"I am."
In thousands of languages, and for tens of thousands of years, these are some of the most powerful words ever spoken by humans.
All day long, as we say things to ourselves, "I am" speaks through loud and clear.
With that in mind, let's try something together.
Take a deep breath.
Actually do it, right now.
Just stop reading for a second and take a deep breath.
We're going to slow down together for just a quick minute, so taking the breath now is important.
Now, read each question below.
But when you read each question, slow down long enough to actually let your mind fill in the blank for each I Am affirmation.
Please do this for each question, before going on to the next question.
1. "I Am _____________"
Let your mind fill in this blank. Notice your affirmation, and take note of the word or words your mind filled in this blank space.
2. "I Am So __________"
Once again, let your mind fill in this affirmation, and once again take note of the word or words your mind filled in here.
3. "I Am Not _________"
(Do the same thing with this affirmation as you did with 1 and 2.)
And finally...
4. " I Am the kind of person who _______"
(The same thing here.)
Take note of the words you've used in 1-4 above.
What kind of Positive Self-talk or Negative Self-Talk Do You Have?
If you didn't actually write down (or at least hold the words in your mind for) what you filled in the blanks, please go back and do the activity again.
It's important for you to know what you're saying to yourself.
The words you're using to fill these blanks is something you're doing for yourself every day. You're probably saying something to yourself every hour of every day, even subconsciously, because most people do.
You probably have some subtext running in your mind, or maybe you actively already have affirmations you say. These statements affirm the things you believe to be true about yourself.
Some people's affirmations are things like
As we've covered, the words that you say to yourself can have an affect on helping you have a better day, week, month, year, and ultimately life.
Affirmations are powerful tools. They are positive statements we make about ourselves, or others, that we believe to be true. These statements can be positive or negative, but they must be believable in order to work. If we don't believe them, they have less effect.
Repetition often increases belief, which is why affirmations carry more power - through repetition. (See what I did there?)
Affirmations are often used by people who want to improve their self-esteem, achieve success, wipe out repetitive patterns of negative thinking, or overcome challenges.
Affirmations are often used in conjunction with visualization techniques. This means that you imagine yourself achieving your goals while you repeat your affirmations.
They can be used in many different ways, including:
• As a reminder of who you really are
• To boost your self confidence
• To improve your relationships
• To make changes in your life
• To attract prosperity into your life
There are many examples of this that are so commonly used.
A common collective example might would be the Pledge of Allegiance (if you grew up in America, you can probably recite it). Many religious beliefs also have affirmation statements.
Most religions have a creed or statement of beliefs that is said out loud in unison at a part of their service. In Catholic and Lutheran services, the creed starts with "We believe in One God...". In spiritual texts like Upanishads, you'll see the phrase Aham Brahmāsmi (अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि) - "I am Brahman", or "I am Divine".
There is a reason that the statement of beliefs is stated the same way, in unison, on repeat each time. It helps to remind and reinforce what the mission is of an organization or religion. It also creates a feeling of understanding.
Affirmations are there to help individuals achieve the same thing, but within themselves. Many people use affirmations as part of their daily spiritual practice, but even without a specific spiritual practice, affirmations can be used throughout the day.
It doesn't have to be structured, but if you want the greatest results, it can help to have some kind of event or time when you say the affirmations you hold for yourself.
You could simply create a rule for yourself around saying affirmations. You could make the rule tied to when you eat... something like:
It is likely that the word "I" has the most power when it comes to affirmations.
"I" references all of the things that are, about this person and this spirit currently being perceived.
Even more powerful (positive and negative) is the "to be" verb after I.
I am...
You are...
He/She/It Is...
They are...
We are..
There is a common phrase: "I think, therefore I am."
But there's a lesser known phrase as well: "I am, therefore I think."
You can't not be thinking.
Because you are an existing thing that is aware of itself, you are an "I am". As a result, you are always thinking, even when you're not aware of it consciously.
Even when you're asleep, your subconscious is thinking, processing, and storing all that you've seen, heard, tasted, smelled, felt, and focused on.
So, yes, affirmations are at work, while you're sleeping.
Affirmations we say to ourselves during the day embed themselves into our subconscious during our dreams. We store the memories of the day's words we say (to and about others, and ourselves) and then those get stored into longer storage memory in our brains while we sleep.
Whatever you tell yourself about who you are when you're awake is going into the patterns your brain stores while you sleep
So, what can you do during your waking hours, when you're conscious of your words, so that they store well in your subconscious?
The #1 measure of the success people have in life is how they feel about themselves and how important they think they are. When you consciously reinforce the things you want and the way you want to feel about yourself, it’s a proven and powerful way to change your life for the better.
Repetition of affirming words helps you develop new habits and behaviors that will lead to greater levels of self-confidence and self-esteem.
The value of repeated positive affirmation is that it can help you achieve your goals, and achieve them faster.
If financial wellness is your goal, there are so many common phrases that may not serve you well.
Here are a few examples:
That's true, but words and phrases like the above may not be things you want to have as affirmation statements.
Even if these are not acknowledged as negative self-talk simply because they are so common, they are things people say.
These words will affect you, if you internalize them. And you internalize them through repeated use.
If used over a day or a week, the effect may not be noticeable right away.
However, when used over a month, or a year, or more than that, they are very likely to achieve their desired goal... which, by saying them, is to tell yourself that those things are true about you.
If you don't want the above affirmations to be true, then maybe you want to revise your affirmations about money?
Here are a few affirmations you could use to create increase, rather than lack, in your financial picture.
In conclusion, your affirmations are your own words. They are very important to pay attention to. They can help you improve your life in countless ways, whether you want to become a better parent, build stronger relationships, or achieve financial success.
The key is to use words about what you're working to have be true in your life. State those words whenever possible and repeat them over and over again. Revise what you're saying to yourself, if what you're saying isn't serving your goals.
For example, instead of saying "I'm fat," say "I am beautiful."
Instead of thinking "I can't afford to buy my dream car," say "I deserve to drive the nicest vehicle on the road!"
Instead of saying "I can't afford it," revise your statement to a question "How can I afford it?"
Instead of saying, "Why did this have to happen?" revise it to a different question, "What's good about this situation?"
Instead of saying "Money doesn't grow on trees", revise it to say "Money doesn't grow on trees... unless and until I plant money trees."
Affirmations are powerful tools that can change your entire outlook on life.
We started this article with an exercise, so let's conclude with an exercise.
1. "I Am _____________"
2. "I Am So __________"
3. "My life is _________"
4. " I Am the kind of person who _______"
Grab a pen and paper, or just type on your computer, and fill in these blanks with new affirmations that serve you and the life you want to have.
Guest Author Jonathan Kraft
believes in working to have a
positive, meaningful impact
in everything he does in life.
In thousands of languages, and for tens of thousands of years, these are some of the most powerful words ever spoken by humans.
All day long, as we say things to ourselves, "I am" speaks through loud and clear.
With that in mind, let's try something together.
Take a deep breath.
Actually do it, right now.
Just stop reading for a second and take a deep breath.
We're going to slow down together for just a quick minute, so taking the breath now is important.
Now, read each question below.
But when you read each question, slow down long enough to actually let your mind fill in the blank for each I Am affirmation.
Please do this for each question, before going on to the next question.
1. "I Am _____________"
Let your mind fill in this blank. Notice your affirmation, and take note of the word or words your mind filled in this blank space.
2. "I Am So __________"
Once again, let your mind fill in this affirmation, and once again take note of the word or words your mind filled in here.
3. "I Am Not _________"
(Do the same thing with this affirmation as you did with 1 and 2.)
And finally...
4. " I Am the kind of person who _______"
(The same thing here.)
What Words Are In Your Affirmations?
Take note of the words you've used in 1-4 above.
What kind of Positive Self-talk or Negative Self-Talk Do You Have?
