Affirmations are positive thoughts and possessing a mental attitude of being able to achieve success using these thoughts. It is a self-help strategy that is used to promote self-confidence and a belief in ones abilities. But the big question is, do they actually work? And the quick answer is, it depends.

Creating a mental image of acing an interview or scoring a goal, or parachuting off a plane can actually activate these emotions and a feeling of success. This means that regularly repeating these affirming statements can encourage your brain to make these things happen in reality, so the thought precedes the action.

Studies show that the brain is wired to mix up reality and imagination at times and this can be effective when using affirmations as it promotes a strong self-trained belief of being able to do or accomplish things in the future.

As much as affirmations can help, action is imperative. Taking action is a must, affirmations can only do so much.

Making them count

Make affirmations that are set in the present, and take small steps at a time, as lofty goals may be too overwhelming. Ultimately, self-affirming statements will depend on how you use them to your benefit.

Setting them in the present means acting as if youve already succeeded. Start imagining yourself working in that company or on the project that you hope to get, and youre halfway there. This is also a good way to change long-standing patterns or self-limiting belief systems like I cant do it or Thats definitely not for me or Good things dont happen to me which work against you as a negative belief system.

Create an affirmation that works for you and that is tailored to your own personal goals and desires, and try making them specific in a way you can take affirmative action towards that goal.

Also, it is always helpful to tie affirmations to good values and principles such as loving kindness, honesty, dedication and/or hard work.

So if youre feeling down about your career track and things arent going your way, you can always say something like I love my job and my co-workers, Im productive, and I know I can make a difference.

This both sets the goal and intention of staying the course, working well and ultimately translating that into a rewarding career, promotion or better paycheck.

Be realistic

Bear in mind that affirmations are not a magic bullet, sometimes change doesnt happen at all, and sometimes it doesnt happen immediately, but it can be a catalyst for other things or teach you to appreciate the things that are going well for you.

For example, if youre working out and want to lose weight, your physical structure may never be that of a supermodel, but you can always affirm that you are fitter, stronger, and leaner than before, and youre working towards a healthy lifestyle in general.

Everyone is unique, so focus on what youre good at, affirm that it will work and most importantly work towards that goal consistently and diligently.

Dont forget to throw in a dash of compassion, always be kind to yourself and dont go crazy with ultra positive affirmations like I have 10 million dollars or I am the most beautiful person ever and you should be on the right track.

Most importantly be consistent and make it a daily practice. Try something like its going to be a good day today a couple of times before starting your day, for example.

Daily affirmations can be a great step toward self-improvement, depending on how you use them.

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Daily Affirmations: Great step toward self-improvement & personal success, but it depends on how you do it - The Independent