I'm sure you've heard about daily affirmations and maybe you've used them too. I have used them on and off for years but it has never been something that I have stuck to religiously - until a few days ago.
They're easy, they're personal, they're free and they really do change you, so what's not to love?
What are daily affirmations?
They are statements in the present tense that you repeat to yourself on a daily basis and they serve as inspiration or reminders of your aspirations and focus your attention on your goals.
How do they work?
They basically reprogram the subconscious mind and help us create the reality that we desire. The subconscious mind plays a huge role in actualising and manifesting our wishes, goals and dreams.
The mind doesn't know the difference between imaginary and reality so the words we use can have a powerful impact on the way our brain sees the world. If you spend the day telling yourself "I'm just not a runner", "I'm not a healthy eater", "Bad things always happen to me", "I will never lose weight" etc then your brain will begin to believe those things and subconsciously you will live a life to ensure you self actuate those beliefs. Whereas if you change that narrative you will be amazed at what happens.
Create the reality we desire
How do I start?
Just start! Think about your desires and the person you want to be and then begin to affirm those wishes with your words and thoughts.
4 steps of affirmations
1. Present tense
Set your affirmation in the present tense, starting with "I" or "I am". Take hold of it and make it your identity. For example, "I am a runner", "I am a healthy eater", "I am a calm and positive parent", "I see the positives in everything".
2. Positive statements
Make sure your statements are in the positive, so rather than saying "I worry less" say "I live in peace" otherwise your brain will just focus on the negative and you wont get the results from your affirmation that you desire.
3. Emotional charge
Adding emotion to the statement makes it more tangible and your brain is more able to grasp that thought because there is a feeling attached to it. Your desires become more real when you FEEL it.
4. Don't focus on the "how"
Our brains are problem solving machines so it is inevitable that we will want to figure out the solution to our statement. However, don't. Make your statement and don't give a second thought to how you will become that or achieve that. Your subconscious will start busily working on that and put steps in place for you. When you believe your affirmations and you feel them, opportunities present themselves that maybe in the past you would have overlooked. So don't worry about how you will achieve the things you desire, just start making those affirmations.
There you have it.
Give it a go and do let me know how you get on, it really does make a huge difference!
Jo x