Has Affirmations Gone Out Of Fashion?
No, affirmations have not gone out of fashion—but they have had a significant makeover, they have evolved to meet our needs more effectively and to fit better into our busy lives. With the growing focus on mental health, affirmations have morphed into reliable, familiar and much-appreciated friends, who are always there to remind you that you’ve got this, even when life feels like a never-ending Monday.
Science has finally given affirmations a thumbs-up. Research shows they actually can reduce stress and boost resilience. One study published by Creswell et al. (2013) in Psychological Science found that self-affirmations can protect against the damaging effects of stress on problem-solving performance. The study demonstrated that “participants who engaged in self-affirmation before a stress-inducing task showed better problem-solving abilities and lower stress levels compared to those who did not engage in self-affirmation.”
We are now creating specific self-motivating and personally meaningful affirmations that resonate with our unique values and objectives—no more generic “I am successful” mantras that are difficult to believe and don’t really hit home. Instead of saying, “I am successful,” we now expand, “I know I can run a successful business and I will take these specific steps today to make my business more successful.”
En plus, affirmations have found a place in our digital age, popping up in a variety of apps, online communities and social media feeds, proving that they remain a versatile and empowering tool.
Affirmations have also jumped on the mindfulness bandwagon, blending with meditation, journaling, visualisation, and all those other practices that make you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you’re still in your pyjamas at noon).
So, no, affirmations have definitely not gone out of fashion. They’ve just evolved, like any good trend, keeping up with the times and finding new ways to stay relevant.
Who these days can afford to ignore a tool that can “protect against the damaging effects of stress on problem-solving performance?” Certainly not me, I am still using affirmations, but I have rewritten mine so that they reflect my new entrepreneur status. Below you’ll find a list of my most empowering affirmations, but first, I’m going to explain why affirmations can be particularly useful for introverted entrepreneurs, providing emotional support as we face the unique challenges of running a business.
Affirmations can help Introverts by motivating us to:
- Overcome Self-Doubt: Introverted entrepreneurs may sometimes struggle with self-doubt, especially in highly visible situations like networking events or public speaking. Affirmations like “I have spoken successfully in public before and I can do so again today.” can help reinforce our self-worth and reduce our anxiety about stepping into the spotlight.
- Stay Aligned with our Goals: Affirmations can help us maintain focus on our long-term goals, reminding us of our purpose, even when distractions or doubts arise.
- Embrace Our Unique Nature: Introverted entrepreneurs may feel pressured to act more extroverted in a business world that often celebrates visibility. Affirmations such as “I succeed by being true to myself” can help us embrace our authentic selves, reminding us of our natural strengths rather than trying to fit into an extroverted mold.
- Dramatically Reduce our Stress Levels: Running a business can be hard work, especially when we don’t get enough downtime to recharge. Affirmations like “I give myself permission to rest and recharge my batteries for 24 hours” can help us manage stress and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
- Overcome Challenges: Entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs. Affirmations such as “I am resilient and I know I am capable of overcoming this challenge” can help us to persevere through difficult times and view challenges as opportunities for personal and business growth.
- Improve our Communication Skills by Expressing Our Thoughts Clearly: Introverts often excel at listening and thoughtful communication but might hesitate to share their ideas in large groups. Affirmations like “My ideas are valuable, and I express them with confidence” can empower us to communicate more assertively and effectively in business settings.
- Nurture our Ideas: Introverts often have rich inner worlds where creativity thrives. Affirmations such as “I trust my creative instincts and let them guide my business decisions” can encourage them to explore and implement their ideas without self-censorship.
- Lead Quietly but Powerfully: Introverts may lead in a more understated manner, but that doesn’t make us any less effective. Affirmations can help us recognise, accept and use our unique leadership style.
- To be Kind to Ourselves: Entrepreneurship can be tough, and introverts might be particularly hard on themselves during challenging times. Affirmations like “I am patient and compassionate with myself as I grow my business” can help us practice self-kindness, reducing the pressure we put on ourselves.
Affirmations can give us more confidence, clarity, and self-compassion.
Examples of Powerful Affirmations for Introverted Business Owners
- “My introvertness is my strength, allowing me to think deeply, listen intently, and lead thoughtfully.” I embrace my natural tendency to reflect on and consider all perspectives. This helps me make well-informed decisions that benefit my business.
- “I am confident in my ability to create meaningful connections in my own unique way.” I don’t need to have the loudest voice in the room to make an impact. My quiet presence and thoughtful communication build strong, lasting relationships with clients and colleagues.
