Do Positive Affirmations Work?

Some people swear by positive affirmations. They claim that affirmations are a proven method of self-improvement. These people declare that repeating a positive mantra every morning puts them on the right course for the day. Speaking wise words helps them achieve and prosper. Have you ever tried to start your day with a positive affirmation? These are the top five affirmations, according to the Huffington Post website:

1. I am the architect of my life; I build its foundation and choose its contents.
2. Today, I am brimming with energy and overflowing with joy.
3. My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.
4. I am superior to negative thoughts and low actions.
5. I have been given endless talents which I begin to use today.

I am not against positive affirmations, but I do not believe that positive affirmations alone are a path to self-improvement. To prosper in this life, you need three key elements.

1. Decide what you want

Firstly, you need to work out what you believe in; what’s important to you; effectively what you want in life.

2. Put a plan together

3. Get motivated

And finally, you need motivation to turn your plan into actions.

This is where positive affirmations can help. They can increase motivation, however positive affirmations without a life-goal and plan just equals delusion. Motivation, without a goal or plan, only turns people into motivated idiots!

Decide what your life purpose is

I do believe that it is simple to be successful if you do know how to do it. But you must have a purpose to prosper. It’s not my place or anyone else’s to tell you what your life purpose is. Only you can answer that question. But if you are struggling to find your way, begin by asking yourself what you believe in? What is important to you? Family, friends, money? It is okay to want to be prosperous. Some people say that money isn’t important. These are the people who’ve failed to make money! These people also say they have things money can’t buy. But why can’t you have money and the things that money can’t buy, like love and friendship? Who is making you choose? If you want to properly provide for your family and be able to give to charities and friends you have to aspire to make money – that is okay!

Know where your talents lie

When identifying your life goal and career, you also need to know where your talents lie. You are never going to make money working in an area where you have no gifts. The reason why people like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have done so well is because they love their work! If you think you are in the wrong job, try volunteering to do some work in an area you’re interested in – it will give you the chance to dip your toe in the water.

Believe in yourself

Working out life goals is essentially prioritising what you want. If you have no priorities you will have no direction and no passion. Once you’ve worked out your priorities, believe in yourself! Then your life will move in the direction that you think. Basically if you think you are unworthy and you think you’re not good enough, it’s unlikely you will prosper or succeed. And if positive affirmations help you to believe in yourself, go for it. You give these little beauties a try:

• My business is growing, expanding, and thriving.
• Creative energy surges through me and leads me to new and brilliant ideas.
• My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless; my potential to succeed is infinite.
• My thoughts are filled with positivity and my life is plentiful with prosperity.
• I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence is soaring.
• Everything that is happening now is happening for my ultimate good.
• I will powerfully pursue what I want but keep enjoying what I have. Every day I am grateful for what I have.
• There are no shortcuts to prosperity. I will do the work.

Plan ahead

An essential part to getting results is having a well thought out plan. I have previously blogged about how to write a business plan and you might want to revisit that post if you think you also need a life plan. Essentially, I would suggest you begin by writing down a personal motto. Next write down where you want to be in 20 years, five years, one year. Break it down further into months and have a detailed chart for this year, complete with a timetable. Work out how much money you will need to accomplish this. Finally, stick to the plan. Again, if personal affirmations help you, bring them on:

• I am a powerhouse.
• I am indestructible.
• My future is an ideal projection of what I envision now.
• My efforts are being supported by the universe.
• My dreams manifest into reality before my eyes.

Some people think that saying affirmations out loud helps rewire the brain and increases feel-good hormone levels. Also affirmations break negative thought patterns, but not everyone finds that positive affirmations work for them.

Someone once said to me jokingly that “a positive attitude will not solve all problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth your effort.”

Here are some of the worst affirmations I’ve ever come across that will most probably make you laugh:

• As I let go of all my regrets and guilt, I can get in touch with my Inner Sociopath.
• I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.
• I no longer need to punish, deceive or compromise myself. Unless, of course, I want to stay employed.
• Having control over myself is nearly as good as having control over others.
• I can change any thought that hurts into a reality that hurts even more.
• I honour my personality flaws, for without them I would have no personality at all.
• I am grateful that I am not as judgmental as all those censorious, self-righteous arses around me.
• I need not suffer in silence when I can moan, whimper and complain out loud.
• When someone hurts me, forgiveness is cheaper than a lawsuit. But not nearly as gratifying.
• All of me is beautiful and valuable, even the ugly, stupid, and disgusting parts.
• Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so.
• False hope is nicer than no hope at all.
• Becoming aware of my character defects leads me to the next step - blaming my parents.
• The next time the universe knocks on my door, I will pretend I am not home.