Affirmations Explained: How Simple Words Can Transform Your Mindset

In the journey of personal development, affirmations are one of the simplest yet most powerful tools we can use. But what exactly are they, and do they truly work? Affirmations are positive statements that individuals repeat to themselves to reinforce constructive beliefs and behaviours. These statements can relate to any area of life—self-esteem, relationships, health, or career success. When we integrate affirmations into our daily routine, they help us focus on what we want to create in our lives, shift our mindset, and develop a more positive outlook on the future.

But affirmations aren’t just about “positive thinking.” They serve as a means to break free from negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, which often hold us back from reaching our full potential. With a consistent affirmation practice, we can train our subconscious mind to replace negative thoughts with empowering beliefs, boost our self-confidence, and improve our overall well-being.

How Affirmations Work

The science behind affirmations is simple: what we focus on expands. Our thoughts shape our reality. If we constantly think negative thoughts, we’re more likely to notice negative experiences in our life. On the other hand, if we focus on positive outcomes, our brain starts to seek opportunities that align with those thoughts.

Affirmations help to program the mind with positive beliefs, and when repeated regularly, they become part of our belief system. But affirming the positive doesn’t mean we’re ignoring negative experiences. Instead, it allows us to build resilience. By strengthening our self-image and self-worth, we’re better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks.

Using Affirmations to Train the Subconscious Mind

Many New Thought leaders emphasise the power of the subconscious mind. Florence Scovel Shinn, in her book The Game of Life and How to Play It, explains that the subconscious mind is like a powerful engine—without direction, it lacks purpose. She describes it as “power without direction,” meaning it simply follows the commands it’s given, whether positive or negative. This is why it's essential to impress upon it positive images and ideas that we want to manifest in our outer world.

Dr. Joseph Murphy, in The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, takes this concept further, likening affirmations to “scientific prayer.” According to him, affirmations are a key component in the process of mental healing. Just as an engineer follows a technique to build something physical, there’s a method to reprogramming the mind for success. Murphy references the Baudoin Technique, developed by psychotherapist Charles Baudoin, which involves repeating a memorable phrase while in a relaxed or receptive state. This technique allows us to impress our desires onto the subconscious mind, which works like a blueprint for achieving those desires.

How to Create Your Own Affirmations

Creating personal affirmations is straightforward, but it requires some intention. First, think about areas in your life that you want to improve. This could be related to your career, relationships, health, or self-esteem. Once you have your focus, craft affirmations in the present tense, as though they are already happening. For example, instead of saying, “I will be successful,” say, “I am successful.” This reinforces the belief that you are already embodying the positive change.

Florence Scovel Shinn advises that affirmations should feel satisfying and believable to your consciousness. If an affirmation feels too far removed from your reality, your mind may reject it. For instance, if you struggle with self-worth, affirmations like “I am deeply loved and respected by everyone I meet” might feel untrue. Start with something more accessible, such as “I am worthy of love and respect,” and build from there.

The Power of Repetition

Repetition is crucial for affirmations to work. Just as we form habits through repetition, affirmations need to be repeated consistently for them to rewire our brain. This process helps replace limiting beliefs with positive ones, creating lasting changes in our mindset. Dedicate time each day to your affirmations—perhaps as part of your morning routine or during meditation.

Dr. Joseph Murphy also highlights the importance of repeating affirmations in a relaxed state. When the body is calm and the mind is receptive, such as right before sleep, the subconscious is more open to receiving positive suggestions. You might even consider pairing your affirmations with meditation or deep breathing exercises to enhance the effects.

Visualisation and Affirmations

Visualisation is another powerful tool that can be paired with affirmations. Visualising your desired outcome while reciting your affirmations creates a vivid mental picture of success. For example, if your affirmation is “I am confident and capable,” you might visualise yourself giving a presentation or successfully completing a project at work. This combination helps reinforce the positive message and makes it more tangible.

By regularly visualising your goals and reciting affirmations, you’re engaging both the conscious and subconscious mind. Over time, this practice can help bring your goals into reality as you align your mindset with your desired outcomes.

Make Your Affirmations Personal

The more personalised your affirmations, the more likely they are to resonate with you. Begin by identifying specific goals and challenges in your life, and create affirmations that speak directly to those areas. Statements like “I am healthy and full of energy” or “I attract abundance and success into my life” can be powerful when aligned with your true desires. Remember to focus on what feels true and achievable.

To enhance the impact, Florence Scovel Shinn suggests expressing gratitude in your affirmations. Instead of pleading for an outcome, affirm with joy and thankfulness. For example, “I am so grateful for the love and abundance that surrounds me” can shift your mindset into a state of gratitude, attracting more positive outcomes.

Conclusion: The Path to Positive Change

Positive affirmations are not magic, but when used consistently and with intention, they can have a profound effect on your mindset and life. They help retrain your subconscious mind to focus on possibilities and foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being.

If you’re short on time, pre-recorded affirmations can be a helpful alternative. Listening to them on the go, during your commute, or while meditating can be a great way to incorporate this practice into your life. Remember, the key is consistency and repetition. By making affirmations a part of your daily routine, you can transform your thoughts and unlock your full potential.

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If you’d like to gently reprogram your mind with more positive thoughts, I’ve created some subliminal and affirmations tracks on my YouTube channel. They are designed to support your personal development, and can be listened to any time you need a boost. You can find them here👇

Affirmations Playlist

Subliminals Playlist: