don’t work.
That’s because most people just don’t understand how affirmations and the law of attraction work.
It seems that every January we see affirmations posted everywhere by well-meaning, sometimes frustrated, people hoping to make big changes in their lives. I thought I would throw in my two cents!
If, for example, you are wanting to increase your income or lose weight, sitting in front of the mirror every morning reciting something like, “I now earn $5000 (or whatever amount) a month” or “I am healthy and slim” just won’t work. Your psyche knows it’s a lie.
Your subconscious mind runs the show – not your conscious mind – and your subconscious mind knows what the truth is.
If you affirm that, “My income will increase in 2015” or “I will reach my desired weight in 60 days” you have just confirmed the current lack in your life (income/desired weight) and your affirmations will continue to manifest that lack. Your subconscious mind operates only in the present moment, so affirmations must be phrased in that way. Write in present tense. Future tense implies absence of. All you do is re-enforce the absence.
The other point to understand about affirmations is that their power really comes from the emotions that they stir. If your affirmations don’t get you excited and passionate enough to bring a big smile to your face and get your blood pumping, then nothing will happen. The law of attraction works on the principle of e-motion – energy in motion. It’s the powerful draw of emotions that delivers what our heart desires, not words.
Here are some examples of what to affirm instead:
“I am actively pursuing my dreams and enjoying the process of increasing my income while doing it.”
“I am in the process of building the successful reflexology practice that I envision.”
“My daily actions are moving me closer to the state of health and weight that I desire.”
Did you notice that the above phrases feel different to state than the ones at the beginning of this article? It’s because they are true; they’re not lies you’re telling yourself.
Now here’s how to say them:
- Stand up!
- Start your day with affirmations. Set the tone for your day’s experience.
- Say out loud and with ENTHUSIASM.
- Tap into the emotion that living your desired outcome sparks. You’ve got to FEEL it.
Here are some other opening phrases that will keep your affirmations in the present moment:
- I love knowing that ….
- I love how it feels when ….
- I’ve decided…
- More and more…
- I’m excited at the thought of…
- I love the idea of…
- I love seeing myself…
Remember that the universe re-arranges itself to accommodate your picture of reality. The law of attraction is unfolding and orchestrating all that needs to happen to bring you your desires.[i]
Go forth, my friends, and make 2015 the year you create the life you want!
[i] Adapted from “Law of Attraction” by Michael. J. Losier
Love this timely article, so true! Thank you.
Glad you found value in it Wendy. The beginning of the year always seems like the right time to think about these things – at least, for me.