The little voice inside your head that speaks to you probably has a negative tone. Just so you know, that’s not 100% your fault. The world around us barrages our brains with so much negativity, isn’t it time for a change? Let’ explore the positive impacts of using affirmations.
Imagine what would happen if you approached someone and insulted them: "You’re ugly and you’re a really miserable person!" Apart from receiving a slap on the face or punch on the nose, you’re also quite likely to hurt their feelings.
What about saying something positive? Perhaps, "You are so thoughtful and kind" or "You are a great person and a wonderful friend."
Wouldn’t you agree that these statements should produce a very different result than if insults are hurled? These types of statements will empower the recipient and build their self-esteem and feeling of self-worth.
Words are incredibly powerful! There is no truth at all to the old saying that "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Negative words cut deeply, creating wounds that can last a lifetime. Positive words, on the other hand, have the power to heal wounds and rebuild you, better than ever before.
Let’s change the scenario. This time, imagine you’re standing in front of a mirror and repeating negative statements to yourself over and over again. "I don’t like you!" "You’re not very smart." "Why aren’t you more attractive?" How does this feel? Not very nice, does it? Now repeat positive statements. "I truly like who I am." "You are so beautiful!" "I strive to learn something new every day." Isn’t that much better?
But you wouldn’t do that to yourself, would you? You wouldn’t expose yourself to such negativity on purpose. Well, I’ve got news for you. Your subconscious mind is already exposing you to tens of thousands of thoughts per day. And if you are not already totally happy and completely successful, then many of your thoughts are very likely negative.
Take notice of your thoughts for the next 24 hours. If you’re like most people, you’ll be shocked at the negativity that comes from your subconscious mind.
And this is where affirmations come in! We are constantly affirming ourselves; but how much or your affirmations are positive and much is negative?
An affirmation is simply a statement you repeat to yourself over and over again (whether aloud or in your head). The statement may be positive, in which case it empowers you, or it may be negative, in which case it hurts.
Whether you like it or not, you are currently using affirmations. If, however, you’re not controlling the process, you allow your subconscious mind to subject you to a constant barrage of negativity. Negative statement after negative statement!
Years of negative thoughts have led you to have negative beliefs about yourself and your life. These negative beliefs led to negative habits. And these negative habits are what led you to the life you live now.
You need to take conscious control of your thought processes, and replace those negative thoughts with positive ones!
Conscious repetition of positive affirmations will, in time, lead to your subconscious mind also producing positive and empowering thoughts. These positive thoughts will lead to positive beliefs about yourself and your life. These positive beliefs will lead to positive habits. And positive habits will lead you to a life of happiness and success.
And that’s a wonderful way to live!
So using affirmations for personal growth and self-improvement is simply a matter of repeating positive statements to yourself over and over again. To make this most effective though, here are some simple guidelines:
1. Make the affirmation positive!
2. The affirmation must be in the present tense.
Don’t say, "One day I will be happy!" Instead say, "I am happy now!"
3. The affirmation must result in good feelings.
The more intense the feelings, the faster you will see a positive change in your life. Repeat the affirmation as much as possible, until your subconscious believes it and starts reinforcing your new way of life.
Try placing a copy of your affirmation on the wall beside your bathroom mirror, so you see it and say it each morning and again in the evening. Place a copy on an index card you can carry in your pocket, and refer to it several times a day.
Get started now! Create some positive happy affirmations for changing your life. Here are a few of mine:
"I am accountable for what I do!"
"I make new friends every day!"
"I give back to the community!"
And yours can be whatever you like, such as:
"I am a happy and cheerful person!"
"I attract joy into my life, all day long!"
"I am great at helping people!"
Whatever it is, go for it. Enjoy the process! It can be great fun.