We all have access to a powerful tool which when used regularly will enhance our self esteem, break through limiting self-imposed beliefs, and raise the thermostat of our comfort zones.
1. Know Your Outcome
Have a clear vision of the end result and avoid dwelling on the question, how will I get there? Our subconscious minds are very creative and once the thought is programmed, you will be pleasantly surprised at how the creative mind goes to work to guide you to make the vision a reality. For example, let’s take a shy person who is uncomfortable speaking to a group of people. The desired end-result is to be confident, dynamic and captivating when speaking before large groups of people. (Get the idea?)
2. Personal
Begin your affirmations with “I”…. okay, we would all probably like to change the behavior of some of the people around us, but we can only affirm for ourselves. However, as you begin to make changes in your own behavior, others will notice and begin to ask what is your secret? So, as you share your new techniques, you are, indirectly, also making a positive impact on those around you.
3. Positive
Use a positive spin when saying and writing affirmations as opposed to the negative approach. An example of the difference is stating, I am confident when speaking before groups of people, VS. the negative approach of saying.. I am not as nervous or scared as I used to feel when speaking to groups of people.
4. Present Tense
You want to keep the statement in the NOW moment for your subconscious mind to fully comprehend the change is for today, NOT someday. Avoid using words like CAN, WILL, SHOULD, COULD, and instead use the empowering word AM….I am a confident, dynamic and powerful speaker when addressing large groups of people.
5. Keep It Simple
Use short, powerful sentences for programming new behavior in your subconscious mind, no long dissertations or rambling paragraphs for your affirmations, just short sentences that reprogram your thought process. Keep it simple!
6. Believable
The affirmation needs to be believable and attainable by you and for your own good. It doesn’t matter what others say, only that YOU believe…so become your own dream master!!
7. Emotions
Use words that trigger emotions when you say your affirmations out loud. A few examples: I am a loving nurturing parent and look for ways to build Mat’s self esteem…or…I look forward to my energizing work outs 3 times each week.
8. Write
Take out 3 x 5 index cards and write each affirmation separately on an index card. If you are working on a couple of different areas at once, you may try pink for family and relationships, yellow for health and nutrition and perhaps green for financial.
9. Repeat
Here’s the work – for 21 consecutive days, read your affirmations each morning upon awakening and each night just before falling asleep, this is when your brain is most receptive to change. Take about 45 seconds for each affirmation, read it, close your eyes and picture the end result? SEE the picture come to life and enjoy all the vibrant colours in your mind…. Now, FEEL the emotion associated with the affirmation. Breathe deeply, and enjoy the moment and then go to the next affirmation and repeat the steps.
10. Believe
Open your heart and mind to the possibilities and expect to make positive changes in your life using this technique. Break out of the negative self talk pattern and get into the POSITIVE self-talk habit.
Article Information
This piece was originally submitted by Coach Janice LaVore, Director for Fortune 100 Company, who can be reached at jelcoach@bellsouth.net. Coach Janice LaVore wants you to know: I coach enthusiastic Managers, Trainers, Sales and Human Resources Professionals through career transitions, leadership development, performance improvement and life mastery skills. Send an email to inquire about a free introductory coaching session. The original source is: various books, tapes and seminars.
