How to use Affirmations to Become a Better Dad
I’ve known about affirmations for years, but I never really believed they were anything more than childish ‘I think… I can… I think, I can, I think I can!’ self-encouragement. It wasn’t until last year that I discovered they were something more…something truly powerful.
There were two triggers that created a change for me as far as affirmations are concerned. The first was Tim Ferris’ book Tools of Titans. If you are not familiar with it, I suggest you read my review here:
The second trigger was the website balanceinme.com and specifically the many free affirmations audio and video meditations they offer. Here is one example: http://balanceinme.com/positive-thinking-affirmations
After reading Tim’s book and then consistently listening to the affirmations on the BalanceInMe website I started to notice some positive changes in my outlook on life. That’s when it hit me…
Affirmations are more than just words. They are form of positive self-talk that carries the power of self-hypnosis with them.
Look, I’m no psychologist (actually my sister is!), and I can’t tell you any scientific research behind this. I’m just an Average Joe who discovered that affirmations made a difference in my life. In fact, the difference was so profound (my anger, frustration, and stress decreased, and my productivity, happiness, and focus increased) that I was able to learn how to be more present and live ‘in the moment’ more with my family. As a father in his mid-40’s who has 2 young (read high energy) boys, that’s kind of a big deal.
My hope is that by sharing these affirmations with you today, you will be able to create positive change in your life too.
10 Life-Changing Affirmations for Dads
- I am an awesome father.
- My children KNOW I love them and that I BELIEVE they can accomplish ANYTHING.
- My children love me and I actively support their dreams.
- I actively support my children’s goals and DO the things they want to do.
- My legacy life goal is to help my children achieve their dreams.
- I choose to spend time with my children and I seek out their company.
- I am actively engaged with my family and they KNOW I love them because I spend time with them and I am fully present when I am with them.
- I know that where I spend my time, there my heart is, so I choose to spend time with my family.
- I am a source of wisdom, love, and encouragement for my children.
- My children and I have a special connection of spirit that goes beyond just father-child, we are eternal spirits who will always be together.
This is just a small list. I’m sure you can come up with a lot more.
Now that you have the affirmations, you need to know how to use them too.
Here’s what I do…
How to Use Affirmations Effectively
A Simple Three Step Process
- First I write the affirmations as part of my “SMART” Morning Routine. I write THREE affirmations each morning and I use them to specifically focus myself on key areas that I believe will help me ‘win’ the day.
- Next, I incorporate some simple Breath Meditation into the process — I sit quietly, use my breath meditation, and repeat each affirmation three times. I try to visual each affirmation in my mind’s eye — my goal is to see myself living the affirmation. At the same time, I try to get my mind, body, and soul (yes, all three) to encode what it feels like deep within my personal DNA, because I know that when I do this, the affirmation has a greater chance to become a reality.
- I keep every affirmation on a google doc that is connected to all my mobile devices. Throughout the day, when I have downtime, I refer back to the doc, remind myself of the affirmations and repeat them to myself.
Use this process, or a version of it that works for you, and you’ll soon realize the true power that affirmations hold.
I wish you all the best.
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