Research shows that what you say has an impact on your mental health, your happiness levels and your performance. In light of this, it’s more to your advantage to speak forth positive things into your future than to engage in negative self-talk.
Here are some findings from actual research and studies conducted.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina found that people who spoke positively to themselves were more likely to have better mental health and higher levels of happiness compared to those who engaged in negative self-talk.
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that participants who wrote positive affirmations about themselves and their abilities performed better on a task than those who wrote negative or neutral affirmations.
Research further shows that confessions can have an effect on the future. This is huge!
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who used more positive language when writing about future events (e.g., “I will have a great day tomorrow”) were more likely to actually have a positive experience the next day. This suggests that positive language may have a predictive effect on future outcomes.
The human mind is like a compiler, and our words are like our programming language. If we know how to code our desires well, we can program our minds to compile those words and thoughts and aid us in behaving in certain ways. Once this programming is running, we can use our words to affect our desired outcomes.
Here are some steps to help you use positive affirmations to program your behaviour and your life:
1. Identify areas of your life where you would like to see positive changes. This could be related to your relationships, career, health, finances, or any other aspect of your life.
2. Write down positive affirmations that reflect the changes you would like to see. For example, if you want to improve your self-confidence, you could write, “I am confident and capable”, or “I believe in myself and my abilities.”
3. Repeat your affirmations daily, ideally multiple times a day. You can say them out loud or silently to yourself. Some people find writing affirmations helpful and carrying them throughout the day.
4. Visualize yourself already living the life you want. This can help make your affirmations feel more real and tangible.
5. Take action towards your goals and desires. Affirmations alone are not enough to create change. You also need to take concrete steps towards your goals, whether that involves seeking out new opportunities, practicing new behaviours, or changing your environment.
6. Practice gratitude for the positive changes you experience. This can help reinforce the positive beliefs and thought patterns that you are cultivating with your affirmations.
Programming your behaviour and your life with positive affirmations is a process that takes time and practice. You can create positive changes in your life by consistently using positive language and affirmations and taking action towards your goals.
Kind Regards,
Adeolu Akinyemi.
