The Power of Positive Affirmations

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[B]As a man thinks in his heart; so is he -Proverbs 23:7

"What we think, we become." -Buddha

“You are what you think you are: what you think YOU ARE!” -unknown[/B]

Sources throughout the ages have pointed to one's thought life as a huge key to our attitude, beliefs, and overall success in life. That wisdom is no less relevant today. In fact, it may be more important than ever. Now this isn't some voodoo “The Secret” type of B.S. Don't expect to be able to “manifest parking spaces,” or other things as some yahoos I've heard have claimed.

However, thoughts are things. Every great invention, innovation, or concept, was an idea or vision long before it came to fruition. You achieve that for which you aim. If your thoughts center on your personal inadequacies, your lack of opportunity, or resources, those thoughts will come to pass. If instead you focus your thoughts on opportunities, and what can be done, the doors of possibility will be opened to you.

[I]***A short aside: I encountered mental resistance while writing this. The thoughts of “you've not ready to write something this important, or possibly impacting. You still struggle with this issue. Who are YOU to try to help people focus their thoughts on such things? Your not qualified to write this.“ Yet I press on, that I may put what I've learned here for those who will read this.***[/I]

[SIZE="3"]Getting Started:[/SIZE]
1. Grab a sheet of paper and a pen, and go to a place of solitude. You're about to to do some mental heavy lifting, and a place where you can be alone with your thoughts, and truly honest with yourself, is the best way. Tune out all distractions, and turn up some music if this helps you. (I personally do my best work with some Led Zeppelin blasting through my Koss headphones.)

2. On the sheet of paper, write out the negative things people have said about you over your lifetime, and the negative things you say about yourself. Give yourself at LEAST 30 minutes for this. Don't be afraid to put anything down, especially the most hurtful ones.

3. Look over the list, and rank the negative beliefs from the most hurtful and damaging to being who you want to be, to the least. Then take the top ten most influencing thoughts or beliefs, and rewrite them as a positive on a 3x5 card. For example, instead of the limiting belief of “I don't have the money or experience to be successful,” write “I have all the resources needed to be successful. I am sufficent.”

4. Take the 3x5 card, and put it in your wallet, purse, dashboard, cubicle, or bathroom mirror. It may behoove you to have several copies, so you can repeat them to yourself, wherever, and whenever negative thoughts strike.

5. On a daily basis, for at least 30 days straight, look yourself in the mirror, and repeat these awesome statements to yourself. In the morning, and before bed are the best times. Yes, it may seem a bit silly at first. That's ok. Shut the bathroom door, and crank up some music if need be, if your spouse or whomever may not understand. Feel free to get loud, and passionate.

6. After the 30 days, evaluate your thought patterns, and your progress. You WILL see changes in the first 30 days, so write them down, and compare them to what you thought before. You started, and enjoy the progress you have made.

7. Repeat the process of steps 1-6 with any specific issues that seem to crop up, or you feel like you've plateaued, or have hit a wall. This will help to keep your sights set ever higher, and you moving forward as a person.

Originator says about the process:
“Over time, you will start to notice your core beliefs change, it is a subtle shift in the subconscious response, but may be an overnight shift in conscious thinking, as you are made aware of plenty of negative loops you are running. It will be amazing to see your autopilot responses shifting towards the suggestions contained within. You will be like, “where did that come from, I just really asserted my self in that situation.”

Honestly, 30 days is not enough, but also too, a constant guarding of your mind from external influences is mandatory. You use the affirmations as often as possible to force your thoughts and dreams to a place YOU want to move towards. This is a life long process, not a one time fix. “

[B]How do you conquer your doubts, and negative thoughts?

What do you focus on in tough times, or say to yourself to keep your self positive?[/B]


Also, stay tuned for Part II in this series....