How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 399

4.26 USING AFFIRMATIONS POSITIVE THINKING AND If you think you can or think you can't? you are probably right (Henry Ford) An affirmation is a thought of a desired condition or thing. Constant repetition of an affirmation leads to its acceptance by the mind. Since our environment reflects our thinking, we can influence our realities by changing our beliefs. Our dominant thoughts and feelings become our experiences. Our lives become what we affirm. To apply an affirmation during the day, use the following guidelines:  Always affirm in the present tense. The desired condition is always happening NOW. Rather than say “I am getting fit”, which places the event in the future where it may never eventuate, put it in the present and say “I am fit”.  Always affirm in the positive and not in the negative. Instead of saying “I won't break my diet”, say “I prefer nutritious foods”.  Write the affirmation down and paste it on your mirror, telephone, car dashboard or anywhere you will see it during the day.  Write the affirmation by hand at least 10 times during the day. If the critical voice inside raises any objections, dispute it strongly and provide evidence. If you affirm “I am confident and capable” and your critic says, “You're weak and hopeless”, remind yourself of a past success and reaffirm your positive thought “I did my best in the last test and got top marks: I am confident and capable”.  Read the affirmation as often as you can, out loud.  Sing or chant your affirmation out loud as much as possible  Record your own voice saying the affirmation on an audiotape and play it while you are going to sleep. Source: Achieve Your GOALS - The Complete Goal Management System INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SERVICES www.thepdi.com www.thepdi.com/donaldcarty 1268