1. Mindset: The Root of All Success
Imagine that there is an upcoming marathon you wish to participate in.
In positive thinking, you would think, “I hope I can run the marathon”. The lens through which you’re viewing the situation is optimistic but contingent – the outcome is something you hope or believe will happen.
Conversely, with affirmations, you would say something like,
“I am a strong, capable runner in a marathon.”
The affirmation has re-framed how you perceive the situation, by declaring it as an already existing fact. Doing so changes not only your view of your capability, but your actual capability.
In this instance, the weight you’re placing on becoming a marathon runner is in the now, it’s definite, and, most importantly, it carries a stronger positive psychological impact. It leads you to act like a runner, fostering a mindset of unwavering resolution towards your goal.
2. Scientific Studies Confirm the Power of Affirmations
It isn’t just idle speculation that affirms the power of affirmations.
Our brains treat affirmations as real, physical experiences. Declaring an affirmation, like
“I am calm and confident”
activates neural pathways associated with that state. It’s a
‘fake it till you make it’
approach – which science supports!
The power of affirmations extends beyond the self. Affirmations shared in a group, according to a UCLA study, resulted in a more thoughtful, fact-based argumentation and increased consideration of other perspectives within the group.
3. Give it a Try: Committing to Affirmations
Now that we have differentiated between affirmations and positive thinking, it’s time to adopt this practice and experience the benefits.
Here are three essential steps:
- Write an affirmation: Your affirmation should embody the person you desire to be. Stay in the present tense and use positive, assertive statements. Instead of, “I will avoid negative thoughts”, say,
“I easily maintain a positive outlook”.
- Recite your affirmation daily: Declare it out loud, making it part of your morning routine. The more frequent and consistent you are, the stronger the neural pathway becomes in your brain.
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Reflect on the affirmation: Meditate on its message throughout the day. What does being a positive person look like? How can your everyday activities activate this affirmation?
While positive thinking offers optimism, affirmations provide confidence. Affirmations create a resolute belief in oneself that can weather the storm of negativity. While they are based on an assumption, they become reality, via psychological benefits and subsequent changes in behavior.