Do You Believe in Positive Affirmations?

moneyistooshorttomention

podperson wrote: »

I don't think it's as simple as some people try to make out - ie if you just say some positive statements in the mirror then all your problems will be magically solved.

But I do believe that positive thinking in general can help you get further. A lot people can hold themselves back and be afraid to go for things they want due to insecurities, doubts and general negative worries. I think if you can push through that and find belief in yourself then it can often help you achieve your goals.

This, coupled with the post by the poster who mentioned the effect their mothers comments had had on her brother (my sympathies on that one), seems to be a pretty good take on things to me.

I can relate to the mother who goes in for putdowns scenario. The first time it occurred to me that my mother is a bit of "subtle putdown merchant" to me was when my school did a test on us all and I was surprised to see how good a result I got. I would never have known I was any good judging by the comments I get from my mother - but that test result stuck in my mind. It didn't help any at the time - but it has given me some much-needed confidence over the years that I am better than my mother seems to think I am:)

It's easy not to realise at the time what they are doing - but I've got it down to a minute or two before I realise she's had another "verbal whack at me" these days. A recent one, when I had forgotten about a regular social arrangement I have (and she knows it....) and had to change when I go to see them was to comment that she doesnt know why I bothered to retire (implication being that my retirement is supposed to be about Her - when obviously its MY retirement and the whole reason for retiring was to be free to do what I want - not to be at her beck and call).

So - rather than affirmations as such - I think there is a role for saying to yourself "They think I'm only capable of x - but I have proof that I am actually capable of rather more than that" and help yourself to achieve whatever you have set your sights on and go for the level YOU are capable of - rather than the lower one they would have you accept.

fluffnutter

No. It's part of that hideous, self-aggrandising culture, imported from the US, that says 'YOU CAN BE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO BE!'. No, you can't. Being aware of your own limitations is psychologically healthy.

Goldiegirl

In a word - no.

If a person has a positive attitude and works hard they are more likely to achieve their realistic ambitions.

But a lot of chanting in the mirror would be a hindrance rather than a help, I think.

an9i77

Having said they do not work for me, I have had a couple of spooky experiences. One time, I went for a job and visualised myself getting it. I visualised finding out by getting an envelope through the door with the job offer. had the interview, they said they'd phone me by x day. x day came and went with no phone call (I was camped by the phone - pre mobile days!) so I assumed I hadn't got it. The following day I came home and what was by the door? An envelope with the offer. Coincidence? Maybe - but when I started the job I found out that everyone else who'd got the job had had a phone call. For some reason they hadn't phoned me, and I'd found out as I'd imagined, by letter.

Now this may well all be coincidence / retrospective remembering etc.

But it did make me wonder.

The_Hurricane

an9i77 wrote: »

Having said they do not work for me, I have had a couple of spooky experiences. One time, I went for a job and visualised myself getting it. I visualised finding out by getting an envelope through the door with the job offer. had the interview, they said they'd phone me by x day. x day came and went with no phone call (I was camped by the phone - pre mobile days!) so I assumed I hadn't got it. The following day I came home and what was by the door? An envelope with the offer. Coincidence? Maybe - but when I started the job I found out that everyone else who'd got the job had had a phone call. For some reason they hadn't phoned me, and I'd found out as I'd imagined, by letter.

Now this may well all be coincidence / retrospective remembering etc.

But it did make me wonder.

I think that is what it is about as far I can understand, you have to visualise yourself attaining your goal and truely believing it. So for instance if you want to win the lottery and you can visualise yourself winning it but deep down you don't believe it will happen then it won't.

Above is just my understanding of affirmations and it does not necessarily reflect my views.

fluffnutter

Go and ask everyone on the trying to conceive thread whether saying 'I will be pregnant!' to the mirror every morning has helped.

podperson

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I think that is what it is about as far I can understand, you have to visualise yourself attaining your goal and truely believing it. So for instance if you want to win the lottery and you can visualise yourself winning it but deep down you don't believe it will happen then it won't.

Above is just my understanding of affirmations and it does not necessarily reflect my views.

It's not a magic wand though. Visualising yourself reaching a realistic goal can help focus your mind and push you to work towards it. Visualising something like winning the lottery that you have no way of controlling isn't going to do anything imo.

Joons

I think they can help but not on their own no. I definitely think there is something in visualisation too but you need to put the hard work in too. It was like that book The Secret, everyone was talking about it, I've never bothered to read it. Positive thoughts and positive actions will help you achieve what you want, esp if you have a goal in mind.

marisco_2

I beleive in being realistic, honest and hard working. Both with yourself and other people you come into contact with. I think success comes from having the right attitude and drive. It also has much to do with the examples you have been set by those around you since you were young.

Actions speak louder than words.

Hollie_Rose_2

I believe so much in positive thinking - I think we can truly attract so much, just using the power of our minds. Be great if anyone would share some personal experiences of the power of positive thinking on here?

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