Do affirmations actually work? Or do they just make us feel like we’re lying to ourselves?
It’s a question I’ve been pondering for years. I’ve read articles, researched different perspectives, and experimented myself, and here’s what I’ve found: there’s no simple answer. Some people swear by affirmations, while others think they’re completely useless. But I believe there’s a middle ground—a way to make affirmations work for anyone, even if they don’t feel natural at first.
“So, Mrs. Tea, what have you been thinking about all these years?” you might ask.
Well, I’ve been thinking about how affirmations could be more effective—not by repeating them mindlessly, but by breaking them into steps that feel achievable and real. Let me explain…
If people have been using mantras throughout history, there must be a way to make them effective—and perhaps even easy to use.
I’ll explore various aspects of affirmations, including perspectives that both supporters and skeptics may not have considered. Since this is my first time writing about this topic, I’d love to hear from you! If you know of any resources that shaped your opinion on affirmations, please share them in the comments or DM me on Instagram at @thehealthymindsanctuary.
Here’s the thing: supporters of affirmations believe you can repeatedly say something until you eventually believe it and it will just appear, while skeptics argue that this is ridiculous. If affirmations are not genuinely believed or seem too far-fetched, our motivation can decrease because our brains might respond, "That's not true; that's not possible." I understand that feeling, as I've experienced it too. Yet, I kept practicing affirmations. Why did I persist? Some worked for me, while others left me feeling inadequate or unprepared. Perhaps that’s the key.
I’ve been considering what might happen if we modified our affirmations. One approach is to think about what you want—whether it's becoming a millionaire, a dancer on Broadway, or a scientist on Mars. You don’t achieve these things instantly; there are many steps involved. I understand this, especially when it comes to dancing.
What about the idea of being a scientist on Mars? That may seem far-fetched, but what if you have a team researching ideas to get there or live there? That’s a starting point. Every big goal starts with one small step. If you’re a scientist—or just someone dreaming of something extraordinary—I’d love to hear about what you see as the “first step” in your journey. Please share it with me in the comments or a DM!
There are crucial steps, and some depend on others. You can't become a dancer or a writer without taking classes, for instance. I couldn't be a writer if I hadn’t taken English classes, even though I struggled with English at times. I began writing stories when I was about eight, and thanks to some amazing teachers, I learned vocabulary, punctuation, and the craft from various authors like Shakespeare and Agatha Christie. Aren't teachers great?
While researching for this blog post, I realized that everything we do—whether it’s writing, dancing, or building a career—happens one step at a time. What if we approached affirmations the same way? Breaking them into smaller, achievable steps could make them more believable and easier to stick with.
Start by identifying your big, ambitious goal.
For example, maybe you want to be a millionaire. Then ask yourself: how does someone become a millionaire? Some might say hard work is the key, while others might suggest starting a business or writing a bestseller. But here’s the important part—what’s the first step you can take right now?
For me, it might be writing a blog post or carving out time in my day to write. So maybe the affirmation isn’t “I am a millionaire” just yet. Instead, it’s, “I am a person who writes every day.”
That small step makes the bigger goal feel more realistic.
If even that feels intimidating, you could adjust the affirmation further: “I will write just for myself today.” Would that ease some of your nerves? It might help shift your focus away from perfection or an audience and let you focus on simply taking the next step.
If you're in college and say to yourself, "I'm working for myself every day," it might completely change the way you see your education. Instead of feeling like you're just fulfilling requirements, it could become a stepping stone toward the life you want to build.
Of course, I realize that even with these adjustments, some people may still feel skeptical. And that's okay. Others might already find that affirmations work perfectly for them. If you're one of those people, I’d love to hear about your process! Leave me a comment or DM me—I’m always open to learning something new. Who knows? It might inspire a future blog post.
Well, my tea is finished, and it’s time for you to do some thinking. What steps can you take today? What affirmations might help guide you on your journey? Take your time and trust yourself.
Now go. Be safe. Know that you are not alone.
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