Using Affirmations To Change Your Mindset Creatively
- Cherie Pasion
- Jul 21, 2016
- 3 min read
Using affirmations to change your mindset
You would think your mind would be your biggest ally in life. That the little voice would constantly be urging you to be the best version of yourself and propel you forward.
Yet, unfortunately that isn’t always the case. If your little voice is anything like my little voice (and I know it is, because I’m not unique when it comes to this topic) it will constantly be in your ear trying to stop you from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Even if you know that your comfort zone is not making you happy or fulfilled, your mind feels safer there rather venturing into the great unknown. So it will say anything to keep you where you are. “You’re not smart enough for that idea to work.” “You’re not creative enough.” You get the drift – you know what your little voice says all too well.
Now, why would I be writing about such drab and depressing mind-talk? Because I believe it’s possible, when you’re conscious and aware of such talk – i.e. when you’re mindful – to nip it in the bud.
When you hear that voice, the one that whispers those seductive negative thoughts in your ear, you can turn to it and say “Enough.” You can say, “Thank you, I know you are wanting to keep me safe, but that’s enough now.”
Then, take a deep breath, because mindfully breathing oxygen into your lungs gives your whole system a reset.
Now, here’s the fun bit. In response to whatever your little voice was saying, you can consciously say the opposite.
If it says, “You’re not creative enough.” You can breathe (i.e. reset your system) and say, “I am an incredibly creative being. Creativity comes so naturally to me.”
Take a moment then to see which thought feels better. I’m guessing it will be the one that affirms what you know is true in your heart. You are that creative being. When you’re creating, you feel alive. It doesn’t feel good when you’re denying yourself of that creativity.
Consciously creating affirmations
Of course, trying to catch yourself all the time in the moment isn’t practical. So, it’s possible to be proactive in rewiring your neural pathways so that the positive belief about who you are is reached first.
Have a think about the different things your inner voice likes to say. If you’re unsure, you can ask a loved one or close friend, as they might have an idea based on the words you use in your conversations.
Then, to each of those things, you can write an affirmation in response using this recipe:
Put yourself as the central character – i.e. use words like I, me, my.
Use present tense language – i.e. use words like I am (avoid future tense I will).
Use positive language – i.e. use words like financially-free instead of debt-free.
As an example: I don’t know what I’m doing becomes I am capable and a fast learner.
Once you have your list, then you can get creative with it. For example, you can write them on sticky notes and put them on your bathroom mirror or fridge door. You can design them up and print them out onto magnets and put them on the fridge (that’s what I do.) You can record them into your phone and listen to them daily. You can write a song about them.
Whatever you do, actively read and/or listen to your list each and every day. Imprint those positive statements about who you are in your subconscious so that it becomes the first thought your brain reaches for. So, when you’re in a situation where you’re asked to do something you haven’t done before, your brain says “I am capable and a fast learner. I can give that a go.”
This is an ongoing process – as you’re constantly changing and developing as a person – and new thoughts will come up for you. However, using this recipe will help you keep stepping towards making your dreams a reality. One affirmation at a time.
Cherie Pasion
Cherie Pasion is the author of It’s Your Birth… Right? and founder of Connected Mama, helping professional women use the power of connection in their transition to motherhood. She has quite a love affair with affirmations and created the much loved affirmations for new mothers card pack and Connected Mama affirmation app. Find out more on her website: www.theconnectedmama.com
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