I have been getting a few emails on the effectiveness on using affirmations(positive statements) to improve different aspect of their lives. Some people have been using affirmations but have seen slow progress in their self improvement goals. Some common questions wth regards to using affirmations includes:
1.) Do I have to combine it with visualization?
2.) How often should I use them?
3.) Any tips on making it more powerful, ie speed up the results.
4.) Should I write down my affirmations?
5.) Must I really say it out loud?
From my personal experience, using affirmations can bring you amazing results in changing mindset and limiting beliefs. However, there are a few pointers that one should follow in order to maximize the power of affirmations. So let me give you some pointers by answering the questions listed above:
1.) Is it a must to combine it with creative visualization?
Not necessarily. You can use affirmations on its own. However, from my clients' feedback from my courses, it makes using affirmations more powerful if you combine it with visualization.
2.) How often should I use them?
There are no hard and fast rules on how often you should use them. The more often that you use them, the faster the results. This is because the mind accepts whatever affirmations that you say as being 'the real thing' and you tend to see results quicker. I have a student who wanted to reduce his internet addiction and he repeated his affirmations about 50 times througout the day. Another client who wanted to cure her insomnia repeated her affirmations about 10 times each day. Both saw results within a month so it really depends on each individual. Try whatever is most convenient for you.
3.) Any tips on making it more powerful, ie speed up the results.
Yes, as mentioned above, combining it with visualization is an excellent way to 'power up' your affirmations. Other tips on using affirmations would be:
i) Use affirmations in the present tense- For example, do not say 'I am going to get over this breakup.' Instead, say, 'I am happy that I have gotten over the breakup.'
ii) Try to be as relaxed as possible- Take 2-3 minutes to do some deep breathing before repeating your affirmation. When we are relaxed, our conscious minds are less intrusive, thus leaving our subconscious minds wide open to receive the affirmations more readily.
iii) Write them down- Like I mentioned before, you can't hit a target that you can't see. So write them out several times. Ideally, you should put them in places where you can see them regularly but I know quite a lot of people who would like to keep their affirmations to themselves so it is alright if you do not paste them up in various places.
iv) Use short sentences- Short sentences would be more easily accpeted by the mind. If the affirmation is really a long one, break them up into two or three sentences and say them one after another.
v) Your affirmations should be directed at your emotional mind for the greatest effect- This is because when you really feel excited over your affirmations, it would be more easily accepted by your subconscious rather than something that feels forced.
4.) Should I write down my affirmations?
Not necessarily although it does speed up the results, as mentioned in my answer to question 3.
5.) Must I really say it out loud?
Again, not necessarily although it does speed up the results.
Additional tips:
1.) Affirmations should focus on what you want, not what you don’t want.
Write your affirmations to affirm what you do want. Here are some examples:
I don’t want to gain weight- Not good
I lose weight easily and effortlessly- Great!
I never want to be unemployed- Not good
I am so glad to be employed with my favourite company- Great!
2.) Begin your affirmation with "I." The more you personalize what you say the more it will sink into your subconscious mind.
The Benefits of using affirmations
•When used properly, they can change your attitude and behaviours.
•Can change negative thinking into positive.
•Can help you stay focused.
•Can help you relax and release tension.
•They can motivate you to achieve your goals.
I hope that you would continue using your affirmations to achieve your goals and aspirations. Keep up the good work!
