Affirmations

Do you use affirmations in your daily routine? If so, you’re probably doing it wrong.

First, let’s start with the good part. Affirmations are a powerful psychological tool we can use to hack our brains to induce positive thoughts, increases in self-esteem, willpower, and a myriad of other benefits.

Negative thoughts play a huge role in not only our mental and emotional health but also our physical health as well. Our brains are powerful organs and the concept of “speaking things” into existence has been a well-documented and studied phenomenon. But, how does that actually work?

You can’t just say to yourself one morning in the mirror that “I am a millionaire” and POOF the money is in your account. (Wouldn’t that be nice though??) Positive self-talk, like affirmations, have to be grounded in some reality. Our brains are not fooled by false affirmations. Your brain knows when the affirmation or thought isn’t realistic and thus, it will chemically demotivate you and keep you at arms length of your dreams. This is why so many people fail to live up to their full potential.

So, what is the good news? We can hack this and make out thoughts and our brain chemistry work FOR us instead of against us. Instead of a vague affirmation like, “I am beautiful” or ” I am rich”. Try writing out some goals you want to accomplish and instead “affirming” to yourself that you will accomplish those things THAT DAY. ” I will write 1000 words today” or “I will surpass my work quota today”.

Something I have just recently learned that I have been doing wrong as well is talking as though I have already accomplished the thing or goal. I used to think that type of talk was motivating and helpful. In reality, though, it has a huge negative effect on your intrinsic motivation. It prematurely releases dopamine when you act as though you have already accomplished the thing and in response, our brains actually think that thing is LESS important! So telling yourself before the interview that you already crushed the interview will actually make you perform less than you could have!

But wait! “Adam, when I do that I am less afraid… ” This, my friends, is a whole other article in itself! (stay tuned) Fear is one of the greatest motivators on earth. When we understand fear, we can truly master motivation. But, like I said, that’s a topic for another article!

Instead of using false or vague affirmations, today I challenge you, come up with three thoughts that have to do with your current day and affirm those things instead. You will come to find they are much more helpful and have a real benefit to motivation and performance!

Here are a few examples.

• Instead of saying “I am healthy” try saying ” I will adhere to my diet today”
• Instead of saying “I am beautiful” try saying “I will work on one thing I need to improve on today”
• Instead of saying “I am a millionaire” try saying “I will learn something new today”

These small changes can have a massive benefit both mentally and physically. Because instead of false or vague thoughts, you are actually getting things done and pushing yourself further toward the ” health, wealth, and beauty” which should instead be GOALS.

Remember, our thoughts are just one small, yet extremely important, piece of the puzzle! Next comes ACTION!

Keep Going!

-Adam