Affirmations

Using affirmations or Positive Self Programming is sometimes thought of as just wishful thinking however, if used correctly, they have the ability to change the underlying thought processes in our brains by creating new neural pathways.

To read the full article, members please log in here. To subscribe please click here.

Every thought we have is, in effect, an ‘affirmation’, affirming our positive or our negative beliefs. By identifying or uncovering the thoughts that we habitually use we are able to analyse where they come from, their validity (if any), challenge these if we wish and put effective plans in place to change them. As we have many thousands of thoughts every day it is important to set up an affirmation reminder system to make sure we are using and repeating the new affirmation many, many times every day. Approximately twenty to thirty is a good repetition to aim for and it is suggested that the affirmations are printed out and spread around the environment so they are very visible. Affirmations should be framed in the present tense and will be even more powerful if said out loud and with conviction, (especially to ourselves in the mirror), as by saying the affirmation out loud we have the opportunity for the information to go back in aurally. Estimates (based on techniques used in learning an instrument) are that at least eighty repetitions are required for us to begin to become comfortable with a new idea.

To create an affirmation that will create change there must be some reflection of this idea in reality. If the affirmation goes completely against our original beliefs we will challenge the new thought with another negative thought which can in effect double the negativity. For example, if we feel “unsuccessful” and repeat “I am successful, I am successful” we will usually produce a countering “No I’m not, no I’m not”, in our mind which, in effect is doubly affirming the original negative statement. A more positive affirmation to use would be “I’m learning to become more successful” or even better, focus on one of our personal measures of ‘success’, i.e. “Every day I become more successful at time management” or “ healthy food choices” or “My running speed is increasing as I exercise with joy”, “I see the ball clearly and it is easier to hit”, “I am getting stronger every day and I’m learning to stand up for myself with dignity and respect.”

Screen Shot 2014-08-15 at 11.08.10 am

It is important to use an affirmation that is measurable in some way because the final step in creating change is actually noticing how this is taking effect in our lives. Without an accurate measure we may have no ability to actually see the changes taking place within us, so to complete the exercise make a quick note at the end of each day of how exactly the affirmation has become real. For instance “Wow, I accomplished so much today and I got that report finished on time.” “Today was a good day!”

In a classroom situation it is suggested that the students choose an affirmation ‘Idea for the week’ that they can all believe in and work towards. For example, “We nurture and support our classmates.” At the end of every day the students and the teacher have an opportunity to share any occasions where they saw this is action. It is helpful if the teacher ensures that there is at least one instance every day to report – so do keep a good look out!

Related Posts

Fostering Wonderment and Awe in the Classroom

Fostering Wonderment and Awe in the Classroom

Back to School

Back to School

Navigating Challenging Conversations

Navigating Challenging Conversations

How Artificial Intelligence Augments Biological Intelligence

How Artificial Intelligence Augments Biological Intelligence

Camilla Watson


With a background as a Corporate Trainer, and with a Diploma in Social Services, Camilla is an experienced trainer, counsellor and life coach. She is a stress management specialist and mind/body therapist. She has received awards for Outstanding Adult Educator for her courses and is also licensed by Hay House Programmes as a ‘Heal Your Life®’ coach. She has worked in the classroom as a support person for children with emotional difficulties and also provides the ‘Understanding Emotional Processing’ workshops for teaching staff to aid them in the classroom.