Use the power of affirmation

The most successful people of our time call this technique their recipe for success. The power of this practice has long been no secret. Yet comparatively few people enrich their lives with it.

Affirmation (from Latin affirmatio, “assurance, assertion”): a technique for evaluating and expressing things in a positive way.

“Our brain responds to only two things: the pictures we make in our heads and the words we say to ourselves.”

Marisa Peer

The words and pictures in my head decide who I am.

This means I have the power to shape my perception – and therefore my reality – myself. I should pay close attention to my own thoughts and ideas. In no case should I leave the choice of my thoughts and the way I think to chance. It will help me to influence my thoughts in a positive, constructive and goal-oriented way. The easiest way to start is by using affirmations.

“It’s the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen.”

Muhammad Ali

Short affirmation (mantra)

In some circles a short affirmation is also called a mantra. The term originally comes from meditation.

This mantra should sum up my most important impulse in a few words. For example:

I am strong-willed!

I say this mantra as often as possible throughout the day. This influences my thinking, which in turn influences my actions. How I think and behave shows who I am. That is how a mantra affects my identity.

Detailed affirmation (sutra)

The term sutra actually comes from Buddhist teaching. A sutra is a part of the Buddha’s teachings that is read again and again; through this internalisation, enlightenment is to be attained. I read my sutra every morning to gain clarity for the day.

Here is a short guide to writing a detailed affirmation.

I am ____. (What kind of person do I want to be?)

My identity is the starting point of my behaviour. Who do I want to be?

I will ____. (What goal do I want to achieve?)

There should be no doubt in my thoughts. That is why this part has to state a clear goal.

I want to reach my goal in order to ____. (What intention lies behind my actions?)

Motivation always springs from a motive.

I am grateful ____. (What have I already achieved?)

Gratitude is a secret weapon in the fight for contentment.

I have more potential than I realise.

A fact I often forget but need every day.

My fears are my compass.

My fears point to the places where my greatest potential lies (borrowed from Tim Ferriss).

It is important not to simply recite this. Every sentence should be linked to as many positive thoughts and images as possible. When the affirmation is spoken, it should be done very attentively and consciously. This strengthens the effect and an immediate impact is guaranteed.

Write this affirmation down – or better, learn it by heart. It helps me to build my affirmation into a daily routine, for example in the morning after showering, in front of the mirror.