How to Boost the Power of Affirmations

by Maryjane Osa
What is the Scoop – Do Affirmations Really Work?

Affirmations can work for some people, but there is a catch. The effectiveness of an affirmation depends on how one feels about oneself when uttering a positive self-statement.

Psychological researcher Joanne V. Wood, at the University of Waterloo in Canada, discovered that a person’s level of self-esteem determines whether a positive affirmation will be psychologically acceptable. If someone has high self-esteem, a statement such as “I am lovable” fits with their self conception. But for low self-esteem individuals, the positive self-statement is negated by deeply held feelings of unworthiness. Repeating an affirmation such as “I am lovable” tends to be counterproductive for these individuals.

Typically, this is what happens: A stream of thought arises in reaction to the positive affirmation. “I am lovable? Is that why I was treated so badly by my ex? Is that why my relationships always fail?” Rather than create uplift, the reactivity to affirmations generates even more distress: “Oh – those are negative thoughts! I can’t do this right. See, I’m hopeless, and probably unlovable, too!” Rather than helping the person with low self-esteem, affirmations make them feel worse.

Dr. Wood also found that accepting–and not judging–contradictory thoughts was key. A non-judgmental attitude towards the process was beneficial for both low and high self-esteem individuals. It turns out that the struggle against contradictory thoughts–and berating oneself for not staying positive–reinforced negative self-esteem. This research provides guidance on how to use affirmations effectively.

 
Here are five tips to boost the power of affirmations: 1. Start with a Less Global Positive Statement

For someone worried about running out of money at the end of the month, repeating “I have a million dollars in the bank,” is not helpful. Rather than creating a sense of positive expectancy regarding personal finances, the “million dollars” statement accentuates awareness of the gap between what is wanted and what current conditions have provided. A better set of affirmations might be: “I have more than enough money to support me today. I feel so good to have bus fare in my purse, and more! I am grateful that Spirit is providing the things I need to live an abundant life today.”