Affirm Yourself Sis!
Affirmations are a self-help strategy used to promote self-confidence and belief in your own abilities.
You’ve probably affirmed yourself without even realizing it by telling yourself things like:
- “All I can do is my best.”
- “I’ve got what it takes.”
- “I believe in my ability to succeed.”
These simple statements help shift your focus away from perceived failures or inadequacies and direct your focus toward your strengths — those you already have and those you
want to develop.
But do they actually work? Kind of.
Affirmations generally work as a tool for shifting your mindset and achieving your goals, but they’re not a magic bullet for instant success or healing.
For example, you might replace a negative or anxious thought, like:
- “I’m so terrible at interviews. I’m probably not even as qualified as the other candidates. There’s no way they’ll hire me, I should just leave.”
With a positive affirmation:
- “I have all the necessary skills and experience, and I’m the perfect candidate for this job.”
Using affirmations may help you feel more relaxed before your interview, and knowing you’re fully prepared can also help you avoid self-sabotaging thoughts or behaviorspotentially interfering with your success.
Remember, action is key
Repeating an affirmation can help boost your motivation and confidence, but you still have to take some action yourself. Try thinking of affirmations as a step toward change, not the change itself.
Consider that nosy co-worker who always asks questions about your personal life. You don’t want to say anything to offend, but you also have no intention of answering their questions.
An affirmation like “I can remain calm even when I feel annoyed” might guide you to a habit of deep breathing or grounding exercises when you start to feel your blood boil.
These tactics, combined with your affirmations, help you get through the stressful moment until you can politely make an escape.
The affirmation didn’t make the change, you did. But it did offer a starting point.