003: Affirmations
*This is an article that I wrote way back in high school— back before this website became a source of D&D 5e homebrew material. Back then, it was all about personal development.
Affirmations are the kind of thing that will work if you do them right but you might not immediately notice. The idea is that thoughts become reality. You outline your ideals and guiding traits on pieces of paper, you repeat the phrases to yourself hundreds of times, and those beliefs will gradually manifest.
I write my affirmations on Sticky Notes and tape them to the wall next to my bedside light. They are the last things I see before I go to sleep every night. In my experience, this is quite effective at producing rapid change.
There are three main types of affirmations: “I am __”, “The __ is within me”, and “I will be __ in __”. I prefer the first two but that might not be the case with you. As a skeleton structure, there is infinite potential to expand on these to fit your ideals.
“I am __.”
These affirmations are the bluntest. They hit right at what you’re trying to say, and because of this they can be less effective if used improperly. Example: “I am confident and charismatic.” If you do this kind of affirmation, repeat it to yourself before falling asleep so the conscious mind can’t reject it as easily.
“The __ is within me.”
This is my favorite kind of affirmation. Not only is it versatile in circumnavigating the conscious mind, it can be deeply motivating. Input a character trait such as determination, compassion, etc. and feel free to expand on the structure by adding a condition. “The determination I need to succeed is within me.”
“I will be __ in __.”
For the aspiring multimillionaires or other people with hyper-specific goals, this kind of affirmation can be highly effective. Example: “I will be the founder of a million dollar law firm in two years.” Specificity is key. Get as granular as possible with these affirmations.
To target the subconscious as directly as possible, wait until you are on the brink of sleep. Cut off screen time at least an hour before bed. Keep a stack of books by your pillow to read in soft light. Before turning off your bedside lamp, roll over to gaze upon your affirmations. Read through them to yourself at least once, but feel free to go through the list a couple more times if the need strikes you. Switch off the light and go to sleep.
While affirmations can be highly effective if used properly, don’t mistake them for hard work towards your goals.
Consider them instead as a primer coat that will gradually peel away your limiting beliefs. In the space that follows, learn lots and keep growing.