- “I trust my instincts and my ability to make decisions that align with my values, objectives and vision.” I know that the unique way I think leads to choices that reflect who I am and what I want to achieve. I move forward with confidence, knowing I am on the right path.
- “I honour my need for solitude and use it to innovate and improve my business.” I recognise that taking time off for myself is essential to my creativity and productivity. My best ideas come when I’m fully rested and in tune with my inner self.
- “I am a resilient leader who overcomes challenges with calm determination.” When faced with difficulties, I draw on my ability to thoroughly think things through. I respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively, leading my business through tough times with steady resolve.
- “I create a work environment that supports my energy and enhances my productivity. I structure my workday in a way that respects my need for uninterrupted focus. By creating a space that aligns with my introverted nature, I maximise my efficiency.
- “I attract clients and opportunities that align with my values and respect my boundaries. I know that the right opportunities will come to me as I stay true to who I am. I set clear boundaries and attract clients who appreciate my thoughtful approach and integrity.
- “I am proud of my achievements and celebrate them in a way that feels authentic to me.” I don’t need to seek external validation to feel successful. I recognise my accomplishments and allow myself to celebrate them privately, in ways that honor my introverted nature.
- “I use my listening skills to properly understand the needs of my clients and deliver exceptional value.” My ability to listen and observe makes me a powerful business owner. I use these skills to create tailored solutions that meet my clients’ needs, building trust and long-lasting relationships.
- “I am continuously growing, learning, and evolving as a business owner and as an individual.” I embrace lifelong learning and personal growth. Each day, I take steps to improve my skills and knowledge, knowing that this continuous evolution strengthens my business and enriches my life.
- “I embrace my unique leadership style, knowing that quiet strength and thoughtful action are powerful tools for success.” I lead with intention and purpose, understanding that my calm demeanour and careful consideration inspire confidence and trust in those I work with.
- “I trust in the value of my work and confidently share it with the world in a way that feels true to me.” I know that my products and services bring value to others. I share my offerings confidently, using methods that align with my introverted nature, whether through writing, one-on-one conversations, or small group settings.
- “I balance my energy wisely, knowing when to push forward and when to step back to recharge.” I am in tune with my energy levels and understand the importance of balancing work and rest. I give myself permission to step back and recharge my batteries when needed, knowing this will make me more effective in the long run.
- “I am capable of setting clear boundaries that protect my time, energy, and focus.” I respect my own limits and communicate them confidently. I protect my time and energy by setting boundaries that allow me to stay focused and productive, ensuring I can give my best to my business and clients.
- “I attract team members and partners who complement my strengths and respect my introverted nature.” I build my business with people who understand and appreciate my working style. Together, we create a supportive environment where everyone’s strengths are valued and leveraged for mutual success.
- “I navigate social interactions with ease and confidence, knowing I can connect meaningfully in my own way.” I don’t need to change who I am to build strong relationships. I connect with others through deep, meaningful conversations and thoughtful communication, creating lasting bonds in both my personal and professional life.
- “I am proud of my ability to work independently and use this strength to drive my business forward.” I thrive in solo work, where I can focus deeply and produce high-quality results. My independence is a key asset that propels my business toward success.
- “I create opportunities that align with my values and allow me to work in environments that suit my personality.” I actively seek and create opportunities that resonate with my core values and allow me to work in settings that feel comfortable and supportive, ensuring long-term satisfaction and success.
- “I am patient with my growth process, understanding that success is built step by step, at my own pace.” I know that true success doesn’t happen overnight. I trust in my journey, allowing myself the time and space to grow my business steadily and sustainably, without comparing myself to others.
- “I am a thoughtful and strategic thinker, and I use this ability to make decisions that lead to long-term success.” My natural inclination to think things through carefully is a key advantage in business. I use this strength to make strategic decisions that ensure the long-term success and sustainability of my business.
I suspect that even just reading through these affirmations makes you feel more empowered and positive about your business. Why are affirmations so powerful? On my Free Resources page, you can download a 25-page e-book by Susan Jeffers explaining exactly why affirmations can change our lives. Her book, Inner Talk for Peace of Mind, is also excellent.
And if you feel you need a break, away from all the hustle and bustle, come and recharge your batteries here in the sun-drenched southwest of France. Walk part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela and spend a few days in the presence of my patient, understanding and supportive Friesian and Falabella horses – even if you don’t interact with them at all, just having them around is calming and comforting – on a From Troubled to Triumphant transformational retreat to reinvent yourself, rewrite your story and start your sensational next chapter. |