Why affirmations aren't enough

As the world becomes more fast-paced and stressful, people turn to coping mechanisms to maintain their sanity. Affirmations have gained huge popularity, especially on social media, in personal development forums, and in similar communities.

These positive statements, when repeated consistently, can indeed shift our mindset and induce a more optimistic outlook on life. However, while affirmations can be a helpful tool in your self-improvement arsenal, they are not an all-in-one solution.

In this post, I'll expand on why affirmations are not enough on their own, especially when trying to gain work-life balance, starting a business or online store, or achieving personal goals. Rather, they should supplement action-oriented change and support from your network, peers, or mentor. Let's look at some reasons why you should go beyond affirmations.

Affirmations do not address underlying issues

When you are trying to make a change in your life, it is important to address the root cause of any problem. For example, if you want to be more successful as a salesperson, saying 'I'm an amazing salesperson' or 'I'll make ten sales today' is not going to magically fix any underlying issues.

You may need to assess your sales techniques, develop a better customer service attitude, or even change the way you think about sales so that it becomes something you enjoy rather than dread. Therefore, simply uttering affirmations is not enough – you must work on the root of the matter too.

Consider getting personal coaching, therapy, joining a sales community online or offline, doing online courses related to sales, and so on. Even reading books and journaling are great ways to make headway in improving your sales skills and communication. Just don't rely on affirmations when deep down, you may feel different.

Affirmations may amplify anxiety

If we’re too far from the truth when creating our affirmations, they can backfire and make us feel worse. For example, if you tell yourself ‘I will sell out my new product launch’ but in reality, you have no idea what to expect in the competitive world of entrepreneurship – this will lead to feelings of anxiety and great negative feelings.

Because poorly chosen affirmations may seem too far from the truth, they can amplify our existing worries, triggering a larger emotional reaction. So instead, try creating versions of your affirmations that are closer to reality.

Rather than ‘I will sell out my new product launch’, you could say ‘I'm doing my best to promote my new product launch through effective digital marketing strategies, and I'm confident in the success of it’. This way, affirmations start to feel more achievable even if you don't believe them entirely yet.

Action is essential

Affirmations can help you change your mindset, but without action, they are not enough for lasting change.

For example, affirming things is great for building an entrepreneurial mindset. But that doesn't mean you'll become a profitable business that way.

To get positive results, you will need to get out there and market your product or services effectively. You will need to build content, create social media posts, reach out to customers, run digital ads, and more or you won't get results.

To make action easier, I suggest listing what you need to do and making each step or stage concrete. Write them down and make them visible online. Even set dates, expectations, and details using digital tools like project management apps or note-taking apps.

But start by doing small and critical things as opposed to nothing or too much at once. And yes, use affirmations while you take action. They can reinforce the positive attitude you need to maintain in a fast-paced world.

Introspection is key

Even if you take action and use affirmations, neither of these will work unless you create change from within, a crucial aspect of success in the professional world.

Affirmations should act like reminders or shortcuts to your deeper, strong, confident self, a self that's essential for thriving. They should work so that they trigger you to quickly access the part of yourself that is a go-getter or leader.

But that means spending a good deal of time just introspecting at a very deep level. Some leaders spend hours a day thinking or go for long retreats where all they do is meditate and contemplate. These activities are essential for creating a strong foundation that allows you to build empowering beliefs and define who you want to be.

Once you do that through introspection, reading, and journaling, affirmation will act as a tuner-upper in real life.

A little negativity is a good thing

There's a common tendency to use affirmations as an escape route from feelings of inadequacy or negativity.

For instance, saying "I am strong" or "I am successful" can be a superficial attempt to mask deep-seated feelings of insecurity or self-doubt. However, sweeping these feelings under the rug with positive affirmations will not create lasting change.

In reality, acknowledging and embracing a touch of negativity can be beneficial. No one is perfect – we all have our downfalls, and it's okay to feel inadequate sometimes.

By admitting our weaknesses and flaws, we accept our human nature and create the space for genuine growth and self-improvement. This isn't about wallowing in self-pity but rather acknowledging our areas of improvement without judgment.

So, next time you find yourself relying on affirmations to combat negativity remember that it's okay to not feel okay all the time. It's okay to accept and work on your flaws while still believing in your strengths and capabilities. After all, embracing our full selves – both good and bad – is a pivotal step towards authentic self-improvement and leadership.