In my previous post “The Power of Positive Affirmations,” I talked about how important this tool is to reshape limiting beliefs, images, and thought processes. Here I want to give you some simple steps for creating affirmations that can lead to personal transformation.
Step One: Determine What You Really Want
It’s important to take some time and think about the results or outcomes you truly want in your life. Some people find this to be difficult because they really haven’t thought much about it. Start by making 2 lists
- What Is Working Well In My Life, and
- What Is Not Working Well In My Life.
This will help you begin to figure out how you would like things to be different.
As you make these lists consider the following areas of your life: Finances, Relationships, Health, Career or Business, Emotions & Attitude, Spirituality, etc. Try to determine what is most important to you right now and clarify the results or outcomes that you really want. You might also want to consider taking a strategic retreat to help you focus.
Step Two: Go Deep
Many times people develop affirmations around the symptom of their problem, rather than going to the root cause. Start with determining the outcome you want, but then look beneath the behaviors that hold you back. Identify the false or limiting beliefs. Look for the negative or inhibiting self-talk. Be honest about the attitudes and mindsets that keep you from attaining the results you want.
Many people find a good coach to be helpful when looking deep within yourself. Once you identify the beliefs and self-messages that need to change, then you are ready to take the steps to create a new reality. Start by writing a new belief, a new message, and a new reality that you seek.
Step Three: Affirm In the Present Tense
Affirmations are more powerful when stated in the present tense. For example, “I am a successful sales professional” is a present tense affirmation. “I’m going to become a successful sales professional” is affirming something in the future tense. This is less effective because we are forever “going to.” Write it as if you have already achieved it
The reason this is important is your subconscious is far stronger than your conscious mind. Whatever your subconscious believes always becomes your reality. By speaking in the present tense you speak directly to your subconscious.
Step Four: Be Positive
Always create affirmations in positive terms and avoid negative statements. Affirm what you do want rather than what you do not want. For example, instead of “I am not a nervous public speaker,” I suggest you say “I am a confident public speaker.” The words you use trigger emotions, and you want these to be positive and uplifting.
Step Five: Be Short & Specific
It is much better to have several affirmations that are short and specific than to have one that is long and wordy. Short affirmations are easy to say and easy to remember. Plus they have a far greater impact at a subconscious level.
Step Six: Visualize Vividly and Emotionally
Vividly visualize yourself as if you have already obtained your desired outcome. Let yourself feel this new reality – what does it feel like? Linger in that emotion. Your brain does not differentiate between vividly imagined events and real events. So use this technique to form new feelings and a new self-image.
This is a powerful tool that has been used for years by successful athletes and entrepreneurs. Use all five senses. Make your affirmations come alive in your mind and emotions.
Step Seven: Affirm at the Best Time of Day
You can visualize and affirm any time of day. However, the very best times are typically when you first wake up in the morning and when you are falling asleep at night. I like to begin my day with prayer, meditation, and affirmation. This enables me to center myself with the critical mindset I need for success.
I then like to end the day with relaxation and affirmation. The last hour before we go to sleep is a very important transition for many reasons. It is an excellent time to program your subconscious mind before you sleep.
I hope you will practice these 7 steps. Affirmations work through repetition. Repeating your affirmations to yourself often will reshape your subconscious processes. Also, if you will do this consistently it will dramatically affect your results. By changing your beliefs and images, you can transform your life and your outcomes.
As a Houston business coach, I find it incredibly gratifying to see my clients develop new mindsets that lead to professional and personal success. Let me know what you think and what your experience has been!
