One of the pieces of advice I always give people who are job searching is to focus on the positives. That’s advice I am taking myself as I undertake a search for a new Learning and Development role.
As I have been reflecting on my experience and skills one of things that I recalled was when I first encountered the concept of Positive Affirmations some years ago. It was the Lou Tice Investment in Excellence programme which I recall at the time I approached with a healthy degree of cynicism. However, whilst some of the claims that I have seen made for Positive Affirmations since then, have brought out that cynicism in me I must admit I do find them helpful in terms of focusing on my own skills and knowledge.
I am sure you have encountered those who try to convince you that by simply telling yourself something you can become it/achieve it. Whilst I don’t subscribe to that approach I do believe that using positive affirmations as part of our self-talk (which I have written about previously) can have a very positive impact on how we approach challenges such as finding a new job.
So I wanted to take a moment or two to re-visit what positive affirmations are all about and to share some thoughts about them.
What Are Affirmations?
Think of affirmations as words and sentences with the power to transform. By saying them out loud or to yourself, they have the power to affect both your conscious and subconscious mind in order to stimulate your emotions, encourage, and inspire. They are a form of positive self-talk, and also guided imagery to a certain extent. You picture your own success, and that all your efforts are working towards that better future.
Finding affirmations that work for you in all areas of your life can help you get “unstuck” and move forward with a renewed sense of energy and empowerment. We do not have to be a helpless victim of circumstance.
Instead of having a coach give you a pep talk before the interview, you will already be psyching yourself up to perform well through your personal affirmations.
Affirmations are just one of many tools for personal and professional success, but they can also be one of the most powerful if you find affirmations that resonate with you, and use them on a regular basis. There are many free affirmations available on the internet that you can use, or you can make up your own based on your own personal circumstances.
Affirmations can help you transform your life for a number of reasons. They can play many different roles, including:
- Motivating
- Focusing your mind and efforts on the goal
- Tapping into the power of your subconscious
- Countering negative self-talk with positive self-talk
- Pushing out self-doubt and self-criticism with “can do” messages
- Enhancing your self-esteem
If you struggle with a lack of confidence, affirmations can put you on a whole new path to success. Remember the Little Engine that Could? His affirmation was, “I think I can, I think I can.”
