Building a Habit of Positive Affirmations
There is no doubt about it: affirming our thoughts and feelings can be an effective way to change our mindset for the better. But is it enough? Let's take a look at one study that suggests that habit formation is more powerful than just positive thinking; maybe even a transformative power in its own right.
The study consisted of 63 participants, primarily college students, who were asked to engage in either a habitual or an intentional activity over a period of six weeks. Some members were told to simply think positively about their practices while others were coached on the benefits of positive reinforcement and how these can be used as tools for engraining new habits into their lives.
The results of the study showed that those who had been coached on the benefits of positive reinforcement actually seen improvements in their habits. What's more, it was found that habitual behaviors were actually strengthened during the six week period as well.
This sort of study is not exactly groundbreaking news, but for me it is very encouraging. It demonstrates that habit formation can be more than just a way to change our minds and feelings. It seems to have transformative qualities, just like affirmations are said to have. As a result, it kind of changes the game for us and has us rethinking our habit-forming methods, at least when it comes to affirming thoughts and feelings.
For example, maybe rather than just thinking positively about the end result (being more productive, stopping smoking, etc.), it would now be a good time to start thinking about the steps involved in creating those habits.
What will I have to do in order to stop smoking? What new behaviors will I need to engage in? How will I feel when they are realized? How will that make me feel as a person? In what ways will that make my life better in general? Things such as these can help define the actions and feelings that accompany them.
Here is an example of how this might look: One of your affirmations is "I am a non-smoker. I am a non-smoker. I am a non-smoker." And while it is certainly on the right track, maybe you could start thinking about it in this way: "I am proud to live a smoke-free life. I can go anywhere and be comfortable in any situation. I feel great! Friends and family always comment on how healthy I look now that I have quit smoking. It feels great knowing that my children will not have to experience second-hand smoke because they are growing up around someone who does not do this. I am proud of myself for making this decision and choosing a positive lifestyle!"
I think you could see how just adding a few more details not only make your statement more forceful, but also allows you to step into the spirit of those thoughts and feelings. This is something that comes with practice; the more you do it (in other words, the better you get at thinking in a way that does not just affirm what you want, but also involves the steps required to get there), then the more effective it will be.
It is also important to keep in mind that doing this alone won't automatically engrain new habits into our lives. We still have to take action on a regular basis in order for them to stick. Having said that, thinking in this way does give you a better chance of success because you are allowing your mind to actually see the results of your efforts and will feed off of those feelings.
This is one more reason why establishing a regular meditation practice is so important (it allows us to focus on "the now"). It not only helps us get in touch with our emotions, but it also allows for the development of new habits at a much faster rate too.
I encourage you all to think about these things and try them out. If there are any exercises or questions that I can help with, please feel free to comment or email me personally. I look forward to hearing from you all, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey.
Always Believe,
Quantum Reboot
About the Author, QuantumReboot:
QuantumReboot is a self-improvement blogger who also runs a successful online business helping people create habits for success. One of his favorite hobbies is to write about topics that allow people to change their lives in positive ways; anything from meditating, exercising or eating better to more focused topics (like what is discussed on this blog). Read more at Quantum Reboot .
If you enjoyed this article, make sure you subscribe to Quantum Reboot's blog. You'll find a wealth of free and inspiring content on how to become successful, positive and happy. Check out my other articles here.
About the Author, Masey Alexander:
Masey is president of www.QuantumReboot.com , a self improvement blog about happiness and success with an eye on the future . He has a passion for helping people become their best selves so they can live their best lives possible. Read more at Quantum Reboot . Follow him on Twitter and Facebook .
If you enjoyed this article, make sure you subscribe to Quantum Reboot's blog. You'll find a wealth of free and inspiring content on how to become successful, positive and happy. Check out my other articles here.
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About Quantum Reboot: Quantum Reboot blog is dedicated to the happiness and success of its readers. It covers everything from positive thinking to healthy habits, meditation to manifestation techniques and much more. The blog is designed to help people live a happy life by helping them establish dynamic daily habits that will lead them in their quest for a positive lifestyle.