Unlocking the Positive Power of Affirmations

So, what is an affirmation? It’s almost any positive statement, made to build up others, or even yourself. It affirms, or justifies, or gives thanks for, the very existence of another person, underscoring their value, their uniqueness, and the meaning they bring to those around them.

We all have first-hand experience of the power of words to create or destroy; they can crush a person spiritually and emotionally, or they can inspire them, support them, and call them back to life. Why not practice affirmation on a daily basis? Simply put, when we affirm others, we affirm ourselves—the positive energy we emit is reflected back on us. Because those around us will respond glowingly to the affirmations we give them.

Here are a few kinds of affirmation you can practice every day:

1. Affirmations in Your Personal Life

Many of us have the self-destructive tendency of beating ourselves up. Strange how we love to kick ourselves whenever we’re down, encouraging the spiral of self-hatred, embarrassment, and shyness.

Perhaps we suffer a tiny setback—for example, a joke doesn’t go over well at a party. Instead of letting it slide, and laughing at ourselves, we become fixated on our failure, and blow it out of all proportion. And the spiral intensifies. We call ourselves stupid, socially inept, and ludicrous. We spend the rest of the party next to the vegetable dip.

Is this any way to spend our life? Let go of the negativity, by making a simple affirmation of yourself. Let yourself know that you believe in yourself. If you believe in yourself, people will respond to you. So kick yourself in the rear, and get back into the fray! That vegetable dip definitely isn’t going to laugh at your witty banter!

2. Affirmations in the Workplace

Success on the job is often a matter of self-esteem; if we believe in our own ability to get the job done, chances are that we will. If we believe in ourselves, others will believe in us, and we’ll become natural leaders. Because people respond naturally to confidence. They can sense it.

Part of exuding confidence is affirming yourself and everyone around you. The more you build others up, the more efficient they’re going to be, because they’ll have faith in their abilities, and motivation that will inspire them to get through the drudgery.

Once a day, perhaps in the morning with your coffee, review the day’s plans. Set your short-term goals, keeping in mind your long-term aims. Then, make a simple affirmation of yourself. You have a vision that’s worthy of being shared. You have the willpower to make it happen. Second, think of one colleague at work who’s playing a major part in realizing your goals. Make a point of affirming his or her performance over the course of the day.

3. Self-Affirmation on the Path to Self-Improvement

It’s hard to be positive when we’re struggling with our own failings—those bad habits and harmful addictions that we’re desperately trying to get rid of. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel can be difficult, because the tide of battle often turns against us.

At times like these, affirmation is critical. Affirm the fact that you’re answering the battle call in the first place, that you’re brave enough to strive for self-improvement. Sure, you may lose some battles along the way, but remind yourself of the worthiness of your cause, and affirm yourself for your willingness to fight the larger war—one that you’re determined to win in the end.