How affirming yourself can help you reach your goals

As human beings, we need affirmation to grow and thrive. This is one of the reasons why social media is so popular—just by posting a photo or checking in at an event, you can get 'likes' that act like tiny treats for our brains.

You can use your own natural drive for affirmation to help you reach your goals as well, and you don't need a social network to get there. You can give yourself all the positive affirmations you need, simply by keeping a journal—and writing affirmations to yourself in it.

 The written word is powerful. We use it all the time to enact great things around the world. Words can kill, and words can save. 

When you write strong, positive statements to yourself, you do several things besides get a little writing practice in. By writing it down, you bring your goal to the forefront of your brain. If that's drinking more water for example, you'll be more likely to remember that when you reach in the fridge for a quick choice between a water bottle and a soda.

You also give yourself the positive attention you are craving. Everyone craves attention. It's healthy and normal to do so. Unfortunately many people are conditioned to think that giving yourself attention is vain, and we should only give other people attention. That's wrong.

Giving yourself attention is very important, and it's easy to do when you affirm yourself in a journal. When you say, “I am strong,” you affirm to yourself your strengths. If you're not sure how to write an affirmative statement, start your sentence with one of these:

“I am”

“I love”

“I have”

Stay away from “I need” or “I want” statements. These bring the focus to the feeling of need or lack, rather than the positive feeling of already possessing. You've got this. Now go do it!