Last time we talked about how to begin building the mind's powerful framework for success. The lesson we needed to learn was that self-talk has a powerful affect on the results we achieve. We learned that the mind will manifest whatever we dwell on, be it negative or positive.
This week, I would like to continue with our discussion of self-talk and suggest how you may supercharge your self-talk and the results you achieve through the use of affirmations.
Affirmations are a powerful mental programming technique that are underutilized and laughed at by many. You may remember the Saturday Night Live skit with Stuart Smiley sitting in front of the mirror saying "I'm good enough; I'm smart enough and doggone-it, people like me!" The image of this character makes one laugh, however when understood in the context of how powerful Stuart's technique really is, it shouldn't!
Affirm means to "make firm." So affirmation simply means to make a strong statement that something is already so. We know that we will eventually reap whatever our conscious mind sows onto the field of the subconscious. So through affirmations we will develop into whatever image of ourselves we create, be it good or bad. I suggest using positive affirmations to develop into all that you desire to be!
One of the most poignant examples of the power of affirmations comes from the boxing legend Muhammed Ali. When you think of Muhammed Ali, what vision comes to mind? Actually, two visions come to my mind:
The first is of Ali standing in the ring over a defeated opponent with a sweat covered face, surrounded by his trainers. Ali yells, "I'm the king of the world, I am the greatest, I'm Muhammed Ali. I shook up the world, I am the greatest, I'm king of the world. I'm pretty, I'm pretty, I'm a baaaad man, you heard me, I'm a baaad man."
The second is of Ali wrapped in his boxing robe, dancing from side to side before a bout. He exclaims, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." Is this simply brash talk from yet another cocky athlete? I don't believe so. I believe that Muhammed Ali knew the power of affirmations. He spoke what he wanted to be, and as a result became it.
For the purposes of improving yourself and achieving the successes you've always desired, I want you to take it on faith that affirmations DO work. Give it a try, if only for a couple months and then make up your mind whether to keep using them.
In order to do this, you will need to know some basics about how to get the most out of affirmations. First, the subconscious mind does not understand the future tense. When you use affirmations, you should always speak of the present. The past does work but not nearly as well. Speak as if the things you want are happening in your life right now. For example, if your goal is to become the manager of a division you currently work in, you need to picture it now:
"I am enjoying the title and responsibility of being manager for the ABC Division of XYZ Company and am doing successful and important work. I am being recognized by my peers and my employer for my good and honorable efforts."
The affirmations need to be positive and personal! You should usually start your statement with "I." The affirmation should be specific. Tell your mind exactly what it is that you want and you will get better results.
The affirmation should also be short, easy to remember, and easy to apply.
Finally, your affirmation should be emotionally intense! Don't just say it, BELIEVE IT. Shout it at the top of your lungs if you must, but convince your mind, no matter how hard, that it is actually true. This is so important! Your success in using affirmations will live or die on how intensely you can get your mind to buy into your spoken words.
I believe that you should write down and repeat your affirmations at least twice a day. I recommend that you do it as soon as you wake up and right before you go to bed. Your assignment for the next two weeks is to write down five affirmations that you want in your life. Repeat them, at least twice a day, for two weeks. If you do so, I believe that you will be quickly on the path to achieving the success you desire.
To Your Success,
Joel
______________________________________________________________
Joel S. Nelson operates Harvest Mind Enterprises, an operation targeted to individuals interested in developing personally by harvesting the power of the subconscious mind. For more articles on the topic, go to http://www.harvestyourmind.com/newsletter.html
? 2004 Joel S. Nelson
Joel S. Nelson has spent years studying the power of the subconscious mind and the science behind success. He believes that growing up we were all taught the wrong things about success and personal achievement by our parents, in school, and on T.V. and that society perpetuates those misconceptions. Joel's goal is to reverse the damage done by bringing the science of achievement to one million people by the year 2020.
affordable house cleaning Wilmette ..This is a technique that sounds a bit silly when... Read More
It took me a long time to realise the benefits... Read More
Words, Ignorance, and Casper The Friendly Ghost!Do your best to... Read More
I loved Norman Vincent Peale's, Power of Positive Thinking as... Read More
A rager, or rageaholic, is a person who is addicted... Read More
What is a paradigm? In my own words, a paradigm... Read More
Ever had the sense that there is more to life... Read More
For most of us our lives are a problem which... Read More
The image you hold of yourself determines your success or... Read More
Unhappy? Stressed out? Do you feel you not only want... Read More
Just in an average day we can experience many things... Read More
When we were children, we were fearless. We would stick... Read More
Have you ever read that you should think positively when... Read More
As a financial economist my motivation has long been to... Read More
While trying to ignore my teen daughters rap music a... Read More
Does the thought of failure send a cold shiver down... Read More
No matter how positive a person we are overall, there... Read More
The others in the raft didn't seem to share Eddie's... Read More
Millions struggle through life barely earning enough to survive. Many... Read More
"It really works!" "Well, I'll be?!"BJ like so many others... Read More
If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel?... Read More
"If I have the belief that I can do it,... Read More
"Adventure isn't hanging on a rope off the side... Read More
Living without limits. Living your life to the fullest. Living... Read More
Our thoughts define who we are. They can make us... Read More
quick home cleaning Northbrook ..Smart folk have always realised how vital it is to... Read More
The only thing between you and your desire to be... Read More
My story explains the struggles I had as a 23-year-old... Read More
The one thing that is absolutely vital to overcoming shyness... Read More
Fear is a double-edged sword. It can hold you back... Read More
It has been said that CHANGE is THE only constant.... Read More
THOUGHTS are powerful. The power of THOUGHTS cannot be underestimated.... Read More
HOW YOUR OUTLOOK INFLUENCES HEALTH AND ABILITY TO CONTROL ANGERJane... Read More
I was playing tennis today with one of my tennis... Read More
"You Are My Sunshine My Only Sunshine You Make Me... Read More
I am an educator as well as a coach and... Read More
Several years, I was listening to a radio talk show... Read More
You don't need to a piece of paper to prove... Read More
Many of you may look at my title and wonder... Read More
Life shouldn't be so complicated. Have you ever wondered why... Read More
One of the most important aspects of living a healthy... Read More
Did you know that the 911 equivalent in the UK... Read More
When you feel lost and confused, it is easy to... Read More
Are you the kind of person who dwells on your... Read More
What I mean of course is, to appreciate life through... Read More
Well you know about the young hero who saved his... Read More
For most of us our lives are a problem which... Read More
Change your attitude, change your lifeIn my experiences, I've found... Read More
Last time we talked about how to begin building the... Read More
There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |