The Power of Affirmations

When I know I'll be having guests over, I go through the house removing all my little post-it notes with affirmations and reminders reading "Bring it today, Barbie!" or "Real writers write. Get to it" and "You have a Beach Body, Barbie!" I also remove the dream board I've created, full of images and words of the goals (tangible and non-tangible) that I want to accomplish this year. I remove them from public view, well, because I know it may appear cheesy to most folks. But the truth is, I whole-heartedly believe in the power of affirmations. And now that I think about it, the truth is, I don't really care what others think about my tools for success! They're staying up next time!

Being surrounded by visual images of the things that I want in my life (whether it's a super fit body or the successful completion of a work project) allows me to keep my eye on the prize. Despite the rumors, I am not a robot; I can easily become distracted and get caught up in activities (such as surfing the net or eating too many almonds) that will keep me from getting to where I want to be. And so, my little post-it notes, strategically placed all over the house, sometimes serve as a wake-up call, reminding me to get back to work and do what I need to do.

Yes, they actually work. My notes and dream board have snapped me out of a time-wasting capsule many a time!

And...

Surprise! Surprise! In The Success Principles, Jack Canfield dedicates a whole chapter to creating and using affirmations to achieve success. Seriously, kids, this man is a genius! I invite you to start visualizing your way to a fitter you today!

Bring it!

Barbie, PhD

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A SIMPLE WAY TO CREATE AFFIRMATIONS

1. Visualize what you would like to create. See things just as you would like them to be. Place yourself inside the picture and see things through your eyes. If you want a car, see the world from inside the car as you are driving it.
2. Hear the sounds you would be hearing if you had already achieved your vision. (Barbie's note: So, in your case, this might take the form of compliments that you receive from friends, family, and oooh, even strangers.)
3. Feel the feeling you want to feel when you have created what you want.
   
4. Describe what you are experiencing in a brief statement, included what you are feeling.
   
5. If necessary, edit your affirmation to make it meet all of the above guidelines.
   

OTHER WAYS TO USE AFFIRMATIONS

1. Post 3"x 5" cards with your affirmations around your home.
2. Hang pictures of things you want around your house or your room. You can put a picture of yourself in the picture.
3. Repeat your affirmations during "wasted time" such as waiting in line, exercising, and driving. You can repeat silently or aloud. (Barbie note: I do this. I visualize myself with a six-pac when I'm working out. It gets me AMPPED!)
4. Record your affirmations and listen to them while you work, drive, or fall asleep. You can use loop tapes, an MP3 player, or an IPod.
5. Have one of your parents record a tape of encouraging things you would like to ahve heard form them or words of encouragement and permission you would like to hear.
6. Repeat your affirmations in the first person ("I am..."), second person ("You are...") and third person ("He/She is..")
7. Put your affirmations on your screen saver on your computer, so you'll see them every time you use your computer.

(Source: The Success Principles)

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