USE POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

What is an affirmation?  An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that is in the present tense, true, and happening now.

1.  Statements need to be positive.

Example:  I’ll quit eating high fat foods becomes I am preparing lower-fat meals

2.  Statements need to be in the present tense.

Example:  I will begin to plan my meal becomes I am planning dinner every night.

3.  Statements need to be clear and specific, but also allow room for expansion.

Example:  I am exercising becomes I am walking three times a week.

4.  Statements need to have a personal touch and use the word “I”.

You may notice that you find some resistance to your affirmation.  Explore why your affirmation makes you feel uncomfortable.  You should feel secure and comfortable in how your affirmation sounds when you say it out loud.

There is research that shows there is a link between what we say to ourselves and what we actually accomplish.  But, over three fourths of what we say to ourselves is negative, counterproductive, and works against us.  The subconscious mind takes what you tell it as true. If you say “I have no self control and will never lose weight,” your behavior (overeating) will reflect your negative cognitions.  Your subconscious mind is responding to the distorted reality you have created.  THE RESULT - a cycle of self defeating behaviors.

Use positive affirmation cards to write down the negative things you say to yourself the following week.  Then turn that negative statement into something positive, keeping in mind the four guidelines we just reviewed.  Remember - nothing is too trivial to write down.  If you can’t pinpoint the negativity in your statements or actions, ask your friends what you say about yourself or how you act that reflects negativity.  Put the cards in visible locations for you to view - your bathroom mirror, the refrigerator, your computer or purse. Click here for your positive affirmation cards.

Some Examples of Positive Affirmations

If you have a hard time coming up with your own positive affirmations, try these.  As time goes on, you will develop your individualized affirmations that pertain to your life and that you feel comfortable with.

·         I am learning new concepts and ideas day after day

·         I am enjoying exercise

·         I am losing fat and gaining muscle

·         I feel energized after my brisk early walk

·         I am enjoying creating new meals for my family

·         I love the way I look

·         I am making wise choices at the vending machines at work

·         I feel energized

·         I crave foods that are nutritious

·         I eat breakfast every day

·         I am modifying my meals to make them higher in fiber

·         I am enjoying grocery shopping for new grain products

Remember - every time a thought pops into your head, you have the choice to react negatively or positively.  It’s your choice.  As you increase the positives, your brain will throw out the negatives.

So...is positive self talk lying to yourself?  NO!  Positive self talk is accentuating the positive, not the negative.  If you blew a talk or sales presentation and you know it, telling yourself you blew it isn’t going to help you in the future. Instead, telling yourself “I learned something from this presentation that can help my future sales calls” will help you.

The first week you do this, you might think the old negative thought, this is stupid.  But, practice makes perfect.  Think how you’ve perfected all your negative talk over the years!

Positive affirmations can be used with creative visualization.  TO CONTINUE - Click here to create your visualizations.