Whether you’re new to the concept of manifestation or are a veteran in the game, you’ve likely come across the word: affirmations. But, what exactly are they? And how do you know whether or not you’re using them correctly? Is there even a right or wrong way?

Let’s start with the fundamentals.

what are affirmations?

At a base level, we know that to affirm is to state something as a fact or to uphold something we know to be true. So, how do we tie that into manifestation and why do so many people swear by them?

Well, simply put, affirmations are designed to create positive outcomes for the person using them. They are typically either inspiring statements or statements of changes we desire to see manifest within our current reality.

Examples of affirmations you’ve probably seen usually look a little like this:

• I am beautiful.
• I am confident.
• I am successful.

The overall purpose of affirming statements like these is to reprogram your subconscious mind. Affirmations are intended to help encourage (or rewire) our brains to believe that the statements are true, even if they have yet to manifest in our realities. A sophisticated way to view faking it ‘til you make it if you will.

But even outside of the realm of “manifestation,” there have been countless studies done on the impact of the subconscious mind and how it can literally reshape the world around you. The things we firmly believe to be true are scientifically proven to be reinforced in our life experiences. This may sound familiar to the concept of the Law of Attraction or the general idea that positive thoughts will elicit positive results in one’s life.

how to write your own affirmations

So, what makes for a “good” affirmation? While there’s no real right or wrong way to affirm (or to manifest, for that matter), there are definitely a few things we can keep in mind when writing or saying our affirmations that can make them more effective.

1. use “i am” statements in present tense

We use affirmations to positively impact our self-concept, so we always want to be speaking about ourselves directly. We also want to ensure that our affirmations are spoken or written in the present tense. Not future. This is because we are affirming the things we want to see in the now.

So, instead of writing a statement like, “I am going to have my dream job,” you want to say something more along the lines of “I am so grateful to be working my dream job.” Or “I am the perfect fit to be working in my dream role.”

2. avoid “negative” statements

If you’re affirming to change something in your life that you currently view as undesirable or destructive, try to avoid using negative language as you affirm. For example, if you want to quit vaping, instead of saying, “I am not going to use my vape anymore” or “I do not need to vape every day,” we could instead say, “I am free of being dependent on my vape.”

See the difference?

3. avoid “i want” or “i need” statements

Stating that you are in need or in want of what you’re manifesting can imply that you’re asking for something from a place of lack. You don’t ask to borrow a pen if you already have one, do you?

Again, we want to be in the mindset that we are already embodying that of which we desire. “I am.” “I have.” We are affirming as if our desire is already ours.  

4. keep ’em short & sweet

Affirmations don’t have to be lengthy. In fact, they’re often easier to commit to memory if they’re shorter. But, don’t worry – this doesn’t mean that they won’t still pack a powerful punch, especially when coupled with our next tip.

5. affirm with emotion

This may be one of the most important aspects of affirming or manifesting in general. Really allow yourself to feel positive emotions flow through you while you’re stating your affirmations. It’s as simple as expressing the actual feelings you’ll experience once your affirmations are your reality.

Excited. Appreciative. Joyous. Really let yourself relish in those emotions. Feel good about yourself and carry that energy with you throughout your day.

6. make your statements believable to you

Remember, your affirmations are about YOU and you alone. Generic “I am” statements you can pluck online may not always resonate with you and that’s okay. Don’t feel the need to change the way you naturally speak to affirm.

If saying, “I am beautiful” just doesn’t hit for you, it’s okay to replace it with “I am a bad bitch.”

Happy manifesting.