If you didn't actually write down (or at least hold the words in your mind for) what you filled in the blanks, please go back and do the activity again.
"I Am" Affirmations
It's important for you to know what you're saying to yourself.
The words you're using to fill these blanks is something you're doing for yourself every day. You're probably saying something to yourself every hour of every day, even subconsciously, because most people do.
You probably have some subtext running in your mind, or maybe you actively already have affirmations you say. These statements affirm the things you believe to be true about yourself.
Some people's affirmations are things like
- "I am so stupid."
- "I am so tired and overwhelmed."
- "I am so broke it's not even funny."
- "I seem to be the kind of person who doesn't follow through."
How Do You Use Affirmations In Daily Life
As we've covered, the words that you say to yourself can have an affect on helping you have a better day, week, month, year, and ultimately life.
Affirmations are powerful tools. They are positive statements we make about ourselves, or others, that we believe to be true. These statements can be positive or negative, but they must be believable in order to work. If we don't believe them, they have less effect.
Repetition often increases belief, which is why affirmations carry more power - through repetition. (See what I did there?)
Affirmations are often used by people who want to improve their self-esteem, achieve success, wipe out repetitive patterns of negative thinking, or overcome challenges.
What Happens When You Repeat Short Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are often used in conjunction with visualization techniques. This means that you imagine yourself achieving your goals while you repeat your affirmations.
They can be used in many different ways, including:
• As a reminder of who you really are
• To boost your self confidence
• To improve your relationships
• To make changes in your life
• To attract prosperity into your life
There are many examples of this that are so commonly used.
A common collective example might would be the Pledge of Allegiance (if you grew up in America, you can probably recite it). Many religious beliefs also have affirmation statements.
Religions Often Use Collective Affirmation
Most religions have a creed or statement of beliefs that is said out loud in unison at a part of their service. In Catholic and Lutheran services, the creed starts with "We believe in One God...". In spiritual texts like Upanishads, you'll see the phrase Aham Brahmāsmi (अहम् ब्रह्मास्मि) - "I am Brahman", or "I am Divine".
There is a reason that the statement of beliefs is stated the same way, in unison, on repeat each time. It helps to remind and reinforce what the mission is of an organization or religion. It also creates a feeling of understanding.
Affirmations are there to help individuals achieve the same thing, but within themselves. Many people use affirmations as part of their daily spiritual practice, but even without a specific spiritual practice, affirmations can be used throughout the day.
It doesn't have to be structured, but if you want the greatest results, it can help to have some kind of event or time when you say the affirmations you hold for yourself.
How Can I Practice Positive Self-Talk?
You could simply create a rule for yourself around saying affirmations. You could make the rule tied to when you eat... something like:
- "Before I take a bite of food in the morning, I have to say 5 phrases I want to be true about myself, and I work to believe them."
- "Before I take a bite of food in the middle of the day, I say 5 phrases I want to be true about myself, and I work to believe them."
- Before I take a bite of food in the evening, I say 5 phrases I want to be true about myself, and I work to believe them."
- "Before I get out of bed, I say 5 things I want to be true about myself, and I work to believe them."
- Before I get in bed at night, I say 5 things I want to be true about myself, and I work to believe them."
What Is The Most Powerful Word of Affirmation?
It is likely that the word "I" has the most power when it comes to affirmations.
"I" references all of the things that are, about this person and this spirit currently being perceived.
Even more powerful (positive and negative) is the "to be" verb after I.
I am...
You are...
He/She/It Is...
They are...
We are..
Do Affirmations Work While Sleeping?
There is a common phrase: "I think, therefore I am."
But there's a lesser known phrase as well: "I am, therefore I think."
You can't not be thinking.
Because you are an existing thing that is aware of itself, you are an "I am". As a result, you are always thinking, even when you're not aware of it consciously.
Even when you're asleep, your subconscious is thinking, processing, and storing all that you've seen, heard, tasted, smelled, felt, and focused on.
So, yes, affirmations are at work, while you're sleeping.
