Anyone who thinks affirmations new age “woo woo” are just plain wrong!
Yes, if you just shout “I love you” in the mirror, you are wasting your time. As I’ve written previously however, it’s better than the alternative.
But if that is all you do, you are not getting the most out of them.
So I’ll share how I use my own affirmations to help you see the value of adopting the practice.
A quick recap
The Problem
Affirmations, when done correctly, create a problem.
You state the affirmation as though it is true, in the present. If it isn’t true at the time, it creates a problem … to solve!
Action is required. Change doesn’t “just happen!”
You have a problem to solve.
The Creative Subconscious
This is a function of the subconscious that we don’t notice (hence the term). Because the subconscious can process millions of processes per minute, we can rely on it to look for solutions to our problem — without consciously thinking about it. That would be draining.
For example: if it’s not time critical, try this next time you can’t think of something you know (someone’s name, an address, where you left your keys/phone etc). Leave it to your subconscious. What you need to know will come to you, without effort — maybe overnight. I do this all the time now. It is so much fun!
Another example: your dishwasher breaks down (I mean the machine, not your spouse! 🤣). You will start seeing ads for dishwashers everywhere! You didn’t notice them before … because you didn’t have a problem.
But they were there all the time. It wasn’t like manufacturers realised your dishwasher broke and they needed to target you all of a sudden.
My Affirmations
I have five areas I focus on, with three affirmations for each:
Relationships
Integrity
A Meaning Full Life
Relaxed Contentment
Health
Plus I have two points I want to think about in relation to my life aspirations:
Success is: I am always working towards, and within, my field of passion and energy.
Question: How does what I am doing TODAY further me in my areas of interest, passion and contribute to realising my affirmations above?”
The question is a “trajectory” question. Am I moving towards, or away from, my ideal life. I will know the answer as soon as I ask it and whether I need to take corrective action.
A great way to finish the session.
The Affirmations
I’ll talk about just two (Relationships and Health) because (a) they are private and, (b) I’m not that interesting!
Affirmation 1: “I enjoy deep, valuable conversations with those I speak with.”
I read this every morning, imagining what a valuable conversation would feel like, what am I doing, how is my body language, etc.
I can be having the busiest of days and someone is speaking about how they enjoy watching paint dry. I’m bored (feeling) to tears, I’m trying to write an email while feigning attention (doing), and I’m distracted (body language).
But the subconscious reminds me that I enjoy deep, valuable conversations with those I speak with.
I change my attitude, body language, and attentiveness. I focus on their topic about drying paint and engage with the conversation. I find I can ask probing questions about the topic and we have a good, constructive interaction.
Soon, it becomes second nature. It is low effort if it is something you really want to identify with. You’ll make the adjustment immediately.
Imagine what this does for relationships.
Affirmations produce positive change, first from the inside and it works its way out.
Affirmation 2: “God, I look good naked!”
Okay, maybe too much info if you’re reading this while eating! 🤢
Here’s the idea — when I look in the mirror, do I look good? No? But my affirmation says I do look good naked!
Again, I have a problem. What will I do to correct the image or, “fix the problem”?
During the day I’ll be more conscious of my eating habits, how much water I consume and alcohol I won’t consume — if I’m serious about looking good naked.
A recent change has been going to the pool. I never swim. I’ve never been good at it so I avoid it — until now. Every second day I head to the pool for 20 x 25m laps ( 500m).
Why? Because whenever I see professional swimmer physiques I’m impressed and I want one, even at 61. I think it will help me “look good naked”.
Here’s the thing with the affirmation: the subconscious will bring this to mind every day: “Go to the pool.” If I’m dedicated to my goal, I’ll go. Eventually, it’ll be a habit. Eventually my swimming will be easier and I’ll extend the session to 1000m.
And, hey presto, seemingly like magic, I look good naked!
When Do I Review My Affirmations?
They pop up every morning at 6:00am in my Reminders app.
Here they are while I write this article:
A Powerful Tool in Creating Lasting, Positive Change
Affirmations are a powerful tool in creating lasting, positive change, first on the inside and it will work its way out into your lifestyle, relationships finances and business — whatever you choose to focus on.
There is more to them than what I have described here. But I hope this will help you consider them to be the power tool they are for your personal and life goals.
Happy to answer any questions you may have. I have been working with affirmations for a few decades now and there are seasons where I don’t use them as well as I could. But I do enjoy a life mostly attributable to affirmations over those years.
Thank you for reading! 😊
My purpose in writing is for:
Personal Development — writing helps me articulate my thinking. I find discussing a topic quite revealing and, at times challenging. It allows me to be critical of my own thoughts. I can find myself thinking: “Why DO I think this?”
Developing Others — to help people make better choices by helping them think critically and realise their potential. We are often blinded by beliefs and thinking given to us by others.