Affirmations
Do you roll your eyes at the idea of stating affirmations?
Maybe you think affirmations are for people in yoga pants, standing in the tree pose on top of a mountain. How do these people find the time, really?
Are these people just grasping at straws, hoping to manifest success out of thin air?
To be honest, those were my thoughts exactly…until I started to incorporate them into my daily routine.
Did you know there’s actual science behind using affirmations?
Rewiring your thoughts could change your mindset, your confidence, and even the opportunities you notice around you.
The Power of Affirmations and Neuroplasticity
Affirmations are more than just feel-good statements; they are tools that can reshape thought patterns, build confidence, and reinforce a growth mindset. Their effectiveness lies in neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself based on repeated thoughts and experiences.
How Neuroplasticity Works
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to form new neural connections throughout your life. The more you repeat certain thoughts and behaviors, the stronger those neural pathways become. This is how habits, skills, and even deeply held beliefs are formed.
If you constantly tell yourself, “I’m not good enough” or “I always fail at interviews,” your brain reinforces those beliefs, making them feel like unshakable truths.
If you start replacing those thoughts with, “I am capable and prepared for success,” your brain begins to rewire itself, building new neural pathways that support confidence and resilience.
What Happens in Your Brain When You Use Affirmations?
When you practice affirmations consistently, several brain processes are activated:
Reticular Activating System (RAS): The RAS is the part of your brain that filters information based on what you focus on. If you keep telling yourself, “I attract great opportunities,” your brain will start noticing opportunities you may have previously ignored.
Dopamine Release: Positive affirmations stimulate dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, which reinforces motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Cognitive Reframing: Affirmations help shift your mindset from self-doubt to self-belief, making challenges feel more like opportunities instead of roadblocks.
But Here’s the Catch—Your Brain Has a BS Meter
Affirmations aren’t MAGIC. If you don’t truly believe in what you’re saying, your brain will call you out on it. You can’t just say, “I’m a millionaire” while deep down thinking, Yeah right, that’ll never happen. Your subconscious will reject the message, and nothing will change.
To make affirmations work, they need to feel possible and believable. Instead of jumping to extremes, try statements that your brain can actually get on board with, like:
I am building the skills and mindset to attract financial abundance.
I am learning to recognize and seize new opportunities.
I am growing more confident in my abilities every day.
So, is all this “woo-woo” after all? Not from my experience. And, science tells us that our thoughts do shape our reality. Whether we’re consciously focusing on positive change or reinforcing limiting beliefs, our brain listens.
Your brain is constantly rewiring itself. The question is—are you shaping it with thoughts that move you forward or hold you back?
