After reading these two posts on Mind Body Green and having to do a 21 day affirmation project for one of my classes this semester, I’ve had affirmations on my mind a lot recently. Now first of all, I’m not one for all those motivational quotes and inspiration images you see all over Pinterest and Instagram. Quite frankly, I hate them most of the time.
So when I was forced to do a project with creating an affirmation and saying it everyday for 21 days, I didn’t like it. I think that fact that we crafted our own affirmations instead of using some cheesy “over said” one you might find online, it was a bit better, but still not for me. I thought after 3 weeks I might find it more pleasant, but still not for me.
The problem I find and which is touched upon in those articles from Mind Body Green, is that simply saying something isn’t going to change a thing. You can’t expect to say something a have it magically happen or even change your mindset. Just like you can’t say you’re going to run a marathon tomorrow with no prior training and survive. It’s just not realistic.
Affirmations are supposed to be used to create a positive change in mindset and affirm, “declare”, something. It’s a declaration or supportive statement. But that’s all it is support. It’s really just strung together words that have no meaning if you don’t take action on them (and fully believe them!). It’s the passive “Have a good day!” from the cashier after you check-out at the grocery. That’s great that you should have a good day, it may even put a smile on your face, but if you don’t actually do anything to MAKE it a great day, it’s not just going to happen.
Too many people think that by adopting a daily affirmation practice, they will automatically find all the answers to happiness, peace, and success. Some may find that having a personal affirmation does help them set the tone for the day, but other’s, (like me) don’t find them helpful and know that they are not a magic elixir.
To truly achieve the happiness, peace, and success we all strive for and the positive mindset we want to cultivate everyday, we need to do more. We need to take ACTION. Not just AFFIRMATION. However, to get yourself to take action, that does start with getting your mindset in the right place. You can do that by saying an affirmation, motto, hat have you, or by making goals, beginning the day with mediation, unplugging, going for a walk, etc. Just something to set your day, you week, with a simple “noise-free” tone and attitude.
Once you have yourself thinking clearly, you can now take action to make your “affirmation” a reality. If you still want to say an affirmation each day, after you say it, take one step or action toward bettering yourself. Whether it be having a healthy breakfast to promote your goal of eating healthier, a workout to build some strength, writing to that publisher about that book deal you want, even writing a page of that novel, painting your nails to give you a boost of confidence, whatever! Just take one small action and make that “good day” a reality and not just a stung together phrase of inactive words.
Over time, each day, you will be creating the happiness, peace, and success you want actively. You’re turning your affirmation into an action that will produce results. If you want to not only believe your affirmation will be a real manifestation, then you need to take action. The only way you will be “confident”, “healthy”, “successful”, “not let stress consume you”, “be present and mindful in your day”, you need to take real actions in doing so and not just say it.
So in a way, affirmations have potential, you just have to make them a reality and physically work toward making them happen. It’s not enough to look in the mirror and speak you success or happiness. I wish you should simply say “I have peace and I am a being of kindness, beauty, and confidence,” and have it become a reality. But with everything in life, it’s going to take work, hard work, each and every day.
So, do I like affirmations? Do they always work? No, but they can if they are acted upon. That’s why I like activity, I hate idle behavior. I’m sick of saying something, hearing something, and having it not happen….when it 100% could! Next time you say your affirmation or you even think about starting an affirmation practice, keep this in mind: every small ACTION creates a CHAIN REACTION to making your affirmation a reality.
So tell me:
+ Do you have a daily affirmation practice?
+ If so, do you find them effective? Do you combine them with taking real action?
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Sherry says
Well said!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
All that's Jas says
Totaly agree! Just do it, as Nike would say, lol. Thanks for linking up at Thursday Favorite Things, can’t wait to see what you’ll share next week!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha! Yes!
kimmythevegan says
Nicely said. I have waffled on the whole positive affirmation thing. I started out thinking they were silly. Then I took a course in college where the prof thought they were amazing and *totally* believed in them and thought they were a huge way of life and could help people achieve anything they wanted if they had faith in what they believed (and even convinced me to read “You Can Heal Your Life” – good read actually). I got so into it that I had an affirmation for moving to California. I thought about it every day for several months and it did happen. I didn’t take any real action to make this happen as it is quite difficult for Canadians to move to the US and my husband totally chalks it up to luck and timing. I’m still not sure what to believe, I’m not like that about them anymore though. I agree more with your line of thinking now. I think that good things can happen if we want them and are willing to put a lot of work to it. In general, I just try to think positively about things and life in general =)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea, if we keep positive, but also don’t just sit back and wait, but LIFE the action and journey to get there, there’s much more guarantee 😉
Nichole says
I most definitely agree! Affirmations are just like anything else in life, unless you take time the time to take action nothing is going to solidify from them permanently!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! When everyone realizes that, it will stop so much disappointment!
Rachel says
I’ve never tried, nor wanted to try, affirmations. I think that they may have a function for certain people depending on their personal needs. I’m with you on the need for action.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! They really are just not my thing 😛
Kelly says
Spot on, Rebecca. Affirmations without action are useless. Take baby steps, if you must, but keep moving. Great tips!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! Every little step can count!
jill conyers says
I’ve combined affirmations with writing down my daily intentions. The intentional combination of the 2 have become actions more so than ever before.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Writing them down is a great way to solidify them too!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak says
Great tips and something I am working on improving for myself. I have a million things I want to accomplish but I’m such a procrastinator. I want to finish this ebook of mine but just need to sit down and actually do it! Thanks for the inspiration!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Our goals will never haapen if we just use words! Gotta put some action into them!
Farrah says
I don’t usually do affirmations, but I did have certain statements I’d keep reminding myself of (*cough* “Fake it til you make it!”/”Just keep on truckin’, Farrah!” *cough*) throughout my psych rotation (hah)! I think having reminders are great, but like you said, they accomplish nothing unless you actually act on em’!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Totally! Ha, I have reminders too. Like for times when I just need to get through a rough milecinca run, etc.!
Running Hutch says
Words are powerful. One thing that is important to take into consideration is that we’re all wired and motivated differently. Take the example of the “love languages”. Some people need words of affirmation in order to feel loved. Others are more moved by acts of service or gifts instead. What makes each of us FEEL love is different. Similarly, what gets each of us into a positive and productive mindset is different. No, I don’t think words are as powerful in the absence of action. But I do believe that words, repeated and focused on, become self-fulfilling because words can shape thoughts and thoughts can shape feelings and feelings greatly impact your behavior and actions. This is why leaders are more often than not great speakers, but the greatest leaders are both speakers and DOERS.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Wow, nicely said my friend!
Taylor @ LiftingRevolution.com says
I agree that they are just words but I do 100% believe that words have power beyond our understanding. For example if someone tells themselve every day that they’re fat, they’ll just stay fat because that’s what is engrained in the brain. But if someone says I love to exercise every day, studies have show that people will begin to move more (not right away but over a short period of time). Affirmations are set to change the brain’s thinking. Have the brain thinking positive and we’re more likely to be positive which leads to positive steps forward. I agree, I hate seeing them in instagram feeds and I think they are more of a personal journey, but I am all for them. Great thought provoking post!!! Lovei t.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I do think they can inspire change if you truly form them to your individual self AND believe them. But then it takes action for them to actually work (you won’t get in shape if you just look at yourself in the mirror telling yourself you are!)
Alanna says
Every morning when I meditate I tell myself to keep positive vibes/thoughts. It won’t actually happen unless I take action to be positive and keep it throughout the day. I also agree that affirmations won’t change you – YOU have to make it happen!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s exactly right! They can be a great first step and motivate you while taking action, but you have to actual do THAT!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
Loved reading this post- so true! I like to repeat affirmations/words of encouragement in my head, but of course I pair these positive thoughts with actions that help me live a happier and more mindful life. I don’t have a daily practice, I just try to be consistent with my actions and thoughts- if that makes sense! Happy Monday!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It makes sense 😉 That’s what I like to try and do too, although I’m still more of a doer!
Marla says
Hi Rebecca,
Very well said. Affirmations are all well and good but I feel there over rated and give some people a false sense of security. Thinks happen in life that we cannot control and although working at what we want is extremely important – sometimes are just not suppose to be.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! Saying you are going to be happy and successful, but taking no action to get there, is rather ignorant any anyone’s part!
Joy @ Joy Love Food says
I do not have a daily affirmation practice, I do like the saying “Just Do It”, action is the way to go!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right on!
Renee @ Bendiful Blog says
Rebecca I agree you have to work while you continue to remind yourself you can do it. That’s where affirmations are good, but they can’t be a stand alone. You can’t just say things and not do the work!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! That’s why it frustrates me when people think the opposite!
Larissa says
I love affirmations. I have a few quotes that are important to me. It helps me focus my energy and thoughts and, yes, actions. But I also love a good meditation practice and mantras or affirmations can be a key part of that. It’s an empowering practice.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I just think they need to be coupled with real action and not just passively said! Like saying them while doing actions may be good!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Well said Rebecca! I’ve yet to hear a really successful person say that he/she got to where they are because they kept telling themselves that they could do it. Believing in yourself is definitely a necessary component to making things happen, but hard work is the key ingredient.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! We have to put ourselves in motion to achieve anything!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I’ve always had similar trouble with affirmations, I generally find them useless unless there’s also specific action taken with them. Reminds me of a cognitive behavioral approach in psychology, which is also considered very effective, so you’re definitely onto something here! I’m also one of those people though who doesn’t like “cheese” because I find it phony, and often people like to talk a whole lot without doing much to back it up. Okay, now I’m off on a rant, oops!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’re exactly me, haha! Saying things over and over does nothing. You can say all you want, but that won’t change a thing!
Alex says
I agree mostly. I have a rotating set of “affirmations”, mostly using them to re-focus myself on what I want to achieve. For me they are a means to an end, part of the strategy, not the sole vehicle. As such, I certainly agree that saying “I will be X” doesn’t lead anywhere if you don’t change your routines. However I find they strengthen your resolve for staying on course, helping to overcome negative thinking patterns that otherwise could run the show.
Alex B. – Funky Jungle, fashion & personal style & other things
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes, I agree with that. That’s why I think they have to go hand in hand. You can’t just say something without the action, but saying something can help motivate the action!
Natalie @ Feasting on Fruit says
I’ve never really believed much in affirmations…I’m a doer, not just a sit there and thinker. But they will keep whatever that goal is at the forefront of your mind, and make sure you don’t forget to be working towards it. I like the chain reaction concept! Everything in life is really a chain reaction if you think about it, some just bigger than others 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That is exactly how I am too! And you’re right! Every action we do has a consequence!
Alex says
Actions leads to chain reaction…. I LOVE that! Great concept and really well-written article 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much Alex!
AJ @ NutriFitMama says
I don’t have any daily affirmations, BUT I do agree that in order for that to actually work, you have to take action. Being in the right mindset is key for me though- I do have to prepare myself in advance mentally before I can do a lot of things that I do. I don’t have anything specific for daily affirmations- it really depends on the day around here, but I do have mini goals I keep in my mind that I am looking to accomplish. I don’t specifically focus on them everyday but I know they’re there and am constantly making progress to reach those goals 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s what I like to hear! As long as we know we must actively take action to get what we want, and not simply “think” it, we are so much better off and can make it happen!
Annmarie says
The only affirmations I repeat are when I am running and mostly it is just to get me through to the end….sometimes they work and sometimes I yell back at myself to shut up 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha….well as long as you just keep moving your legs 😉
Min says
I don’t really have a daily affirmation practice. However, I do meditate on a scripture verse of the day/week first thing in the morning and that really pumps me up for the day. You’re right though. What good is it to dwell on words if you don’t do anything about it. Practice makes perfect, right? 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Exactly! Any way to put you in the mindset to DO action and actually work towards what you want is always beneficial!
Emily @My Healthyish Life says
I don’t have a daily affirmation practice but I find that when I’m in need of inspiration quotes and positive sayings can be just what I need to get started. But I agree, you can’t just say it and have it come true. It requires action. But I think some affirmations can inspire action.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I think they go hand in hand. But you can’t have an affirmation without action for it to really work and bring the results you want and what you are affirming!
jess meddows says
I definitely don’t have a daily affirmation practice. I used to have a mantra I’d repeat to myself at a weekly Hatha class during Yoga Ndri, does that count? 😀 But I think I’m too changeable for a daily one to stick. What is good for me one day may be terrible advice for me the next! I like your idea of action rather than affirmation 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I totally agree with not sticking to the same saying! We do need something different every day….that’s why taking actions are much more effective and can be different each day and more meaningful!
Monica says
I love this! I find the same with vision boards. You can’t just put it together and expect things to just start happening, but you actually have to set measurable goals and will move on it! Thanks for writing this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! I think all these ideas are great, affirmations, vision boards, etc. But they won’t help if you don’t actual take ACTION!
Julie says
I have a daily affirmation app. I find it works when I want it to.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
How does the app work?