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“As a man thinks, therefore, he is.” How many of us have heard that from time to time? Or, “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” This scripture and quote have come up over and over throughout my life and I can honestly say they’re true! One of the best ways I’ve found to stay positive in a negative world is through affirmations. So, let’s take a deep dive into the Power of Positive Affirmations and How To Use Them.
What are Positive Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are typically phrases or statements that we repeat often to help combat negative thoughts or patterns of thinking. The idea is that if you repeat something enough, you will begin to believe it and receive it as the truth. It’s another way to help create the outcomes you desire in your life.
For example, if you are working on your physical fitness, an affirmation you may want to repeat to yourself is, “I am strong and make healthy decisions.” You may not feel strong or like you’re making healthy choices currently, but you may start making healthier decisions and in turn, become stronger, by keeping those thoughts top of mind.
Why Should I Use Them?
There are many reasons to give positive affirmations a try. The biggest one, in my opinion, is that negative thoughts often create a negative life through negative behaviors. If we can break the cycle of negativity, we become free! For example, if we are constantly talking down to ourselves, saying we aren’t good enough or can’t do something, then we’re less likely to apply for that job that could improve our lives, or pursue that relationship that might be the one. We hold ourselves back because in our minds, we’re already defeated.
What goes hand-in-hand with positivity? Higher self-esteem and confidence! If we allow ourselves to snub negative thoughts, we take control of our self-image. This allows us to start viewing through the lens of our gifts and talents and not our flaws. Focusing on things we know we’re good at or what we think we bring to the world opens ourselves up to do more of those things with less hesitation. We become more confident in who we are and what we bring to the table.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue. To me, this means that the words I speak have a direct outcome on the life I live. Therefore, if I am speaking of wonderful, good, and true things, my life will start to reflect that. The thought of this alone brings me rest. Positive affirmations have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety over time. If you suffer from worry and the tendency to contemplate negative outcomes instead of positive ones, affirmations may be a tool you want to consider.
How to Create Your Own Positive Affirmations
To create your own positive affirmations, think about the things you want to improve upon or struggle with in your life. This will help you determine what your affirmations should be. Positive affirmations don’t need to be complicated. In fact, the simpler they are, the better. You want affirmations that are short and easy to remember, so 1-2 sentences are ideal.
Most affirmations are written in the present tense (or NOW) and start with “I” or “My” or “Today.” You will want to create statements that positively confirm what you already are or what you desire long-term.
Examples of Positive Affirmations
When it comes down to it, positive affirmations are a way to rewire and reprogram your brain. We want to replace negative thoughts about our lives or ourselves with positive ones. Here are some simple examples to help get you started on crafting your own:
How to Use Positive Affirmations In Your Everyday Life
Like anything in life, positive affirmations take effort. We have to make room for positive thoughts to take hold, which means we have to intentionally set aside time to practice them. If you are not able to commit 5-10 minutes a day, you may not get the full effects that positive affirmations could have in your life. I encourage you to give it a try, even for two weeks, and see how you feel.
Most people write their affirmations down on sticky notes, a vision board, or in a journal. The key is to place them where you will see them every day and repeat them often. A lot of people I know hang them around their bathroom mirror and say them as they’re getting ready for the day, or around their office space for encouragement.
When you first begin speaking them to yourself, you may not feel 100% confident. Try to push those feelings aside, focus, and believe what you’re saying. Repetition and consistency are also important. Repeating each affirmation at least 10 times every day will help them stick. No days off!
And the final (and most difficult) step, is to be patient. Chances are your negative thought patterns didn’t pop up over night, so they will take time to deteriorate. It may be a bit before you start to see and feel the results, but I encourage you to hang in there until you do.
For more articles on positive life-change, check out the following:
- 10 Best Ways to Practice Gratitude and Why You Should Start Now
- How to Motivate Yourself Every Day with these 7 Tips
- 11 Best Time Management Tips
And if you’ve been using positive affirmations in your life, I’d love to hear about it in the comments, or DM me at @ourfarmerhouse!
XOXO,
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