Using Affirmation to Eradicate Self-Doubt

Whether you think you can, or think you can't– you are right   -Henry Ford

The power of believing is not something that should be overlooked. Believing in something has the power to bring it into your life. No, I am not saying that you are actually a witch and can just conjure up whatever you want. It has to do with where your focus is.

Whether you believe you deserve the life that you desire, or not, it may be right within your reach. However, if your focus is elsewhere, it may pass you by without you being the wiser.

Imagine this– you wish that you had a better job. You hear about an opening for your dream job, but you don't feel like you are qualified, so you don't apply.

Or, perhaps you are looking for a life partner. You meet someone amazing who you love being with, but you are too caught up in your insecurities to make it work.

These are just a few examples, but I think you get the point. If you do not whole-heartedly believe that you are worthy of whatever it is that you desire, then you will not demand it. And, if you don't demand what you want, you likely won't get it.

Your actions and beliefs set the precedent for how people treat you. You will likely let others do the same if you are constantly tearing yourself down. The secret to building a life you love is first becoming a person you love.

You might be thinking: "but I am not the person that I want to be!" Well, news flash– No one is! We are all just doing our best. If you are striving to grow and become the best version of yourself, then you are doing everything that you can and you should be proud of yourself!

So, we have step one to reaching your dreams– believing in yourself. Step two is convincing yourself of this new set of beliefs so that you can live a life dictated by them.

The Pesky Subconscious

Deciding that you want to change a belief about yourself is one thing, but convincing yourself that it is true is much harder. That's where affirmations come in!

The reason that coaches will often tell you that it takes 21 days to make a new habit is that it takes time to rewire the subconscious brain.

If you have a belief that you have been holding onto for years, maybe even decades, the neural pathways in your brain are used to firing in patterns that support that belief. Just like it takes time to train your body to run a marathon or do a difficult yoga pose, it also takes time to train your brain to work in a new way.

What Are Affirmations, And How Can You Use Them?

Affirmations are simply short statements that you repeat to yourself to train your brain to work in a new way.

There are an infinite number of affirmations that you could use. To figure out which ones are best for you, you have to pinpoint a negative belief that you want to change and form an affirmation that counters that belief.

For example, if you believe that you are not smart enough to reach your goals, you might choose to say "I am curious, intelligent, and determined. I will reach my goals no matter what."

If you are not sure how to formulate your own affirmations, fear not! There are so many amazing affirmations already written, there are even entire books of them. Here are a couple that address common negative beliefs.

I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing

I am loved just for being who I am, just for existing

My body is healthy; my mind is brilliant; my soul is tranquil.

I have been given endless talents which I begin to utilize today.

I forgive those who have harmed me in my past and peacefully detach from them.

For lots more amazing affirmations, do a quick google search!

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Try picking just one or two affirmations and work with them for at least a week. Say them in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

Take at least 10 minutes every day to close your eyes and just repeat it to yourself out loud. Hearing the words adds increased value to the practice. Throughout your day, you can say it to yourself mentally. Practice as much as possible. It only takes a few seconds to say it to yourself a couple of times as you walk through the grocery store or take a work break.

As soon as you sense the negative belief creeping back in, make sure to take some time to repeat the affirmation to yourself until you are convinced of how incredible you are!