Affirmations -Words, Words and More Words — Do You Struggle to Take Action
The Limitations of Self-Talk and Affirmations
Are you ever overwhelmed by your own words, promises, and intentions that seem to lead nowhere?
At first, these affirmations and self-talk are comforting, but eventually, they can unravel, revealing a different reality.
Stuck in the Gym Loop
Consider my goal of going to the gym regularly. I talk about it, think about it, but I’m stuck. I engage in self-talk, repeating phrases like “You’ve got this.” I even have serious discussions with myself in the mirror. It works for YouTubers, so why not me?
Why can’t I make it happen? Why am I prioritising work over exercise? It’s a dilemma of self-talk and affirmations.
This is where the connection between affirmations and self-talk becomes apparent. Affirmations are positive statements we repeat to ourselves, while self-talk is our internal dialogue.
However, these affirmations can lose their effectiveness over time, becoming mere habits that no longer motivate us.
For me, the issue lies in the unrealistic nature of my goal. I chose a gym farther away because it offered extra amenities, but now it’s impractical. I can’t make it there on time due to work commitments.
Taking practical steps
However, there’s a 24-hour gym right next to me, only a 3-minute walk away! I could save time and reduce my carbon footprint by going there instead.
I need to reconsider my approach and not just rely on self-talk. Perhaps I could have two gym memberships, downgrading one to off-peak hours and getting a cheaper one at the nearby gym. After all, investing in my health is worth the cost, right?
Walking is free, but I also want to do strength training. Well, do it at home? I want to get out. Plus, I wouldn’t have anyone to interact with or smile at! What do you mean? Should I focus on training instead of socialising? I’m a social person; that’s just who I am!
Ultimately, the solution is simple and practical. No amount of self-talk and affirmation can get me to a gym that’s too far away.
While self-talk is important, it’s only effective with proactive steps towards our goals.
This was the case of a student who believed she could talk herself into passing a math exam.
Affirmations, neglect, but then success
One of my students kept assuring me she would pass her math exam. She’d say, “Miss, I’ve got this. I will pass. I’m going to pass.” It was admirable, and positive affirmations are beneficial. However, it didn’t work for her because…
She failed to attend the intervention lessons and neglected to do most of the homework or online activities. Math is a sequential subject, where each concept builds upon the previous ones. Each topic serves as a foundation for understanding more complex ideas.
When I tested her on the basics, she didn’t know them because she hadn’t revised or studied enough.
As a result, she struggled with the more difficult topics. With the sheer volume of material in math, it’s easy to forget concepts.
Consequently, she failed on her first attempt. I refrained from saying, “I told you so,” but I was tempted! Eventually, she changed her approach, started studying, followed a schedule, attended intervention lessons, and eventually passed.
So, dear reader,
Words and affirmations have their place, but they often remain mere thoughts without action or clear goals.
We need more than just words, words, words, don’t you think?
