Every day our inner voice tells us both positive and negative things about our circumstances. We tend to mostly listen to the negative inner critic and believe what we are telling ourselves. This can cause us to procrastinate and may prevent us from moving forward, believing we are not worthy of reaching success and achieving our goals. The good news is that we can override these negative thoughts. Read on to learn more about the power of positive affirmations.
How our inner voice affects our beliefs
Our beliefs are held in the subconscious mind, with some going as far back as our childhood. These beliefs determine our thoughts and behaviour, which ultimately result in how we perceive the world around us and how we go forward in living our lives.
Over time, our subconscious mind creates beliefs based on what hear. If, as a child, you heard phrases such as “you’ll never achieve anything in your life” or “money is the root of all evil,” it’s possible you have developed negative beliefs based on what you were told.
If you hold negative beliefs about yourself and your inner voice is telling you these things many times each day, then it’s most likely that you’ll behave in a way that is consistent to these negative beliefs.
The power of positive affirmations
The same applies to the positive beliefs you hold in your subconscious mind. In this case, you are probably going to be more productive by carrying out tasks and actions based on your positive beliefs. Therefore, positive self-talk can go a long way in supporting you to reach your goals.
Negative self-talk and beliefs can be limiting and it’s important we use language that is both positive and empowering. Through the use of positive affirmations, it is possible to replace the negative beliefs we hold about ourselves that lead our inner voice to consistently use negative words and phrases.
This process may not be easy and instant, as our beliefs and behaviours can be so deep rooted. However, by practicing positive affirmations on a daily basis, it is possible to change your belief in yourself and your abilities. In doing so, this can increase your self-esteem, confidence and morale, which will all support you in moving forward.
The first step is awareness of your use of words
I believe the very first step is becoming more aware of your thoughts and the words you use both to yourself and out loud during conversations with other people. There is little point in practicing a few minutes of positive affirmations if for the rest of the day you are using negative words!
Pay attention to the language you use. If you often use words such as can’t or won’t, think of how else you could say the same thing, but instead in a positive way. A simple example of this is changing the phrase, “I can’t do this” to “I can do this.” Sometimes, it’s not as easy as changing one word and you may have to change the perspective of the sentence in order to change your belief. For example, “I don’t have the qualifications to apply for my dream job” could be changed to, “I am taking positive steps to work towards my dream job.”
How to practice positive affirmations
Once you have increased your awareness of the language you use, you can begin to practice positive affirmations. It is best to do this at least once or twice each day, but more often if it is possible.
Draft your affirmations according to the beliefs you wish to change and the goals you wish to accomplish. Here are a few examples to get you started:
- I am worthy of living the life of my dreams.
- Each day, I attract abundance and opportunities to me.
- I am enough.
- Success and happiness come easily to me.
- I am exactly where I need to be right now.
- Today is a productive day.
- I am strong and energetic.
- My body has an amazing ability to heal.
The power of positive affirmations comes best when you use them in the present tense, as though you already have that in your life. Saying, “I don’t have enough money yet, but I will do one day,” is too vague and not a good way to affirm your intentions. To reinforce your positive beliefs, it is better to say, “I am grateful for all the money I have received throughout my life. Each day I am positively moving forward towards my income goal.” This affirmation makes your intentions more relevant and current.
To further reinforce your positive affirmations, write them down and place them somewhere you will see them each day. I recommend placing them on a kitchen cupboard, inside your wardrobe door or inside your diary. Many people now place positive quotes or affirmations as artwork on their walls at home. This too is a great way to see a frequent reminder of the intentions that are personal to you.
Saying your affirmations while you look in a mirror is another fantastic way to affirm your intentions. Note how uncomfortable you may feel when you first do this and allow yourself to be at ease with using a mirror to say your positive affirmations. Doing this daily should help you to feel more comfortable, not only in using the mirror to talk to yourself, but also in your beliefs and intentions.
Check out my 16 Affirmations to Support Your Health and Wellbeing.
A Guide to Affirmations for health, wellbeing and healing
Discover the power of positive affirmations for your wellbeing, how they can support you with your holistic health and happiness, and how best to practice them. Included in this instant download PDF guide are pull-out pages with over 150 positive affirmations for:
- Healing
- Sleep
- Stress Reduction
- Exercise
- Nutrition & Diet
- Gut Health
- Immune System
- Holistic Wellbeing
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Your Soul
Plus, learn how to create your own wellbeing affirmations, how to continue with your positive affirmations practice, and record your thoughts and progress in the handy notes section.
