How to Create Affirmations That Really Work
Would you like to learn to create affirmations like a PRO?
Today, we’re diving into the world of positive affirmations and how you can create your very own. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete newbie, this guide will give you all the tips and tricks you need to get started. So sit back, grab a pen and paper (or a writing device of your choice), and let’s dive into it!
In this article:
What Are Affirmations
Basically, affirmations are just consciously chosen thoughts that you deliberately repeat. The purpose of using them is to influence and change your thought patterns, beliefs, and behavior.
The idea behind affirmations is that by regularly using them, they will eventually become embedded in one’s subconscious mind, shaping thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors towards a more positive outcome.
But that’s certainly not all!
There are two secret ingredients to consider if you want to make your affirmations truly powerful and effective. We’ll discuss them next.
The Secret Ingredient No 1 Behind Effective Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are commonly used to promote self-improvement and cultivate a more positive and uplifting outlook on life. In the world of manifestation, however, they help us embody the state of our wish fulfilled.
That’s right. It’s not just about mindlessly repeating and focusing on your dreams.
The secret to creating powerful affirmations is to craft a statement you’d use if you already had everything you desire.
That’s the main ingredient of effective affirmations.
Think of it like this:
To manifest with success, you must feel as if it’s already happened.
Therefore, your affirmations should reflect that positive, present-tense outlook. Make them upbeat and inspiring, and watch as you attract the success you’ve been dreaming of!
The Secret Ingredient No 2 Behind Effective Affirmations
Affirmations need to challenge your negative beliefs. So don’t choose them just because they sound nice.
Think about what you desire, then reflect on any limiting beliefs holding you back.
For example, do you have any insecurities related to it? Is there a specific negative belief sabotaging your desires? Or are there any negative feelings present when you think about your desired manifestation?
Start there.
If you can pinpoint such beliefs, you can create potent affirmations.
Basically, you need to flip your negative belief and make it the focus of your affirmation. For instance, if your negative belief is “I am worthless,” replace it with “I am worthy.” Likewise, instead of “I am a failure,” go for “I am success.”
The main takeaway is to start from the opposite of your negative belief if you want to create genuinely impactful affirmations.
Step-By-Step Guidelines to Create Your Own Affirmations
Here’s a step-by-step process for creating and using affirmations:
#1 Clearly define what you want
Start by thinking about what you want to achieve with affirmations. Whether it’s improving your self-esteem, attracting abundance, or manifesting a (better) relationship, having a crystal clear idea of your desired outcome will help you to create good affirmations. Of course, you can still define what you want with more than one affirmation.
#2 Write your affirmations down
Writing down your affirmations can make them feel more real and tangible. This can help to evoke positive emotions and reinforce your positive thinking.
#3 Get specific
Be as detailed as possible when writing affirmations. Remember to pinpoint your negative thoughts and beliefs and then turn them around. The more specific your words are, the more effective they will be. However, don’t force yourself to be specific if it brings up only negative emotions. In that case, it’s perfectly fine to start with something general. We’ll discuss that further in “umbrella affirmations.”
#4 Use positive language and present tense
Always state your affirmations in the present tense as if they were current facts, and use positive words. Your subconscious mind doesn’t recognize negations! If you write an affirmation like “I no longer have any debt” or “I am debt free,” your subconscious will still hold the image of your debt. It’s like saying “I won’t think of a pink elephant” – your mind will still imagine the pink elephant. Instead, frame it in a positive way. Use something like “I have more than enough money to meet all my needs.”
#5 Keep them short and simple
Affirmations should be easy to remember and repeat. So it’s best to keep them short and to the point. Create a few short phrases that you can easily remember.
#6 Talk to yourself like you’re talking to a friend
Say your affirmations as if you are talking to a friend! Using a conversational tone can make affirmations feel more approachable and less intimidating. The goal of affirmations is to make them feel personal and meaningful to you. So, speaking to yourself as if you were talking to a friend can help create that sense of connection and make it easier to internalize the positive messages you are affirming. This way, positive self-talk will become your habit.
#7 Utilize the power of emotions
Remember that first secret ingredient? Imagine yourself already having your manifestation. This will help you to feel good when you say them. So, how would you feel if you already had your desired outcome? Connecting your affirmations to emotions and feelings is what makes them so powerful!
#8 Repeat your affirmations daily
The more you repeat them, the more they will sink into your subconscious and become a part of your belief system. By repeatedly focusing your mind on such positive statements, you will naturally develop more positive thoughts and beliefs.
Are Affirmations Backed Up by Science?
Yes! There have been several studies conducted on the topic of self-affirmations and their impact on the brain. Research has found that self-affirmations can increase feelings of self-worth, boost motivation, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Other studies have shown that self-affirmations can lead to a more positive belief system and improve overall mental health. These findings suggest that affirmations can significantly impact the brain and be an effective tool for personal growth and self-improvement.
