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We believe that words are magic spells and positive affirmations are one of our favorite, potent manifestation tools. Keep reading for everything you need to know about the power of affirmations and how to use them to manifest your dreams.

Affirmations 101:

Affirmations are tools that are used to reprogram the subconscious mind, which plays a major role in the actualization of our lives and the manifestation of our desires. What we believe about ourselves at a subconscious level can have a significant impact on the outcome of events. If used correctly, positive affirmations can manifest your dreams, heal and transform your life from the inside out. 

How do Affirmations Work?

Your brain is a complex network of information that is always sending and receiving thoughts and instructions at lightning speed. It contains neural pathways that have been formed over the course of our lives, and all the things said to us — often in childhood, and often repeatedly — deepen, solidify and are eventually perceived as truths. Due to this, it may be difficult breaking away from entrenched, self-limiting beliefs because the subconscious clings on to them as truths. It’s why some people feel “stuck” — walking around with a subconscious “suitcase” of negative beliefs that hold them back, both energetically and physically. For those who become aware of such patterns in themselves, there is an opportunity to align the subconscious and conscious mind to work together and for mutual benefit. Affirmations are powerful tools in aligning both sides of our psyche, they can be used to help create the reality of our dreams—often in terms of making (or attracting) wealth, love, beauty, joy, and most importantly, self-love.

Formula for Effective Affirmations

1. Effective affirmations are written in the first person.

Affirmations should begin with statements of identity like “I” or “I am....”. Identity statements are powerful motivators for self-change and prepare the brain to receive the statement as a fact, whether you believe it (yet) or not. An example of an “I” statement would be, “I love myself fully and enthusiastically!” On the other hand, an affirmation that reads, “My body is loved and honored.” would not resonate in our minds as “fact” which would lessen its efficacy. 

2. Effective affirmations are written in positive terms.

Always state your affirmations in a positive way. For example, instead of saying, “I no longer enjoy smoking cigarettes,” try “My body is a temple and I am grateful for my ability to make healthy choices.”

3. Effective affirmations carry an emotional charge.

It’s important to imbue your affirmations with emotion and feeling. Using emotional words in affirmations is important because of the deep association we have between emotion-evoking words and somatic experiences. So instead of saying, “I’m working at a job I love.”, try “I feel so much excitement and joy going to work each day!” Remember that affirmations are all about leading us toward the feeling. While we may think we want the job, the car, or the dream house, what we’re really after is the feeling we believe those things will give us. Always reach for the feeling in your affirmations. 

4. Effective affirmations are written in the present tense.

Use affirmations that speak to something as if it has already happened, or is happening in the present moment. This helps quiet that small part of the subconscious that may be in opposition to the statement. This means affirming, “I am living the life of my dreams!” instead of “I will live the life of my dreams after I get…”. Or, “I am sexy and confident!” as opposed to, “I will be sexy and confident when I lose five pounds.”

5. Effective affirmations are specific to you.

Use affirmations that are specific and tailored to you and your life. If you’re starting from an affirmation phrase that you found online, take a moment to tweak it to use words that resonate with you on a deep level. Only you know your fears, hopes, dreams and insecurities, so use your internal radar to detect the specific words that increase your energy, make your heart race, and get your juices flowing! For example, instead of saying, “I’m living in my dream house.” try “I’m so grateful to be living in a big, bright and airy house”. 

Disclaimer: while it may be tempting to create affirmations that are written with specific goals and dreams in mind such as, “I have a house in Malibu.” or,  “I am an Account Director at my firm.” remember that we have to leave room for the universe to have its way and pull you in the best direction for you. The only real question is how closely you’re able to see its signals.

Now that you’re an expert on the basics of affirmations, stay tuned for PART 2 on how to perform the most effective positive affirmations of your life!

But in the meantime, enjoy some delicious visual affirmations on our Pinterest Page! 

The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Kitiya Skye nor HONOR Mornings® LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.