12/21/2023
Old Fashioned Affirmations Do Not Work
It's a common story: you're feeling overwhelmed and stressed out in your life, so you do some quick internet-surfing to find something that can help. And before long, you're staring at endless lists of positive affirmations promising to fix all your problems with just a few simple phrases - but somehow they don't actually help. If this sounds like you, rest assured; you're not alone! Our modern world has many tools for relieving stress and anxiety, yet it can be hard to know what works best. Fortunately, there are far more effective ways than relying on old fashioned positive affirmations - here we'll look at why these aren't successful for everyone and how mindfulness strategies might provide real solutions to combatting stress.
Many experts suggest a more impactful approach to affirmation: telling yourself that you are in the process of becoming, rather than asserting you already are. This process-oriented mindset acknowledges that personal growth is just that - a process, not a destination. Instead of saying, "I am a successful entrepreneur," which can feel disingenuous if you're still in the beginning stages of your venture, try switching to, "I am in the process of becoming a successful entrepreneur." This small change in phrasing can have a major impact on your mindset, making your affirmations feel more achievable and authentic, and setting you on the path toward meaningful personal development.
The beauty of this approach is that it aligns with the way your subconscious mind functions. Your subconscious doesn't argue with the information it receives; it simply accepts it. By framing your affirmations as processes, you're providing your subconscious with a narrative it can work with. For instance, instead of saying, "I am a published author," which might be hard for your subconscious to accept if you're still working on your first novel, you could say, "I am in the process of becoming a published author." This way, your subconscious mind will readily accept and absorb your affirmation, rather than dispute it. It's a gentle, effective way of training your mind towards your goals, enhancing your self-belief, and promoting positive self-growth.
This principle applies to all aspects of our lives, including our physical health and body image. For instance, if you stand in front of the mirror every day, affirming, "I weigh 125 pounds," but in reality you're far from it, your subconscious mind might reject that assertion, leading to feelings of cognitive dissonance. Instead, equip yourself with a more believable affirmation: "I am in the process of reaching my ideal weight of 125 pounds." This statement acknowledges your current state and sets a forward-looking, achievable goal, thereby eliminating any internal argument. By accepting and working with the reality of your situation rather than against it, you set the stage for genuine, lasting change.
In conclusion, it's essential to remember that effective affirmations are not about denying reality or trying to convince yourself of untruths. Instead, they're about acknowledging where you are now, and where you're aiming to be. By framing your affirmations in the present progressive - "I am in the process of becoming" - you're telling your subconscious mind a story it can believe and work with, ultimately fostering an environment for genuine growth and progress. This strategy is a powerful tool for transforming your mindset, boosting your self-confidence, and propelling you toward your goals. So, let's replace those old-fashioned affirmations with dynamic, process-oriented statements that lead to authentic, lasting change.
