Do Affirmations Work?

Ever hear the saying "fake it til you make it"? In some ways it’s sage advice, acting as if what you want is already here, but there is a hitch, if you don’t believe it you’ll feel out of alignment. That feeling is actually an energy drain. Especially if you’re spending time convincing yourself it’s true. The same is true of affirmations. If you’re repeating affirmations that you don’t yet feel can become true for you, it’s not as powerful as it could be.

I am a firm believer in the power of affirmation. An affirmation is a form of autosuggestion, in which a statement of a desired outcome is deliberately repeated in order to set the stage in your mind. They appear to be most effective when repeated in a quiet and restful state of mind and body. Using visualization to vividly imagine and feel the emotions of the desired outcome also helps anchor the affirmations. Perhaps the most often used and well-known affirmation is the word "Amen", often used to conclude prayer. It’s translated simply as "so be it" or "and so it is," affirming the truth of whatever was written or said immediately prior.

When forming an affirmation it’s best to use the present tense for example "I will get the promotion." is not as strong as "I am getting a promotion". The affirmation should be a reach but not something that makes you shout ‘NO WAY’ when you recite it. If you have a big vision, say to create a 7 figure business, and you strongly resist the affirmation, get into it gradually using a progressive affirmation.

When I sold my house a couple of years ago I used this technique, mainly because I had two strong beliefs I needed to move through. The first was that I would have a steady stream of people coming through my house disrupting my life and the second was that buyers only offered 80% of the asking price and lots of negotiating and time was needed. Here are the affirmations I used. Each one I used for about a week until the resistance was gone, then the final one I used for about 3 months, before I even found a real estate agent, until the house closed.

Wouldn’t it be nice to show my house minimally, and sell it for 95% of the asking price.

It’s possible to show my house minimally, have an offer within 30 days of listing and sell it for 95% of the asking price.

I am selling my house within 30 days of listing, closing 60 days after listing, showing it minimally, for 95% of the asking price.

I did sell my house to the first and only person who looked at it for 99% of the asking price, within 30 days of listing and we closed 1 week after the 60 day mark. By gradually adjusting my affirmation I was able to move through the resistance I had and really claim and feel the final affirmation. Now it’s your turn, start with something simple and try it on for size. Let me know how it goes.

Cathy Brennan is a professional coach, speaker, and author who has helped hundreds of clients create meaning and prosperity in their business’s and lives. Want to know how? She can be reached at coach@pathwayscoach.com, 860-774-0006, or www.pathwayscoach.com.