Positive Affirmation: How To Be Yourself Without Hurting Others

Positive affirmation is an exercise in psychological well-being that we should all practice. There is nothing wrong with validating ourselves. No one should feel hurt or upset if we assertively defend our own rights. Likewise, few dimensions reinforce identity, motivation and self-confidence as much as they reinforce who we are and what we are worth.

All of us will agree on these dimensions. However, in a world that sometimes exceeds in terms of individualism, it is striking how caring for the self is sometimes viewed with bad eyes. Hence, for example, those who prioritize themselves in the midst of an adverse and dysfunctional family context are called “selfish”.

Therefore, it is always a good time to open our way without fear to the art of reaffirmation. Although it may cost us at the beginning, in the long term the benefit is noticeable. Far from looking like a simple resource taken from personal growth manuals without much scientific basis, the truth is that there is a great academic support behind it. We analyze it.

Keys to practicing positive affirmation

Positive reaffirmation is a strategy that is used frequently in psychological therapy . It is a way of identifying many of the negative messages that we say to ourselves and changing that internal discourse. In this way, we can reduce rumination and stress processes (Koole et al., 1999; Wiesenfeld et al., 2001).

It is not enough to tell us that “ I am brave, I can do everything” . This technique goes much further because it allows detecting what is not healthy or functional to activate other types of cognitive and behavioral responses. Research, such as that conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, indicates that reaffirmations activate the brain’s reward systems.

That is, validating and reinforcing ourselves not only strengthens self-esteem, but also raises our perception of achievement. We feel more motivated to achieve things, to strive for what we want and desire. All of this clearly shows us something undeniable. What we say to ourselves has an impact on the neurological universe.

Now, how do we put positive affirmation into practice in our day to day? How to do it without being branded by others as individualistic or selfish for choosing to validate ourselves? We analyze it.

I trust myself, I take into account the proposals of others, but the last decision is always mine

Reaffirm ourselves to position ourselves in life. Make use of positive reinforcement to build self-confidence. Do you often practice these exercises? If not, it is time to do it without fear because to advance your daily life it is necessary to make good decisions and these need as a valuable ingredient the power of self-confidence.

In these complicated contexts, it is always good to take advice from others. Address all proposals, perspectives and suggestions. However, nothing is as important as deciding for yourself where you want to go. All of this is also self-affirmation.

Assertiveness to assert myself and communicate effectively

Kindness, openness, respect and courage. Assertiveness also combines that positive reaffirmation with which to protect your needs and values before others.

In this way, the person skilled in this competition is able to express directly and appropriately what they want without resorting to aggressiveness. It is putting aside passivity to stand up as protectors of our own essences.

Positive reaffirmation to remind me of all the good that surrounds me

In your life you have really valuable things. Extraordinary people live in your reality and you have unique treasures: good friends, partner, family, etc. Recognizing it is not from narcissists, it is from intelligent minds that know how to appreciate what is worthwhile. There is also another factor to consider.

Positive affirmation reminds you of all the magic that you have in your life, but it also helps you clarify what is not beneficial, useful or satisfying. As long as you detect the latter, it is appropriate for you to decide whether or not it is worth keeping it in your day-to-day life.

In every circumstance and every moment, I promise to take care of myself

A positive reaffirmation is not going to repeat to yourself phrases such as “I free myself from negative thoughts to embrace happiness” or “I am better than anyone and that is why I love myself.” We talk about going further; These ideas, while inspiring, are not always practical.

For it to have an impact on the neurological universe, self-affirmation must be useful and applicable to any circumstance. For example, it requires us to think about the following: “ In the journey of my life I will encounter complicated situations and moments of calm. Whatever the context around me, I trust myself and my resources. I can’t always change my circumstances, but I can change the way I deal with them ”.

That is the key. Nurture confidence, nurture self-esteem at all times and treat yourself as the best of allies. Not like the worst enemy. Think about it, perspectives like these can bring you a lot of good.