What is an affirmation, and how do you begin a daily practice?

0 Shares

What is an affirmation, and how do you begin a daily practice?

Affirmations are simple, self-confident “I am” statements. These confident statements may be said or written down. When practiced routinely, it will rewire our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions.

If you have a negative belief or thought that makes you feel bad, you can replace it with a positive statement.

If you repeat the empowering thought to yourself regularly — for example, when the negative thought is triggered and also at pre-determined times of the day, you will come to believe it.

This positive statement will become ingrained into your implicit, automatic memory.

Our RAS and Visualization

When focusing on the affirmation statement, you direct your focus toward what you want, which will trigger your Reticular Activation System (RAS).

RAS is a small section of our brain that tunes your awareness and stimulus of your environment and creates a match for what you are focusing

Do you ever notice when you purchase a red car, you begin to see them everywhere?

Daily, we are exposed to and experience a million bits of information at any moment, yet we are only consciously aware of 2,000 of them.

If you are thinking negatively, you will be aware of the negative things around you, and if you are thinking positively, you will be made aware of the positive things.

Here is a fantastic example of RAS – you begin thinking about getting new contracts for your photography business. Your subconscious mind will direct your ears to hear the conversation in the adjacent aisle, where someone is talking about their upcoming wedding and a need for a photographer. Bingo – go and introduce yourself!

Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts

What is a belief you hold or negative thought you say to yourself regularly that you would like to replace with a more empowering, positive affirmative statement?

On a piece of paper, jot down the negative thought and rip it up into tiny pieces.
Next, write down a new phrase to replace the old one – this is your positive affirmation statement.
Repeat this new positive affirmation statement at least 3 times daily (5 to 10 times each session).
- Pick the same time(s) for your practice, and even schedule your affirmation time into your planner.
Consider posting it on your mirror, computer, or nightstand where you can see it regularly.

Engage your Mind

Take your positive affirmation further by adding a physical element – put your statement into motion, and engage your mind.

When affirmation statements are said aloud, it sends a signal to your brain that you are serious.

If you must state your affirmation when other people are around and prefer not to draw undue attention to yourself, you can do it silently—but whenever you can, say it out loud.

Enlist your body!

What movement could you make while reciting your affirmation?

You could –

Raise your hands into the air,
Jump up and down,
Or even do a fun dance!

4 Elements to Practice Successful Affirmation Statements:

It must be believable and not fantasy (within your control).
Must be said in the present tense (happening now), personal (I), positive (skip words like “can’t” or “don’t)
Feel it – and be specific
You must repeat it regularly (3-5 times per day for 21-30 days)

And to further your Practice – consider this Affirmation Guide found on my Etsy Boutique!