Positive Affirmations Pt. 2: Application and Practice

Positive affirmations, when used frequently, can be a game changer to up-leveling your sense of self. You can use affirmations in any situation where you'd like to see a positive change take place in your life. These might include times when you want to: 
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• Raise your confidence before stressful or important events at work 

• Control negative emotions (anger, sadness, frustration) 

• Improve your self-esteem 

• Accomplish goals 

• Overcome a bad habit 

Affirmations usually address a specific area, behavior, or belief that is causing conflict. The following points can be used as an outline for creating affirmations that are specific to you. 

• Think about the areas of your life that you'd 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 to accomplish your goals? Or would you like to build your self-confidence? 
  
  Write down several areas or behaviors that you'd like to work on. Be sure that they are compatible with your core values and the things that matter most to you. That way you will feel inspired to achieve them. 
  

• Turn negatives into positives. If you are struggling with negative self-talk, write 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 am not strong enough to do this," turn this around into a positive affirmation such as, "I am capable of doing difficult things." 
  

• 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 loved and will continue to be loved” would be an affirmation to use if you feel discouraged by your relationship status. 
  

• 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's meaningful to you. For example, if you're worried about a new project that you've been tasked with, you could tell yourself, "I am really excited to see what I am capable of." 

Repeat your affirmations several times a day, especially when you find yourself slipping into negative self-talk or engaging in negative behavior. Remember that affirmations are most effective when you use them alongside other strategies, such as visualization and goal setting. Your affirmations should be personal to you and specific to what you want to change.

The following examples may provide some inspiration: 

• I am capable of doing what is asked of me 

• I am loved 

• I am useful and necessary 

• I am grateful for the job I do have 

• I am consistent with completing tasks on time 

• I am surrounded by a supportive community 

Remember, at first you may feel silly or like a fraud and that is okay. The more you practice and feel the emotion of what you are saying, the more real it will all feel. Make your thoughts your friends. 

Morgan Riley,
Counseling Intern 

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