- Affirmations work – they are backed up by scientific research. They work by repetition, and each time you repeat an affirmation to yourself, you are reinforcing your neural pathways and making them stronger. This is possible because of something called neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to new information or experiences.
- You have to believe in what you are saying, so don’t choose affirmations that appear untrue or unattainable. Instead of “I am the most confident person in the world”, say “I am confident”.
- Some people respond best with “I am” statements, and others work best with “You are…”. Research suggests starting with the second-person “You are…” style.
- Create a list of between 2 and 10 affirmations. Then listen to each one, and repeat it to yourself, either out loud, or silently in your head. You can also consider sleep affirmations where you don’t need to repeat them - you just listen as you fall asleep.
- If you make a sleep affirmation playlist, set the length to 60 or 90 minutes.
- Sometimes they can start to work almost immediately, sometimes they can take 20 to 60 days to achieve the desired effect, and they don't work for some people. Key to their success though is to repeat them daily or listen in your sleep for long-lasting and positive change in your life.
What are the 3 Ps of positive affirmations?
- Present Tense: Affirmations are typically formulated in the present tense to create a sense of immediacy and encourage the belief that the desired state or trait is already happening or achievable. For example, instead of saying "I will be successful," you would say "I am successful."
- Personal: Positive affirmations are most effective when they are personalized to reflect your individual goals, values, and aspirations. Tailoring affirmations to your specific needs helps create a stronger connection and resonance with your personal journey. For instance, instead of a general affirmation like "People like me," a more personalized version might be "I am worthy of love and respect."
- Positive: The language used in positive affirmations is inherently positive and constructive. It focuses on what you want to achieve or manifest rather than what you want to avoid or eliminate. Using affirmative and uplifting language helps shape a positive mindset. For example, instead of saying "I am not a failure," a positive affirmation would be "I am successful and capable."
These "Three Ps" highlight key principles to consider when crafting positive affirmations to make them more impactful to you and supportive of your personal growth.
