Affirmation makeover

January 17, 2014 at 07:00 PM
Share & Print

To "affirm" something means simply to declare that it is true. So, creating and using affirmations should be a breeze, right?

Actually, the true art of the affirmation is both subtle and profound. Despite the popularity of this technique, some people choose bland affirmations—or even affirmations that are self-defeating.

When creating your affirmation, remember that even minor variations in word choice can make a huge difference in your results. Because your words literally have the power to create your circumstances, it's important to invest a few minutes now to take your affirmation-making skills to the next level.

Consider this example: "I will quit smoking with ease and joy, remembering the effects on my physical and mental health and preparing to live a longer life."

By using the guidelines below, you can transform limp affirmations into mantras for manifesting a marvelous life:

  1.             Enter the "now." Start your affirmation by entering the present tense. Take the condition you desire and declare it to be already true.
  2.             Be positive. Our sample affirmation keeps the focus on smoking, the condition you do not want. Instead, shine a light on what you do want: to be smoke-free. Our subconscious mind skips the word "not," so delete it from your affirmations. "I am not afraid of public speaking" gives the message that you are afraid. Instead say "I feel at ease as I speak in public."
  3.            Be concise. Shorter is better. Affirmations with fewer words are often easier to recall, especially in stressful situations. Rhyming makes your affirmations even more memorable. For example, "I am feeling alive at 85."
  4.             Include action. Whenever possible, affirm yourself as a person who takes action. For example: "I am gratefully driving my new Porsche along an open highway." Action engages the Law of Attraction, creating new results in our lives and opening us to further inspiration.
  5.            Include a feeling word. Powerful affirmations include content and emotion. Content describes the specific outcome you desire. Emotion gets to the heart of how you feel about that outcome. For a more potent affirmation, add both elements.

For example: "I am supporting my children to fully come forward into the world." The content of this statement is clear, yet it lacks an emotional charge. Breathe life into it by adding an active expression of feeling. For example: "I am lovingly supporting my children and encouraging them to fully express their unique talents and gifts."

You will know you have a powerful affirmation when you feel a surge of emotional energy. And this force of feeling will jumpstart you into action.

Sign up for The Lead and get a new tip in your inbox every day! More tips:

Jack Canfield, America's #1 Success Coach, is founder of the billion-dollar book brand Chicken Soup for the Soul© and a leading authority on Peak Performance and Life Success. If you're ready to jump-start your life, make more money, and have more fun and joy in all that you do, get your FREE success tips from Jack Canfield now at: www.FreeSuccessStrategies.com.

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Related Stories

Resource Center