Affirmations, motivational statements used to reprogram your subconscious mind to focus on positive outcomes instead of dwelling on negativity. They are widely used in the self-help world. We are encouraged to use affirmations to increase confidence and silence negative self-talk.
Sounds amazing, right?
What if I told you that popular (and frequently suggested) “Am” statements like “I am capable” and “I am rich“Aren’t they as shocking as you think?
The problem with these “generic” statements is that many people use them as a band-aid to override their negative thoughts. For example, if you are really struggling with money and think “I’m broke,” the suggested affirmation would be “I’m rich.” (The opposite of your negative thinking).
But the thing is… your brain says this is nonsense. If you’re really struggling with money, you can’t trick your brain to think differently. It won’t magically be like, “ohhh, I’m rich?!” It’s okay, I didn’t realize!!!”
So what should you do to create affirmations that really work?
Enter “Progress Affirmations”
Progress affirmations are not just the “opposite” of the negative thought you have. They are statements that use logic, facts and feelings to increase your confidence based on the truth of the situation.
For example…
Say “I’m rich” It probably won’t magically make you rich. bbecause your brain knows You don’t really believe that right now. Instead, try reframing “I am rich” to “I am open to attracting more money daily” by making a progress-based affirmation that is true in the moment.
Your brain takes this statement and says, “wow… that’s really true, okay, I can work with that!” and then work to find evidence that shows this to be true (affirming an attraction to more wealth opportunities in your life).
Tangible takeaway
Do you use affirmations when presented with a challenge? What are three generic affirmations you often use and how could you turn them into progress affirmations? Share yours in the comments. – Alex
