What are Affirmation Statements? (2)
In a previous blog we explored what Affirmation Statements are and how powerful they can be. In this followup blog we’ll see how to write Affirmation Statements and see some great examples you can re-use yourself.
How to Write an Affirmation Statement
Affirmation statements usually target a specific area, behaviour, or belief with which you are struggling. The following points can help you to write the affirmation statement that best fits your needs.
Think about the areas of your life that you would like to change. For instance, do you wish that you had more patience? Or deeper relationships with your friends and colleagues? Or would you like a more productive workday?
Write down several areas or behaviours that you would like to work on. Be sure that they are compatible with your core values and the things that most matter to you, so that you will feel genuinely motivated to achieve them.
Be sure that your affirmation is credible and achievable. Base it on a realistic assessment of the facts. For instance, imagine that you are unhappy with the level of pay that you currently receive. You could use affirmations to raise your confidence to ask for a raise.
However, it would not be wise to affirm to yourself that you are going to double your salary: for most people, and most organizations, doubling what you are earning in one go is not feasible. Keep it realistic! Affirmations are not magic spells – if you cannot believe in them, it is unlikely they will impact your life.
Turn negatives into positives. If you are struggling with negative self-talk, note down the persistent thoughts or beliefs that are bothering you. Then choose an affirmation that is the opposite of that thought and belief.
For example, if you habitually think, “I’m not talented enough to progress in my career,” turn this around and write a positive affirmation such as, “I am a skilled and experienced professional.”
Write your affirmation in the present tense. Write and speak your affirmation as if it is already happening. This helps you to believe that the statement is true right now. For instance, “I am well-prepared and well-rehearsed, and I can give a great presentation” would be a great affirmation to use if you feel nervous speaking in front of a group.
Say it with feeling. Affirmations can be more effective when they carry emotional weight. You need to want this change to happen, so every affirmation that you choose to repeat should be a phrase that is meaningful to you. For example, if you are worried about a new project that you have been tasked with, you could tell yourself, “I am really excited to take on new challenges.”
Examples of Affirmations
Your affirmation will be personal to you, and specific to what you want to achieve or change, but the following examples may provide some inspiration:
- I have plenty of creativity for this project.
- My work will be recognized in a positive way by my boss and colleagues.
- I can do this!
- My team respects and values my opinion.
- I am successful.
- I am honest in my life, and my work.
- I like completing tasks and projects on time.
- I am grateful for the job I have.
- I enjoy working with my team.
- I am bringing a positive attitude to work every day.
- I am excellent at what I do.
- I am resilient.
- I am not afraid to stand up for myself.
- I will be a leader in my organization.
- I am proud of myself.
Tip:
The use of affirmations is just one way to make positive changes to your life. You can also use techniques such as Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking, and Positive Thinking, and Cognitive Restructuring, perhaps something for a follow up blog 😉
Warning:
Negative thinking can cause severe health problems and, in extreme cases, death. While these techniques have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing occasional negative thinking, they are for guidance only, and readers should take the advice of suitably qualified health professionals if they have any concerns over related illnesses or if negative thoughts are causing significant or persistent unhappiness. Health professionals should also be consulted before any major change in diet or levels of exercise.
Key Points
Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to overcome self-sabotaging, negative thoughts.
To use affirmations, first analyse the thoughts or behaviours that you would like to change in your own life and career.
Next, produce positive, credible, and achievable affirmation statements that are the opposite of these thoughts. Repeat your affirmations several times a day, especially when you find yourself slipping into negative self-talk or engaging in negative behaviour.
Remember that affirmations are most effective when you use them alongside other strategies, such as visualization and goal setting.
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