Mastering Affirmations: Boost Confidence and Cultivate Positivity Daily
by Candice Coughenour
What is an affirmation?
Affirmations are short, positive, and accurate statements spoken in the present tense repeatedly. Affirmations increase self-worth, confidence, and effective mindsets. These statements help individuals challenge their inner critics and self-doubt in short bursts and will build a more positive outlook over time. Affirmations help foster new ways of thinking and help enhance and maintain already existing mindsets. Think of affirmations as a catalyst to kick-start confidence and/or a turbo boost to already confident thoughts!
Keep it Short
Ever heard of simple yet elegant? Affirmations are simple and pack a punch! Allowing a short message to stand for and symbolize a greater concept can help you maintain the affirmation. Short and sweet will go a long way because affirmations will need to be repeated over and over… and over again. If the affirmation is too wordy it lowers the chance of you committing to it and maintaining repetition! There is no limit or word count, but I suggest using enough words to specifically target your goal but not too many that it’s hard to remember.
Lets practice
“I am happy” is not bad by any means. However, it’s not the most specific statement.
“I am happy and confident about everything and can overcome every issue that pops up at work.” Again, not a bad thought! And a lot is going on.
“I am confident and able to overcome challenges” is specific and to the point.
Make it Positive
The goal of “positive” affirmations is not to go from doom and gloom to rainbow and butterflies; I do not mean sugarcoat your thoughts. I mean to use positive and affirming words like “I am” instead of “I am not.” Affirmations focus on what you desire, not what you want to avoid.
Lets practice:
“I am not stressed” promotes what you want to avoid
“I am calm” promotes what you want!
Why the Present Tense?
Talk as if you already have it/ it’s already happening. What we think affects what we do. If thoughts are negative, we focus on what we want to avoid. Self-fulfilling prophecies will do their magic and invite in the very thing we want to avoid. Using present tense statements reinforces the belief that this is your reality. Again, what we think affects what we do. Train your brain to work with you.
Lets practice
“I will be patient and in control” promotes the idea that this isn't a reality yet.
“I am patient and in control” promotes the idea that this exists in your reality.
What does Accurate Mean?
Affirmations are not “faking it until you make it.” We want to choose reasonable affirmations based on what we know to be true. Remember, affirmations are a shift in thinking and not all or nothing. Choose affirmations that you truly believe are possible. Choose a neutral statement between gloom and doom and sugar-coated rainbows.
Lets practice
“I am the best at everything.” You are not wrong…and that may feel like a stretch if you are working to build your confidence
“I am working hard.” is rooted in truth; you can stand behind this statement because you know you are trying whether you are the best or not
How to use affirmations effectively
Using affirmations in your regular life is like harnessing the power of your inner dialogue. Whether we want to admit it or not, our thoughts have power! What we think affects how we feel and what we do. The information above will help you create your affirmations. The information below will help you use them effectively!
Visualize and Feel
It's more than just saying the statement. Affirmations are inviting it into your reality. If my affirmation is “I am patient and calm.” I will focus on what patience feels and looks like; I may envision myself taking a deep breath, feeling calm and still, moving slowly, and how my body feels loose and light. Imagine what your affirmation feels like in your body. Yes, the statement is short, but the sentiment is grand! Lean into what your affirmations mean to you and practice visualizing it in the present tense like you already do it or have it!
Over and over again
Affirmations are not a one-and-done skill. Affirmations are a tool that helps you commit to your goals. Repetition helps solidify these affirmations and bring them to fruition. The more you practice saying, visualizing, and feeling your affirmations, the more it will be. Your thoughts affect your actions!
The above suggestions can help you harness all your power and confront your inner critic to promote an accurate mindset about your skills! Remember to go slow and start neutral, practice regularly, and reflect on what these affirmations feel like! Affirmations help you align with your goals instead of what you wish to avoid. When you shift your thoughts, feelings and actions will follow. Your thoughts hold power; use them effectively.
If you resonate with this blog and need support to help create positive change in your life, one of our mental health counselors is here to help. We provide counseling services in Georgia and Florida virtually, with office locations in Buford, GA and Peachtree City, GA. Book a free consultation with us today!
