2020 Affirmation, Not Resolutions

I have always liked to use the end of the year to write affirmations. I find writing affirmations much more powerful than making New Year's resolutions. My very first Coach taught me the value of writing affirmations and, since we are just days away from 2020, I wanted to share his insight as my New Year's gift to each of you.

I will never forget the first meeting I had with my first coach, Dr. John Bullaro. I am still grateful to him for all the gifts of learning and the psychological support he gave me. I had asked John to work with me as my Coach, not just because he was smart, honest, and someone I knew I could trust, but because his experience, and accomplishments in business had already provided me great advice as I built my first small business.

On the first day of our coaching work together, John asked me if I wrote affirmations. I looked at him, eyes wide, and asked "What in the world are affirmations?" Here is how John taught me to write affirmations - and I have been doing it ever since!

- First of all, he said, make a list. Then, separate the list into your life categories; mine are business, family, and personal.

- Start with one category at a time and visualize your ideal scenario. One year from now, what does this part of your life look like?

- Now, write the description for that part of your life as if you have already achieved it. Examples:

Personal: I am working daily on becoming more conscious about myself, others, making sure everything I do aligns with my personal principles, extending kindness and support to everyone who crosses my path. I am committed to developing a higher, more conscious self.

Family: I am reserving quality time to spend with my family. I am not answering phones or thinking about anything else but being fully present when I am with them. I am listening with deeper understanding, seeing more clearly through their eyes, with no judgement.

Health: I am starting my day with meditation, visualization, yoga stretches and/or cardio. I am making healthier food choices.

Business/Career: I am working with my team to open more doors and opportunities for our members and partners. I am focused on projects that will move more women into leadership and positively transform work cultures. Before I make any commitments or decisions, I am making sure they align with my goals and principles. I am expanding my network and taking the time to build quality relationships with my team, our members and our partners

These are my examples. You may have as many categories with as many details as you wish; they are your affirmations. The more specific you are in writing your affirmations, the more effective they are.

- Once you have completed writing your affirmations, it is important to read them every morning and every night before you go to sleep, visualizing each aspect of your life as you read. Incorporate these visualizations into your conscious and unconscious self.

John finished his lesson with a warning: "Be careful what you write, since every affirmation I have written has come true."

New Year's resolutions are often forgotten within weeks. Written affirmations and their accompanying visualizations can be so much more powerful. I encourage you to take some time and write affirmations for yourself today. Visualize your dream life as if you are already living it. Stay committed to visualizing the description of this life every morning and every night before you go to sleep.

What are your experiences with affirmations or resolutions? Please share the techniques which have helped you achieve your goals and move forward more successfully. Carolynleighton25@gmail.com

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.