It can be easy to let negative thoughts take over. They fill your brain and make you think you can’t achieve anything you set out to do. It’s often the path of least resistance. But there is a way to stand up to negative thoughts. Positive affirmations can help reroute your thinking into a more constructive path, and can even make you more successful.
But what are positive affirmations? And how can you use them to rewire your brain for success?
Positive affirmations are phrases and statements that you use to help deal with negative feelings, thoughts, and situations. When you encounter negative feelings or thoughts that are standing in the way of achieving your goals, the idea is that you can repeat your affirmations to help overcome them. It might sound a little simplistic, but if positive affirmations are used the right way, they can work.
There is power behind the words you use. Your brain has an incredible ability to adapt, called neuroplasticity. Using positive words and phrases can actually change the way you think and feel. Along with that, your subconscious mind can be influenced by repeating positive affirmations and decide to take positive action.
Using positive affirmations has a host of benefits. Positive affirmations can help to improve your self-esteem and motivation by helping you feel more confident and focused. They can also help you deal with negative thoughts that might break through, which can reduce your stress and anxiety. Overall, this can lead to more satisfaction in life and improve your general wellbeing.
Keep in mind though, positive affirmations are only the beginning. It’s not enough to just say the words. You have to believe the words, and act on them in order to achieve your goals. Positive affirmations without action are just words. They can help rewire your brain for a more positive outlook and success, but then you have to put in the work.
To use positive affirmations to the best outcome, try choosing affirmations that mean something to you personally. They can be kind of funny, inspirational, or anything you need. But remember that you’re not creating them to impress anyone else, so choose affirmations that resonate with you, not someone else.
Make your affirmations a firm part of your routine. If they’re non-negotiable, they’re more likely to work. I have mine written on a card that are hung up on the bathroom cabinet. Part of my morning routine is to repeat my affirmations while I’m getting ready for work. It helps me keep my practice consistent, and it gives me a boost at the start of the day.
Give yourself grace. Be patient and consistent while you’re practicing positive affirmations. They’re not going to start working immediately. Like anything worth doing, they might take some time to start taking effect.
It might also help to pair your positive affirmations with other practices and techniques. Try using your affirmations as your meditation mantra, or while you’re practicing yoga. You might find that it gives both practices a little extra boost.
As a whole, adding positive affirmations to your daily routine can help you rewire your brain for success and help you make big strides towards your goals. Where negative thinking can hold you back, positive affirmations can give you a leg up, but only if you’re willing to do the work that goes along with it. Remember that positive affirmations without action are just words, and you need the action to achieve the desired result. But positive affirmations are a good start, and a great way to keep you on the path to your purpose.
What positive affirmations do you use? How do you make them part of your daily routine?