Slowly, as the rising of the sun, she watched herself ride into the clouds of stardom. She couldn’t tell how it happened but knew she kept telling herself she too could master baking.
Mary had turns of rollercoaster rides of doubts about her ability to learn icing designs for the past four months of signing up for baking classes. She got tons of ”naying” applause and pats to quit but thankfully, she clouded her subconscious mind with what she needed, giving little or no space to nurture what people thought she couldn’t achieve.
Like the lady in the story above, at a point in life, you must have told yourself therapeutic and winning statements captured by your subconscious mind and unknown to you, nudging you to attain success. It could be words as simple as, “I can do it,” “I’m enough,” “I can do better,” and the like. These words when repeatedly spoken to oneself, become steroids for achieving success in different spheres it’s spoken, in a person’s life.
But how exactly can you use affirmations to achieve success?
How to Achieve Success Through Affirmations
According to Dr Harra, who is a best-selling author, psychologist, and relationship expert, in her article, “In the sequence of thought-speech-action, affirmations play an integral role by breaking patterns of negative thoughts, negative speech, and, in turn, negative actions.” This clearly describes the benefits of affirmations in influencing the trio-nature of a person, especially in breaking negative thought patterns and actions. In essence, saying encouraging words to yourself consistently, sets you on the path that won’t lead you to detours and dead ends. Rather, you will be consciously or unconsciously guided to make decisions that cheer and lead you to success.
Speaking well of yourself is a way of breaching the gap between you and your next achievement. It’s quite sad that affirmations have been underrated and made to look more like a regular motivational script that gives you a eureka feeling.
Common Myths About Affirmations
Despite their proven benefits, affirmations are often misunderstood. Here are some common myths:
Myth 1: Affirmations are Just Positive Thinking
While affirmations are a form of positive thinking, they go beyond that. They are a deliberate practice of reprogramming the mind to focus on positive outcomes, which can lead to tangible results.
Myth 2: Affirmations are a Quick Fix
Affirmations are not a magic solution that will instantly solve all your problems. They require time, consistency, and belief to be effective. However, with regular practice, they can lead to significant changes in your mindset and life.
Myth 3: Affirmations Don’t Work for Everyone
Affirmations can work for anyone willing to put in the effort. The key is to choose affirmations that resonate with you and to practice them consistently.
Steps to Implement Affirmations to Achieve Success
1. Identify Your Goals
The first step in using affirmations effectively is to identify your goals. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s career success, better relationships, improved health, or personal growth, be clear about what you want. Your affirmations should align with these goals.
2. Create Positive Affirmations
Once you’ve identified your goals, create affirmations that reflect these aspirations. Your affirmations should be positive, in the present tense, and stated as if they are already true. For example, if your goal is to become a successful entrepreneur, you might say, “I am a successful entrepreneur thriving in my business.”
3. Repeat Your Affirmations Daily
Consistency is key when it comes to affirmations. Repeat your affirmations daily, preferably in the morning when your mind is fresh and receptive. You can say them out loud, write them down, or even record them and play them back throughout the day.
4. Believe in Your Affirmations
Simply repeating words isn’t enough—you need to believe in what you’re saying. Visualize your success as you affirm it. Imagine what it feels like to achieve your goals and let that emotion fuel your belief in your affirmations.
5. Monitor Your Progress
As you continue with your affirmations, keep track of your progress. Notice how your thoughts, habits, and outcomes begin to change. Adjust your affirmations as needed to stay aligned with your evolving goals.
Why You Should Start Using Affirmations Today
The words of God to Job often struck me with the sensation of satisfaction and confidence that affirmation is something I shouldn’t give up on.
”Have you commanded the morning since your days began and caused the dawn to know its place?” (See Job 38:12)
Affirmations help you stay focused on your goals, build self-confidence, and cultivate a positive mindset. By adding affirmations into your daily routine, you start to transform your thoughts, actions, and ultimately, your life.
Can you set a challenge for yourself to repeatedly affirm some nice words to yourself for some days and see how it affects your productivity?
Also read: Differences between purpose & destiny
Regardless of whether a statement is tagged “affirmation” or not, once it encourages and uplifts you, consistently affirm it to yourself because unknown to you, your subconscious mind captures it and begins to influence your actions.
Below are some affirmations you can try out.
Real-Life Impact of Affirmations on People
Let’s look at how affirmations have worked for others. Successful individuals from all walks of life—athletes, entrepreneurs, artists—often credit affirmations as a key part of their success.
1. Oprah Winfrey
One of the most successful media moguls, Oprah Winfrey, has frequently spoken about the power of affirmations in her life. She believes that what you speak to yourself shapes your reality.
2. Jim Carrey
The famous actor and comedian Jim Carrey used affirmations early in his career. He famously wrote himself a check for $10 million and carried it in his wallet, affirming that he would one day receive that amount for his work. Years later, he received a $10 million check for his role in “Dumb and Dumber.”
3. Serena Williams
Tennis legend Serena Williams uses affirmations to maintain her mental focus and confidence. She credits affirmations with helping her achieve success on the tennis court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself to influence your mindset and actions. They are often used to combat negative thoughts and to reinforce positive beliefs.
How do affirmations help achieve success?
Affirmations work by reprogramming your mind to focus on positive outcomes. When you consistently repeat positive statements, your brain begins to believe them, which can lead to improved confidence, better decision-making, and ultimately, success.
How often should I practice affirmations?
For best results, practice affirmations daily. It’s helpful to repeat them in the morning to set a positive tone for the day. However, you can also practice them at any time when you need a boost of confidence or positivity.
Can affirmations work for everyone?
Yes, affirmations can work for anyone willing to practice them consistently. The key is to choose affirmations that resonate with you and to believe in their power.
Are affirmations a replacement for hard work?
No, affirmations are not a replacement for hard work. They are a tool that can help you maintain a positive mindset and stay focused on your goals, but success still requires effort and determination.
Can affirmations be used for specific goals?
Absolutely. Affirmations can be tailored to specific goals, such as career success, improved health, or better relationships. The key is to make them positive, specific, and in the present tense.