How to Harness the Mighty Power of Self Affirmations

When we talk about self-affirmations, there will always be people who agree that self-affirmations really do work and those who don’t believe in that wishy-washy kind of stuff. I’m in the group that believes that self-affirmations do actually work and can be a way for leaders to become more successful, kind, courageous and empathetic. In short, it can change what kind of leader we are, what kind of leader we will become and what sort of leaders we mentor.

So, what is the definition of self-affirmation? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines self-affirmation as being the act of affirming one's own worthiness and value as an individual for beneficial effect (such as increasing one's confidence or raising self-esteem). Many people, not just leaders, use affirmations as positive statements that can help them to overcome any negative and self-sabotaging thoughts.

Negative thoughts are not healthy for us, our mental health or our brains and we should be encouraging everyone from a young age to counter negative thoughts about our bodies, personalities, confidence, and facial features. We are all beautiful just the way we are and it’s time that we realise that. Don’t worry about what other people think of you, be yourself, your true beautiful self. We all have doubts at some points in our lives, but it’s important to put aside any self-sabotaging thoughts and embrace who you are.

You are worth it.

Even our world’s most successful leaders have had self-doubts at some point in their lives. There was once a time where they had negative thoughts and thought that they weren’t good enough, weren’t courageous enough, couldn’t start their own business, weren’t pretty enough and weren’t confident enough. But they managed to work through those negative thoughts. To this day, I’m sure that they still have those moments of self-doubt. Because it’s human nature.

Self-affirmation can make you a better and more successful leader because someone who is able to see the positive in things and can separate themselves from negative thoughts will be able to help their team members and colleagues feel more confident and create a ripple effect. By being positive and confident, you will create a team that feels valued and a safe workplace environment where everyone feels appreciated.

Still not sure about the power of self-affirmations? There has been extensive research done by universities across the world who look into the power of self-affirmations and what it does with our brains.

According to the Annenberg School for Communication, collaborating with University of Michigan and UCLA, research has shown how a simple intervention -- self-affirmation -- can open our brains to accept advice that is hard to hear. Read the full study here .

Carnegie Mellon University, led by Carnegie Mellon University's David Creswell, found that people can boost their ability to solve problems under pressure by using self-affirmation. Read more here at Benefits of Self-Affirmation - Carnegie Mellon University | CMU

Here are my top tips on how to make self-affirmations work for you as a leader.

1.????Practice

You can practice self-affirmations and make it part of your daily routine, whether you look in the mirror when you first get up to start the day or while you’re in the car on the way to work, or if you take public transport, you can look up inspiring quotes to start your day on a positive note. It’s important to make this a daily thing if you want to continue to challenge those negative thoughts, but don’t worry if you forget a day every now and again.

2.????Clean up your workspace

Make positive changes around you, especially in your work environment where you spend the majority of your daily life. Whether you work remotely or in an office, make sure your workspace, station or desk is clean, free from excessive paperwork, add a pot plant and make sure your chair is comfortable. Then put-up inspiration quotes around your workstation, so when you stop for a break or lunch, you can see the self-affirmations. Not to mention those passing by your workstation at work will see them and be inspired too.

3.????Self-affirmations on paper

It’s time to decorate your workspace, not for Christmas, but make up cards with positive affirmations on it as a reminder. Or buy yourself a calendar with positive quotes on it, one for every day. Even if you can’t say your affirmations out loud to yourself, you will be able to read them out to yourself, especially if you’ve had a bad day work wise to remind you that you are worth it.

4.????Self-affirmation for the team

This is a great one for leaders who are leading a team, encourage your team members to put up positive quotes around their workstation as a reminder, or as part of the weekly meeting make up some weekly self-affirmations for the team, or just make sure you’re giving members of your team compliments on a weekly basis to help them on their self-affirmation journey.

Here are some great ones!

1. I am successful.
2. I am confident.
3. I am powerful.
4. I am strong.
5. I am getting better and better every day.
6. All I need is within me right now.
7. I wake up motivated.
8. I am an unstoppable force of nature.
9. I am a living, breathing example of motivation.
10. I am living with abundance.
11. I am having a positive and inspiring impact on the people I come into contact with.
12. I am inspiring people through my work.
13. I’m rising above the thoughts that are trying to make me angry or afraid.
14. Today is a phenomenal day.
15. I am turning DOWN the volume of negativity in my life, while simultaneously turning UP the volume of positivity.
16. I am filled with focus.

Share with me your favourite affirmations?

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By?Sonia McDonald ?– CEO of?LeadershipHQ ?And?McDonald Inc. ?Leadership Coach, Global Keynote Speaker, Entrepreneur, CEO And Award Winning Author.?

Sonia McDonald is changing the face of leadership across the globe. She believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, and is known for her mantra ‘Just Lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her transformational coaching, leadership training programs and cultural transformation for organisations and encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped thousands of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.

Sonia is a founder and CEO of?McDonald Inc .,?LeadershipHQ ?and?Global Outstanding Leadership Awards ?and?2022 Courage Conference . For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of leadership and she is beyond committed to her mission around building a world of great leaders.

She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader. She has been recognised by Richtopia as One of the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs.

Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is a leading coach, an award-winning published author of newly released?First Comes Courage, Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! ?and has become an in-demand keynote speaker on leadership, kindness and courage.

Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, kindness, empathy and courage as well as building outstanding leadership across the Globe.?