Affirmations are a very popular practice with an increasing awareness of conscious thinking and negative self-talk around the globe. I remember discovering affirmations over a decade ago. My first thought was this is a life-changing habit that can influence the lives of children all over the world.

As children, we adopt the thinking of our environment and influencers of our little worlds well before we develop the ability to think for ourselves (the conscious mind begins to interact with the subconscious at the age of seven; prior to this age there’s literally no ability to reason and filter information). Therefore, from the womb to this age, we accept everything we are exposure to as truth. This acceptance brings more experiences to reinforce those thoughts as they evolve into deep seated core beliefs. These core beliefs later create conflicts within us and with others. Usually after lack of progress over time and much frustration, we start to question the incongruence of our thinking.

A common method to combat incongruent thinking is developing a habit of using affirmations. If we have a belief that no longer serves us, we are taught by most spiritual and personal development teachers to release or get rid that belief. Then we should replace it with one that does and “affirm” it over time. Now, we have a new way of thinking which better aligns with who we are. Seems simple, right?

Let’s look at why this approach might be more cumbersome than it must be. All things considered in spirituality and science, thoughts are energy and beliefs are thoughts reinforced over time. Therefore, they are energy magnified. When we introduce affirmations to overcome beliefs, the affirmative thoughts typical does not have enough momentum to penetrate the power the current beliefs. Due to this phenomenon, it will take a lengthy amount of time to build the same force of energy. We may experience limited amounts of progress or progress will be made after an extended period or we become discouraged and scrape the practice altogether.

Let me propose a different approach to using affirmation to perhaps increase effectiveness. First, when experiencing an unwanted thought or a vibration that is out of alignment – REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT. You have the power to decide what to think and what gets your energy.

You can refuse it with these phrases: I CHOOSE not to think that thought or stating, “That’s not my reality.” This prevents the thought from entering the subconscious and connecting with other pre-programmed beliefs which are similar. This allows the thought to be disarmed immediately. Using an affirmation at this juncture will ordinarily create resistance within the mind and body which still gives energy to the existing belief.

Instead, once you are in a calm and peaceful state of mind whether it is during meditation, on the way to sleep or awaking you want to employ your affirmations. This will enable the conscious statement to enter deeper levels of thinking without resistance and the subconscious mind will begin to resonate with the energy of the thoughts with ease and expeditiously.

In addition, use unwanted thoughts to be an indicator of where limiting beliefs still exist. Our beliefs can be pervasive much of our lives until we are placed in situations where they are called into question. This only happens when we allow ourselves to become uncomfortable and face challenging opportunities – it is then that limiting beliefs rise to the top of mind. This is ideal to formulating the limiting belief into an empowering one then to practice it as an affirmation.

So, let’s go through a scenario using the above philosophy. You are in the process of preparing for your very first round of business funding and are rejected for a credit card which would give you access to $50,000. The first thought (limiting belief) might be “This is too much, and I can’t do this.” At that time, you simply refuse it with “I choose not to think that thought.” That belief has now lost some power although you may have feeling of disappointment or anger.

At the point you are no longer feeling disappointment or angry, you can use an affirmation – “I am accomplishing things I have not done before.” This affirmation will help with business funding and other areas where you may experience something similar.

Then this new affirmative belief can spark other affirmations like “I am completing things which I once thought impossible,” and “I am learning new approaches to business funding.” This is a rinse and repeat process to the point where new beliefs begin to develop.

It is best to use affirmations at the point of least resistance not during the time of great resistance. Like meditation, it is most beneficial to have a consistent time to practice your affirmation. It helps to train the mind and body for the vibration of receiving which increases the effectiveness with less energy and time.

My affirmation to you “You are effective at using affirmations.” Happy affirming!

Robin