Writing Affirmative Reminders

It is difficult to maintain a positive attitude, when almost on a daily basis, we learn about horrific and sad events occurring in our world.  It is important to remember that it is not what other people or events do to us, it is what we do to ourselves because of others that matters.  This requires an ability to maintain a positive attitude in spite of what is going on around us.

I have referenced Affirmative Reminders in previous posts.  These are statements, words, or symbols that are written on 3 x 5 cards that we review 3-5 times daily.  The words are not as important as the visual images these words or symbols produce in our minds as we close our eyes and picture ourselves achieving what the written affirmative reminder conveys.  In order to write an effective affirmative reminder, here are some important tips to follow:

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          1. Write affirmative reminders that are positive and in present tense (e.g. I am or I have).  Don’t use words like, “I will” or I “I may”.  You will use your affirmative reminders to affirm behavior or an attitude as if you have already achieved it.  Your brain has difficulty computing something that may occur in the future.  Keep your affirmative reminders in the now.

2      2.  Keep your affirmative reminders realistic.  Avoid words like “always” or “never”.  Rather use a word like “consistently”.  There will always be exceptions to any desired positive attitude or behavior.

3          3.  Pick a few attitudes or behavior that you wish to improve and write affirmative reminders accordingly.  No more than 5 affirmative reminders at a time is fine initially.  As you begin to improve on those 5, add a few more affirmative reminders.  No need to overload your brain initially.

4      4.  Review and visualize your affirmative reminders 3-5 times a day for about a month in order to begin to affect a positive change.   

Here are some examples of affirmative reminders:

I remain positive and in good spirits in spite of world events.

I am calm and in control in pressure situations.

I am patient with those who see things differently than I do.

I am consistently well-organized in every phase of my life.

I am an excellent speaker, well-prepared, logical and completely at ease with any group.

I am a great pro with super confidence.

I am very happy and enjoy life to its fullest.

I consistently do things when they need to be done.

I possess an abundant supply of energy and draw upon it at will.

   Using affirmative reminders does require some effort on your part, but it is certainly worthwhile if you want a better you.