Is Affirmation A Tool You Use?
WHAT should you do in order to become a better person? This is an important question for all of us. When we are faced with the realization that something we are thinking and/or doing is not helping us to be that better person we want to be, then what should we do? One good tool to use is an affirmation. An affirmation, something that you assert strongly, is a present-tense, positive statement of a desired outcome.
In order to change in a positive way we need to know what that change is and then set out a plan for changing. Usually, the knowing what the change is, means first, stopping what we are currently thinking and doing. Then visualize what the new thought or deed should be and change. It’s the “and change” that becomes the hardest for many.
The “and change” part is where the tool of affirmation can help. For example, suppose you want to become a better person by not becoming full of rage every time someone does something to you that you don’t like. A specific example might be the rage you feel when, while driving, someone cuts you off and glares at you as if you have no right to be on the road. In order to become a better person, you decide that you want to become, in general, a more loving person and specifically, a person who treats all people with respect and courtesy in every possible circumstance. This changed way of treating people now becomes your affirmation.
Given this affirmation, what will happen when the next time someone cuts you off and you respond automatically in a most disrespectful manner? Does that mean that this idea of becoming a better person using affirmations does not work? Not really!
Before, when you responded in the disrespectful manner, you probably would not have recognized your disrespectful behavior as anything different or unusual. Now, because of your affirmation and the promise to yourself, you would instantly feel guilty. Now you know this is not the way you want to behave and realize that is the way the old you acts. The next time, you say to yourself, I will respond differently. Therefore, your affirmation gives you the visualization and direction to change into someone who intends to behave in a respectful and courteous manner, no matter when or how you are provoked.
By saying your affirmation over and over again, therefore visualizing it and realizing how it feels day in and day out, your new and desired behavior will become second nature to you. In this manner you eventually will not remember any other way.
Affirm yourself into being better!
I’m looking forward to your affirmation comment.
Affirm R2
R2 Thoughts for You 