Most of us have heard about positive affirmations and their benefits but might not know where to start. In this post, we review how to write affirmations specifically for you, so you get the most benefit from writing affirmations and practicing them.
How To Write Affirmations
1. Write a List of Things You Want to Change About Yourself
Make the affirmations specific to you, meaning your affirmations should be about you, not others.
Positive affirmations intend to target a particular belief or behavior that you want to improve.
Start by writing a list of those areas you wish to change in your life.
For example, do you want to increase your self-confidence, improve your patience, connect more with friends, or focus on being more productive?
Some start by thinking of one negative thought you have about yourself and write a positive affirmation that counteracts it.
So, if you think you mess up a lot, you can counter that negative thought with something like “I am capable and experienced.”
2. Create Believable Affirmations
One key element of writing positive affirmations that work is making sure they are believable and realistic.
In other words, believe in your statement by keeping it in the realm of your reality.
If your affirmation is too difficult for you to believe, start with something smaller or more specific.
If affirming a statement like ‘I am beautiful’ is not believable to you, start with something smaller or more specific that is believable, like ‘I have beautiful eyes’ or ‘I have a radiant smile.’
Then, as you move forward affirming other positive attributes about yourself, you will realize you are beautiful, and the affirmation ‘I am beautiful’ will be believable.
Another example, if you want to be more successful in your business or career, an affirmation such as ‘I am wealthy’ may not be realistic to you at this time.
Instead, consider the steps you need to take to achieve your goal.
You may find an affirmation such as ‘I easily attract new customers’ or ‘I am passionate about my work, and I am taking the right steps to advance my career’ more believable.
In addition, focus on the process, not the outcome.
For example, instead of ‘I will get a new job in two weeks’ try, ‘I am determined, and I will take active steps every day toward getting a new job.’
3. Keep Affirmations Positive
Keep affirmations positive, so don’t use words like “can’t,” “doesn’t,” “won’t,” “don’t,” or “am not.”
For example, instead of ‘I’m not going to think negative thoughts’ use ‘I am happy with who I am.’
For beginners, consider making short and simple affirmations so you can remember them.
Even four or five-word affirmations can be powerful.
Our brains respond positively to compliments, so don’t hesitate to shower yourself with complimentary words.
For instance, ‘I am proud of myself for having that difficult conversation.’
4. Use the Present Tense
Use the present tense, making the statements as if happening now, not what you want to do in the future.
For example, ‘I easily see my own value’ is better than saying, ‘I will easily see my value.’
Starting the affirmation with ‘I’ or ‘My’ can be very powerful. For example, ‘I choose to stay calm’ is better than ‘When things get hectic, I will stay calm.’
Don’t write an affirmation stating you want or need something, meaning don’t start with “I want” or “I need.”
Instead, write affirmations to express being grateful for who you are and what you have.
How to Write Affirmations
Examples of Positive Affirmations
If you are drawing a blank writing positive affirmations, that is understandable – it can be hard sometimes. An easier place to start is with something you already feel confident about.
Some examples of Positive Affirmations:
I feel energetic and full of life
I deserve to be loved
I am committed to finding time for myself today
My heart is full of love
I am confident, and I am capable
I am strong and independent
I have the power to create change in my life
I am thankful for new experiences
I will respect my need to rest and recharge
I radiate positive energy
Practicing Affirmations
Practicing positive affirmations can be easy, but there are simple steps you can take to get the most benefit from writing affirmations and practicing them.
Repeat the affirmation for about 4 to 5 minutes.
Do not rush.
Do this at least once a day, but many practice affirmations up to three times a day.
There is no right or wrong time or way to practice them.
Many find better results if they state their affirmations aloud while looking at themselves in a mirror. Others say them out loud while driving to work.
Do what works for you!
Tap into Your Emotions
Most importantly, feel and believe what you are saying.
The power of positive affirmations comes from your emotion when making your statements.
Try your best to feel your affirmations when stating them because your emotions will make a difference.
Let the positive emotions grow within you as you say your affirmations.
Get your senses involved, meaning imagine what you will feel, hear or see once you have the positive affirmation outcome.
Our brains can’t distinguish between what we imagine and what is real, so engaging our senses can help make the affirmation more attainable.
So, when stating your affirmation, imagine how you feel if the affirmation is true right now.
When you first start practicing positive affirmations, it may feel a little awkward repeating a positive statement about yourself.
It will get easier as you practice.
And, as you practice feeling the affirmations you state, you will get better at feeling your emotions during your affirmation practice.
To see the benefits of positive affirmations, read our blog post: What are Positive Affirmations and the Benefits of Them?
With all the research backing the benefits of positive affirmations, why not give them a try?
I hope you found this information about how to write affirmations helpful.
Do you practice positive affirmations? Have you written any affirmations for yourself?
Let us know by commenting below!
You may be interested in some of our other blog posts:
Discover How You Can Simplify Your Life in 5 Easy Steps
How to Say No in 5 Easy Steps–Politely with Confidence
