If you’ve been around the self-help block, you’ve probably heard of affirmations. No, they’re not a fancy yoga pose or the latest trend in organic teas. They’re those positive statements people repeat to shift their mindset. But how do they work for our finances? Let’s dive deep.

Affirmations: Not Just Another Buzzword

Imagine waking up, sipping your morning brew, and quietly affirming, “Today, I make sound financial decisions.” Simple, right? It’s akin to the pep talks you give yourself when faced with a new challenge, except this is geared towards your money goals.

The practice may seem modern – you might even call it woo woo, but it’s age-old. From ancient mantras to common prayers, humans have long leaned on the power of words to shape their futures.

Science Joins the Party: Affirmations and Neuroscience

While affirmations might sound like another feel-good mantra, neuroscience begs to differ. There’s hard science backing their impact. 

Repeatedly voicing positive self-statements can rewire our brain, enhancing pathways that bolster such beliefs. This adaptability, termed neuroplasticity, indicates that our brain isn’t stagnant. It can change! So those affirmations? They’re not just a mood lift; they’re a brain workout, pushing you towards healthier financial behaviours. 

Also, consider this. You may know how long it takes to form a bad habit – something you repeat over and over that you don’t like or want to do. Well, it can work just as well the other way too – and affirmations help to build that new habit.

When Affirmations Don’t Work

Remember those cringe-worthy moments when someone tries too hard to fit in? Affirmations can be like that.

If your life has seen more rainy days than sunshine in the financial department, suddenly chanting, “I am a billionaire!” will seem out of place. It’s essential to choose affirmations that resonate, ones that feel like a stretch but not a fantasy.

Wisdom from the Wise: Maxwell Maltz’s Perspective

Enter Maxwell Maltz’s “Psycho-Cybernetics” – I love this book. His take? Our self-image is pivotal in guiding our actions. If you view yourself as financially clueless, chances are, your actions echo that sentiment. But Maltz suggests that by adjusting our inner narratives (thanks, affirmations!), we can alter our path.

The Art of Crafting the Right Money Affirmations:

Affirmations are not just about positive statements; they’re about the right positive statements. Let’s distinguish:

Thumbs Up Money Affirmations:

“Each day, I make financial decisions that align with my long-term goals.”

“I’m consistently paving my way to financial security.”

Thumbs Down Money Affirmations

“I guess more money would be nice?”

“Perhaps, in another universe, I’m cash-rich.”

The aim is for your affirmations to feel like a comfortable pair of trainers: snug, reliable, but pushing you just a little further each day.

The Realities of Sticking with Affirmations

Consistency is key.

It’s like that gym membership. No point having it if you’re not using it, right? It’s the same with affirmations. Reciting them daily without seeing instant results can be like waiting for bread to rise – excruciatingly slow. Yet, the magic is in persistence.

When drafting your affirmations, consider:

Specificity: Instead of a vague “I wish for more money”, zero in on it: “I’m saving 10% of my income monthly towards my dream home.” or “as a saver my wealth is growing every day/week et”

Stay in the Now: Express it as if it’s happening. “I’m wisely managing my finances” has a different weight than “Someday, I’ll manage my finances.”

Keep It Positive: Focus on gains, not pains. Swap “I’m not going bankrupt” for “I’m becoming financially savvy.”

To sum it all up, your mindset and finances are intertwined. While affirmations aren’t a financial plan, they’re a nifty tool to shift your perspective. They serve as a daily reminder, steering you through the financial ebbs and flows. Action follows affirmations so don’t forget to look for the signs that urge you to take the right actions to back up your words of encouragement and positivity.

Find your personal affirmation and harness its positivity to shape your financial future.

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