I once had the privilege of spending several weeks with Brian Tracy. At the time, he was a national innovator promoting the “secrets” of enhancing personal growth and revolutionary business practices. One of his primary initiatives was instruction on how to write, implement, and utilize positive affirmations in all areas of a person’s life. A positive affirmation is a statement to help overcome negative thoughts and help make positive changes. Tracy was confident that using positive affirmations would enhance a person’s spiritual, emotional, physical and business outlook.
Here are the “secrets” for effectively creating and using positive affirmations:
- Make a list of 8-10 positive affirmations that you want to become part of your daily life. These must ALWAYS be written in the present tense, as if you have already achieved the desired result. For example, “I feel confident in my work environment!”
- Create your list with as many action words as you can. “I radiate compassion towards others!” not “I am compassionate.” The stronger the verb, the stronger the impression will be integrated into your subconscious.
- Always finish with an exclamation mark. This will be your reminder to say it with enthusiasm!
- If you have goals to help you quit smoking, drinking, or other undesired behaviors, do so in this way: “I am smoke-free!” not “I do not smoke cigarettes.” The subconscious does not register the “do nots” and will interpret your affirmations as “I smoke cigarettes,” the opposite of your intention.
- Now that you have a list, try out your affirmations for a couple of days and see how they “fit” you. Just like a good hat, you have to try a few on before you get just the right fit. Toss aside the ones that don’t fit, and try on a new one. It’s completely okay to erase and re-write your affirmations.
- Now begin speaking your positive affirmations several times a day, starting first thing in the morning and lastly before bed. This is an extremely important step, as it helps to implant it into your subconscious. At every opportunity, speak your positive affirmations aloud and with enthusiasm, and when able, in front of a mirror. Enjoy the smile the repetition brings to your face!
- When a negative thought enters your mind – and it will – train yourself to substitute one of your positive affirmations for the negative thought.
And what, you ask, are my favorite positive affirmations? Here are a few examples from my own list:
- I like myself! (Brian Tracy always started with this one!)
- I thank God many times a day for all of the blessings He has given me!
- I pray and exercise on a daily basis!
- I feel calm and relaxed!
Just like prayer, make positive affirmations part of your daily life!
