The Secret to Make Affirmations Work for You
Our brain communicates through chemicals. Every experience in our life is creating new chemical connections. Our brain continues to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, and repetition strengthens these connections. This phenomenon is called neuroplasticity. Each time you repeat a thought, an action or affirmation, you are reinforcing those pathways into your brain.
Experts estimate that most people have about 60,000 thoughts in a day. Interestingly, most of these thoughts are based on our brains natural tendency to hold on to negative experiences, beliefs, and habits. By consciously choosing powerfully positive statements, we can impress upon our subconscious mind to break this habitual thought process.
The power of "I Am" gives you the command to fully control your mind. It gives an incredibly powerful realization that you are capable of achieving anything. Studies have proven that self-affirmation has all kinds of beneficial effects on the psyche. Self-affirmation has been associated with stronger academic achievement in school, because it cognitively rewires thoughts in the brain, thus increasing problem-solving skills. Evidence suggests positive affirmations can not only decrease stress and improve performance on challenging tasks, but can also help you make healthier decisions. The truth is affirmations work. Here's how to make them work for you...
Make it personal - Declare your negative thought and write down a positive statement against that belief. Self-generated content, specific to your problem will help you connect better. Remember to include "I Am" in your affirmation to make it more meaningful. Put your affirmations in writing, rather than on computer, so as to be more committed and intentional.
Make it memorable - Short, simple, and direct affirmations have more likability. It not only makes it easy to say, but also easy to remember. Making catchy phrases can give that extra punch to your mantra and make them even more appealing!
Keep it positive and in the present tense - Focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you don't want. Avoid any negative statements. Positive affirmations are more powerful and have clarity of purpose. It is good to do the affirmations in the present tense, as if the situation is already occurring.
Repeat, repeat, and repeat - When you first say your affirmation, it may seem unbelievable. But by following a daily ritual of repeating affirmations, you can instill the power of habitual positive thinking in the subconscious mind. Your mind then becomes more open and receptive to this new information. You build confidence and can direct your thoughts towards achieving your goal. Repeat your affirmations at least 2-3 times a day.
Energize your affirmation – Truly, truly believe in your affirmation! Passion, excitement, and energy around your affirmation will get you into a positive vibe and make you believe that you are already living it. Sing or add a rhythm to your affirmation. Be happy - do what your heart desires for your aspirations to come true. Adding strong emotions to your affirmation will raise the intention of your affirmation to a completely different level. The whole of your being should be so charged on your purpose that you have this unstoppable force of driving into a new reality.
Visualize - Compliment visualization with your affirmation, so that it makes it all the more real, encouraging you to take action. Feel it, hear it, taste it, smell it-- completely engage with your affirmation! Visualize and sense every detail of the truth you wish to create. This will empower you to manifest the reality you deeply desire.
Make them dynamic - As you develop your new self, preserve the vibrancy in your affirmation by updating and modifying your affirmation.
By: Smruti Ghag