Affirmations we say to ourselves during the day embed themselves into our subconscious during our dreams. We store the memories of the day's words we say (to and about others, and ourselves) and then those get stored into longer storage memory in our brains while we sleep.
Whatever you tell yourself about who you are when you're awake is going into the patterns your brain stores while you sleep
So, what can you do during your waking hours, when you're conscious of your words, so that they store well in your subconscious?
10 "I Am" Simple Affirmations
Examples of Affirmations you could say daily for Positive Thinking
- I am grateful for all the things I have today.
- I am thankful for all the blessings in my life.
- I am limitless just like the Universe
- I am happy with my life right now.
- I am confident in my abilities.
- I am healthy and strong.
- I am blessed with good health.
- I am joyful and peaceful.
- I am calm and relaxed.
- I am at peace with myself.
- I am a beautiful soul.
- I am worthy.
What Is the Value of Repeating Affirmations to Yourself Each Day?
The #1 measure of the success people have in life is how they feel about themselves and how important they think they are. When you consciously reinforce the things you want and the way you want to feel about yourself, it’s a proven and powerful way to change your life for the better.
Repetition of affirming words helps you develop new habits and behaviors that will lead to greater levels of self-confidence and self-esteem.
The value of repeated positive affirmation is that it can help you achieve your goals, and achieve them faster.
Can Affirmations Hurt Me? And Will They Help or Hurt When It Comes To How Much Money I Make?
If financial wellness is your goal, there are so many common phrases that may not serve you well.
Here are a few examples:
- I always buy things on impulse.
- I am penny-wise but dollar foolish.
- I am a day late and a dollar short.
- I am not the kind of person who likes to save money.
- I just don't know where my money goes.
- My bank account just seems to always be empty.
- I am not enough or worthy.
But Those Are Just Words People Say
That's true, but words and phrases like the above may not be things you want to have as affirmation statements.
Even if these are not acknowledged as negative self-talk simply because they are so common, they are things people say.
These words will affect you, if you internalize them. And you internalize them through repeated use.
If used over a day or a week, the effect may not be noticeable right away.
However, when used over a month, or a year, or more than that, they are very likely to achieve their desired goal... which, by saying them, is to tell yourself that those things are true about you.
Affirmations For More Financial Abundance
If you don't want the above affirmations to be true, then maybe you want to revise your affirmations about money?
Here are a few affirmations you could use to create increase, rather than lack, in your financial picture.
- I am the kind of person that attracts wealth.
- Money flows to me easily and effortlessly.
- I am abundant just like mother nature.
- My life is overflowing with riches.
- I am a money magnet.
- I am Prosperity.
- I am wealthy.
Say What You Want, On Repeat
In conclusion, your affirmations are your own words. They are very important to pay attention to. They can help you improve your life in countless ways, whether you want to become a better parent, build stronger relationships, or achieve financial success.
The key is to use words about what you're working to have be true in your life. State those words whenever possible and repeat them over and over again. Revise what you're saying to yourself, if what you're saying isn't serving your goals.
For example, instead of saying "I'm fat," say "I am beautiful."
Instead of thinking "I can't afford to buy my dream car," say "I deserve to drive the nicest vehicle on the road!"
Instead of saying "I can't afford it," revise your statement to a question "How can I afford it?"
Instead of saying, "Why did this have to happen?" revise it to a different question, "What's good about this situation?"
Instead of saying "Money doesn't grow on trees", revise it to say "Money doesn't grow on trees... unless and until I plant money trees."
Affirmations are powerful tools that can change your entire outlook on life.
A Final Affirmations Exercise
We started this article with an exercise, so let's conclude with an exercise.
1. "I Am _____________"
2. "I Am So __________"
3. "My life is _________"
4. " I Am the kind of person who _______"
Grab a pen and paper, or just type on your computer, and fill in these blanks with new affirmations that serve you and the life you want to have.
==============
Guest Author Jonathan Kraft
believes in working to have a
positive, meaningful impact
in everything he does in life.
==============
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I Am Mantra Scarves with I Am affirmations
