WE’VE all shared words of affirmation with ourselves or other people without even realising it. We were all probably scolded once or twice about saying bad things, or having a negative expectation with fear that it may happen. Similarly, people believe we ought to say good things for it to happen, or speak it into existence. That’s the concept of what affirmations are relayed upon. Positive statements can help a person overcome a challenging or doubtful circumstance. This is not to be mistaken as boastful or conceited talk. Rather, it is a reminder of the positivity surrounding you and all you are. If your goal is to be boastful about who you are, then you’re not reaching the full potential of what this mental exercise can do for you.

The realists and pessimists of life may not agree with the notion of affirmations, but optimists do. I like to look at this concept beyond just chanting words, or saying it just for the sake of saying. I believe that it’s a good exercise for our mind. Mind Tools describes it as being an exercise for our mind, similar to how we’d work out for our physical body. Affirmations can be used in our everyday lifestyles for a better mindset on the outcomes of life. Team leaders may use affirmations to remind themselves that they’re a worthy leader who can complete the tasks at hand. A nervous public speaker might use affirmations to positively remind themselves of their good speaking qualities or skills behind the scenes. You can either say them out loud or quietly. Many people write their affirmations down on place cards as reminders, or they keep them close at hand. You can even use your mirror every morning and recite them. You simply have to devise your list and a routine that works for you.

There is no universal way of addressing it. They’re used in specific scenarios, and can be used to improve self-esteem. There is a science behind it that suggests if we think positively, it will be easier to fall into the habit of always thinking positively, which can ultimately affect our positive actions and outcomes. Of course, it’s normal to think negatively; there is always a yin-yang effect, and we cannot wholly escape negative thoughts. Nonetheless, you can use daily affirmations to overcome challenges and change your outlook on situations, instead of always focusing on the negatives. To succeed, you should make it a habit and practise it daily. Start by listing positive things that make you feel good about yourself; think about how these positive statements can help you overcome challenges. Perhaps if you have a challenge with your body image, you can find a few things you actually admire about your body. You can remind yourself that your partner loves your body, your body carries your child, your body is beautiful because it is unique, and your curves are distinct.

I have difficulty with Mathematics, and I’m required to use more of it than I’d like at my place of work. So, I have to always remind myself that my intelligence is not limited to numbers; I am not defined by the number of sums I get correct, and I have the capacity to learn from my mistakes. The concept of an affirmation reminds you that life is beyond this negative challenge, and that there are still positives to look forward to in the most challenging life circumstances. It’s not to always be jolly or to ignore life’s problems. Rather, it can be used to help us work better under stress, allowing us to have more peace of mind.