For example, let’s explain one study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience:
Basically, this study investigated the effects of affirmations on the brain. The study found that when people practice self-affirmations, it activates the reward centers in their brain, precisely the same centers that respond to pleasurable experiences such as winning a prize or recalling a positive memory.
So, this proves that saying positive statements or affirmations to yourself can have a tangible impact on your brain and activate feelings of reward and pleasure.
Is it Important to Believe in Your Affirmations?
Not necessarily.
However, they won’t be as effective if you don’t believe what you’re saying. That’s why it’s essential to choose statements that resonate with you and that you can genuinely believe in. So give your best to make them believable.
When you recite them, try to visualize yourself having already achieved your goals and feel the positive emotions associated with that success. This will certainly increase their effectiveness.
Don’t forget to utilize the power of your emotions to make positive, impactful phrases.
What Are Umbrella Affirmations?
Umbrella affirmations are a type of statement that covers a wide range of beliefs and thoughts in your life. Instead of focusing on one specific thing, like job success or love life, they aim to improve overall well-being.
The umbrella affirmations are often seen as a more holistic approach to affirming as they encompass many aspects of a person’s life rather than focusing on just one specific area. In addition, they can also help to create a positive and confident outlook on life so you feel better in all areas of your life.
They are typically broad and general, such as “I am confident, worthy, and capable,” and are meant to provide a broad, overarching sense of well-being and positivity.
The idea is that by regularly reciting these affirmations, they will eventually become a deeply ingrained part of your belief system, positively affecting your overall outlook on life.
When to Use Umbrella Affirmations?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, umbrella affirmations can be a good starting point if you feel resistance when affirming or if negative emotions arise.
Remember, when you create an affirmation, it should make you feel positive.
They can help you to build a foundation of positive self-belief and gradually address more specific beliefs as you become more comfortable while reciting your affirmations.
Additionally, umbrella affirmations can help develop a sense of gratitude, self-compassion, and self-love, which can make it easier to overcome any resistance or negative emotions.
What Are Subliminal Affirmations?
Subliminal affirmations are designed to bypass the conscious mind and go directly to the unconscious mind. They are usually delivered in a very subtle or concealed way, such as through flashing text or images on a screen or played in the background of music or other audio.
Essentially, they can rewire the unconscious mind and create new positive thought patterns and beliefs, leading to improved self-esteem, confidence, and other desired outcomes.
How Long Should You Use Affirmations?
Well, there is no set time frame. However, it’s recommended to use them regularly, until you start to see positive changes in your thoughts and behaviors.
Some people may see results after a few weeks or even days. Others may need to use them for several months. The key is to be consistent and persistent in your practice.
It’s important to make them a regular part of your daily routine, whether that’s saying them out loud, silently, or writing them down.
So, if you want to feel positive effects faster, create a daily practice and commit to it. That can undoubtedly reprogram your mind and help you achieve your desires more quickly.
Personal Preferences
The way we formulate our words can have a significant impact on how effective they are. For instance, some people like using ultra-short and simple language, such as “I am successful.” or “I am abundant,” which works for them. But, in my case, that’s not very effective.
Personally, I prefer to frame my affirmations in a more playful or self-affirming way, such as “I just love that I’m so successful.” or “It’s just great that I’m so successful now.” I respond way better when I use words like that.
Now, I’m just mentioning that as an example. It doesn’t mean that it will be the same for you. Personal preference plays a role, and what works best for one person may not work well for another.
Ultimately, the most crucial factor is that it resonates with you and feels empowering and motivating.
So, try to experiment and see what works best for you.
Frequency of Repetition
I would certainly recommend using affirmations daily. You can recite them throughout the day, no matter what you’re doing. In fact, incorporating them into your daily routines can make them a habit and increase their effectiveness.
For instance, when you’re cleaning, standing in line, or doing any other task, you can recite them to yourself and focus on the positive feelings and beliefs they bring.
To achieve a specific goal, dedicate yourself to this practice at least 2 times a day. Ideally, first thing in the morning after you wake and right before bed. Your mind is most open to suggestions during these times, so make the most of it
And for the best effect, combine them with other methods, such as meditation or visualization. For example, if you meditate and repeat positive affirmations in a relaxed and focused state, your words can have a more profound impact on your subconscious.
So, using them in conjunction with meditation or other methods can be a powerful way to achieve your goals.
Additionally, setting a reminder can ensure that you stick to the practice. However, it is ultimately up to you to find a suitable and achievable schedule for you and your lifestyle.
Further Resources on How to Create Affirmations
If you need further help figuring out how to create affirmations, check out the templates available here:
