We hear a lot about the positive results affirmations can bring, but I’ve always found it tricky to keep doing them. It seems after a few days I forget to use the affirmation, even if it was something really worthwhile.
When using affirmations it’s very important to state them in the positive (what you do want instead of what you don’t) and also useful to, as far as possible, state the affirmation as if you are ready have it, or are at least expecting it, rather that stating it as a hope or wish. For example:
“I don’t want to feel fearful when flying on a plane” will get the mind tuning into fear, so this is not a good affirmation to use.
“I want to feel calm when flying on a plane” This is better but by wanting it, you presuppose that you do not yet have it.
“I can be calm when flying on a plane.” This give us positive possibility, but it is missing certainty.
“I am calm when flying on a plane” This is the best option, but only if you believe it. There is no point in using an affirmation if, in the back of your mind you feel it is a lie.
“I will be calm when flying on a plane” This is also a good option as you are telling yourself what positive experience you can expect in the future and it’s also ok if you are not yet totally calm. The affirmation can still be true even if in the moment of now you still feel a little fearful.
* Remember, affirmations work for any emotion you may feel so if you’re not afraid of flying, just plug in some other emotion. For example, “I feel good about myself” or “I enjoy interacting with other people”.
Now here is a great way to always use your affirmations. Create a short hand code for it, and use it as your password. For example, your login password for your email. That way you affirm it to yourself every time you check your emails! By using a code you also create safer passwords.
So “I will be calm when flying on a plane” becomes “1wbcwf0ap” The 1 being a substitute for I and the 0 being a substitute for o. Or you could use “Bc1m0np1ns” which could stand for “Be calm on planes.”
Give it a go and see how you get on.
Gemma Bailey