Transform Your Life with Positive Self -Talk: Affirmations for a Better Life

Positive self-talk, or affirmations, are essential tools for creating the life you desire or dream about. The words you speak to yourself shape your current reality and directly influence the life you're building. That’s why it's essential to be mindful of your thoughts and choose your words carefully. But what exactly are self-affirmations? According to Cohen (2014), self-affirmations require individuals to reflect on and act upon their attributes and values. Typically, people begin by writing personal affirmation statements and then start speaking them aloud.

Most people start their day with a cup of coffee or tea, so during that time use your mug to remind you to - Start your day with your positive self-talk and your favorite drink. Remember there is only one of you and you are awesome, you are great and you bring unique gifts and talents to the world that no one else can.

Do you remember the Saturday Night Live skits featuring Stuart Smalley, portrayed by Al Franken? If not, here’s a brief introduction to the character. Stuart, suffering from low self-esteem, feelings of insecurity, and impostor syndrome, hosted a fictional talk show focused on positive self-talk. Often, his guests would end up counseling him on the power of positive thoughts. At the end of each “show,” Stuart would sit in front of a mirror and say, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” Though a parody, the skit reflects the genuine science behind self-talk and affirmations. Research shows that affirmations can reduce stress, improve health, and enhance relationships (Cohen, 2014).

Use this or make your own positive self-talk affirmation sign to hang somewhere you will see it daily or put it on your phone as your home screen.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. What do you speak or think daily that has contributed to your current state? It's possible that your words are keeping you from moving to the next phase of your life, or they might be holding you back in a situation you wish to break free from. One of your favorite motivational speakers, Terri Savelle Foy, suggests adding the phrase “and that’s just how I want it” to the end of your sentences. For example, if you say, “I can’t lose this weight,” add, “and that’s just how I want it.” This highlights the power of words and helps you realize that if your words hold truth and power, it’s important to consider what you’re saying. Rather than criticizing or complaining, use your words to create your desired life. So try saying, “I am my perfect weight, and I feel great, and that’s just how I want it!”

Use sticky notes to post your positive self-talk affirmations around your house. Good places to stick them are the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, the door leading out of your house, or anywhere you look at them frequently.

Zig Ziglar, another motivational speaker and writer, also offers valuable insight on this topic. In his book Better Than Good, Ziglar challenges readers to pay attention to how people respond when asked, “How are you?” He found that for every positive or upbeat response, there are typically eight to ten negative or neutral ones (2006, p. 49). He then encourages people to reflect on their own responses. His personal answer? “I’m doing better than good!” Ziglar believed that by expecting things to improve, he consistently lived a life “better than good.” Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of a child, his optimism and positive mindset helped him navigate even the most challenging times. If you’re unfamiliar with Ziglar, I highly recommend checking out his talks on YouTube or reading one of his many books to understand his profound influence on motivation and positive thinking.

The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (n.d., Bible Gateway). By speaking positively about your life, you can transform your reality for the better.

Please share with us the positive self-talk affirmations you have found to boost your positive mindset. You are what you think!

References

Cohen, G. L., & Sherman, D. K. (2014). The psychology of change: self-affirmation and social psychological intervention. Annual review of psychology, 65, 333–371. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115137

(n.d.). Proverbs 18:21. Bible Gateway. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2018:21&version=KJV

Ziglar, Z. (2006). Better Than Good: Creating a Life You Can't Wait to Live (1st ed.). Integrity.