The power of affirmations

Positive self talk is one of the many tools our children need to be independent, successful, and self-regulated. We need to get them to the place where they are able to stay positive and the discussion they have with themselves is upbeat. We are not always going to be there when they need us to infuse them with a big dose of ‘I think you are wonderful’! I want my daughters to have a self talk 'tape' that is already programmed to feed them the affirmations they need to overcome any obstacles life throws their way. We need to remember Garbage In = Garbage Out! Part of our responsibility is to ensure that the positive self talk tapes for our children are primed and ready to go! One way I do this is to compose a daily affirmation for my daughters and my students. This quick upbeat message is intended to be a deposit of positive self talk. Each morning my kids copy the affirmation in their goal books and it serves to help them stay positive throughout the day.
All affirmations are written in the present as if you already possess what is being described. Develop the ‘I can do it’ attitude! For example:
• I am loveable at any age.
• I am capable of learning anything.
• I have abundant energy.
• I know if I help enough people get what they want, I will always get what I need.
• I am a good friend.

A particularly good idea is to have your child personalize these affirmations by writing down their biggest self-limiting belief. You’re looking for the negative thoughts that they find themselves repeating over and over in their heads. For example, “I’m not very good at math.” Have them cross this out and write down the exact opposite using an “I” statement. Put it in the present tense. The shift would look like this, “I am great at math!” When the child is tempted to think the “garbage” thoughts, they will learn to repeat the new affirmation by the regular habit of writing it out. Anybody can write an affirmation, keep it short, positive and real to you – good luck!

Remember what Henry Ford said:
“If you think you can, you are right. If you think you can’t, you are also right!”

If you would like to be added to our daily affirmation list please email info@setthemupforsuccess.com and we will be more than happy to get you on our list!