in a strong, confident tone. Project your voice, don't be monotonous & inject life into your intonation.
Body – Strong, upright posture. Take in deep breaths. Move around to add more energy (such as walking). Use lively gestures (fist pumping etc)
Mind – Focus on what you are affirming. Don't start dreaming about other things. A good way to do this is by visualizing the affirmation. For example if you are affirming for self confidence, while doing the affirmations, you can visualize yourself confidently talking, interacting & doing things. Bear in mind, usually it is not easy to do affirmations and visualize at the same time. So just keep it simple by constructing a few images and keep repeating it in your mind.
3. Stick to it
Be consistent. Focus is power. Just stay on track and you'll eventually get to your destination.
Other tips on how to use affirmations :
• Don't do too much at once – Stick to a few affirmations at most and work on those consistently. Concentrate and focus.
• Practice it first thing in the morning, and last thing before going to sleep at night.
• Meditation – If you practice meditations, you can use affirmations during your meditation. The relaxed and focused meditative state will be of benefit.
• Reminder cards - Write out your affirmations on little cards put it in places where you can see them. Around your house, car, office etc. This is to act as a reminder. Another way is to put it in your wallet and carry it around.
• Set goals that are in line with the affirmation. Set short term goals, this way you will be motivated when you see the result. Start small and develop confidence from it.
• Another way is to read out the affirmation and record your voice. Listen to the recording while doing daily activities like exercising etc. Listening in bed as you sleep is also a good idea.
• Ask others to say to you. Eg. John, you are an excellent money manager. Get someone supportive to help you out. Avoid negative and unhappy people.
• Say out your name in the affirmation. "I, John Smith….." Some people find that this works better for them.
• Start your day practicing affirmations. Give the first 15 mins of your day to practicing affirmations before starting your day.
• Say your affirmations each time you meet with proof or indication that what you are affirming is true. For example, each time you find yourself exercising, eating healthy food, or whenever someone compliments you, affirm that you take good care of your health. Do it at the moment of proof, so to say.
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Author:
Source: self-improvement-mentor.com
Category: Affirmations