Another Internal Key To Success … Affirmations

Recently a friend and I started getting together to discuss the contents of a book we are reading – Jack Canfield’s “The Success Principles.” Our goal is to discuss the concepts raised in the book, and assist (challenge) each other in implementing these principles in our every day life. We have been exposed to most of the book’s material before; however, the manner in which the messages are told (story format) and the exercises offer a unique spin. One of the concepts detailed in Canfield’s book is about “affirmations.”

Most of us have a series of internal stories or messages we repeat which limit our ability to create the greatest vision of ourselves. Such messages as “I’m over weight”, “I’m not good enough”, “I’m not smart enough”, etc., are just a few we tell ourselves throughout our day. People that achieve high levels of success simply let go of these types of limiting thoughts and beliefs, and replace them with other positive messages that change or affect their self-image.

People from all walks of life practice affirmations to change their state of mind and free themselves up to achieve greater success. One such story retold by Canfield concerns Jim Carrey, Actor, who early in his career would drive up to Mulholland Drive every night look out over the City and repeat several affirming thoughts. “Everybody wants to work with me. I’m a really good actor. I have all kinds of great movie offers.” Movie offers are out there for me, I just don’t hear them yet.” He would say these affirmations over and over, literally convincing himself as he sat alone on top of Mulholland Drive.

So what is an affirmation? An affirmation is a statement that describes a goal in its already completed state. Personally, I am in the process of rewriting my affirmations by integrating nine guidelines mentioned in Canfield’s book. These nine affirmation guidelines are:

1. “Start with the words ‘I am’;

2. Use the present tense;

3. State it in the positive. Affirm what you want, not what you don’t want;

4. Keep it brief;

5. Make it specific;

6. Include an action word ending with ‘ing.’ Use a verb not a noun to create power to the effect of the image created;

7. Include at least one dynamic emotion or feeling word;

8. Make affirmations for yourself, NOT OTHERs; and

9. Add ‘or something better’ to the end of each affirmation.”

Write your affirmations down and repeat them out loud two or three times a day with passion and conviction. Another great idea suggested by Canfield is to tape them to your bathroom mirror, and carry them with you at all times in your wallet. Constantly bombard your subconscious with your life affirming messages that support your vision and goals for yourself.

I spent most of my life involved in various sports related activities – playing basketball through college, and then coaching. It always struck me as odd that most high school and college coaches take this attitude of “break down an athlete to build them up” approach. One problem is that often times they forget to affirm ALL their players and just continue breaking them down. The really great coaches (the one that comes to mind is John Wooden) seem to understand the power of affirmation as a method to motivate the greatness within people. Sometimes we never quite get past the “break down” mindset in our life and continue to perpetuate these negative patterns in the stories or messages we constantly tell ourselves. The daily routine of repeating your positive affirmations that support your greatest vision of yourself can truly make a difference.

As always, I hope that this MOJO finds you and your loved ones well. And, if there is anything I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to ask!!! Jim Peys