How to make affirmations more effective?

Up to 95% of your thoughts and actions are driven by the subconscious.

You’re on autopilot:

• Making decisions

• Processing thoughts

• Reacting to challenges

Affirmations can help reprogram that autopilot.

They break the thinking patterns that shape how you feel and act.

But if all your affirmations are followed by, “Yeah, right! I actually suck...” — they won’t have the impact you’re hoping for. 🥲

So how do you make affirmations more effective?

Today, I am sharing the most effective practical tips.

Because influencing your subconscious is the shortcut.

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Before we begin: Here’s what you might have missed last week…

Big idea #1: Amplify the positive & minimize the negative

If your affirmation, such as “I am a happy sexy millionaire”, leads to negative thinking like “Ugh, that’s just not true”, those negative thoughts become stronger affirmations themselves.

Instead of uplifting you, they pull you down.

So, what’s the fix?

1. Choose affirmations that are true and motivating.

For example:

• “I am learning to be more patient.”

• “I am working towards my dream life”

• “I am eating healthier and moving more.”

These are statements you can’t argue with — they’re positive, realistic, and they help you build momentum.

And here’s the key:

2. Use your own words.

Don’t just adopt any affirmations you find on the internet. 🥲

If “My soul is tranquil” feels odd to you, say it in a way that you would, such as “I feel calm and centred.” 

The point is to use language that resonates with you.

3. Amplify the wins. Minimize the setbacks.

For example, if you’re trying to stay consistent, and you finally had one productive morning, don’t downplay it.

That’s a win.

Acknowledge it.

Reaffirm it with something like:

• “I’m becoming more consistent.”

• “I’m getting better at ____.”

• “Clearly, I can do ____.”

And when you hit a setback?

Just say, “Needs work!”

It’s all about reinforcing the positive and recognizing where growth is happening.

Big idea #2: Override limiting beliefs

What if you catch yourself repeating the same limiting thought over and over?

It’s time to override it with an empowering belief.

Here’s how:

(Step 5 is a cheat code)

Step 1: Write it down.

Capture that limiting belief in front of you — don’t let it hide you in the background.

Step 2: Ask yourself, is this really true?

Is it an absolute truth, or is it just true sometimes?

Challenge the thought.

Most limiting beliefs are based on patterns, not facts.

Step 3: Find an empowering alternative.

Once you see the cracks in your limiting belief, decide on a new affirmation that empowers you.

Example:

• Limiting belief: “I’m terrible at sticking to my goals.”

• Empowering affirmation: “I’m learning to stay more committed every day.”

Step 4: Put in the reps.

Say your new affirmation out loud as often as possible — multiple times a day.

The goal is to make this empowering thought louder and more familiar in your mind than the limiting one you’ve been stuck with for years.

Be patient.

Reprogramming your subconscious takes time.

But the more you repeat these empowering beliefs, the less space your limiting ones will have to thrive.

If you’re thinking: So there’s nothing I can do to speed up the rewiring?

The next step is your cheat code!

Step 5: Train your body and mind together.

During physical exercise, your brain becomes more adaptable, making it the perfect time to repeat affirmations.

What do I mean?

Exercise releases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that boosts neuroplasticity, making your brain more open to forming new neural pathways.

This is when your brain is most receptive to new thought patterns, making affirmations far more impactful.

So, next time you’re at the gym, pair your physical workout with affirmations of the beliefs you want to adopt to reinforce them much more effectively.

I learned about this powerful, science-backed trick from Ed Mylett and Dr. Joe Dispenza.

Big idea #3: Use lofty questions

Ever notice how a statement feels like a closed door?

It either feels true, or it doesn’t.

On the other hand, a question is an open loop — one that your conscious and subconscious mind are wired to fill in with answers.

This is where lofty questions come in.

(Shoutout to Vishen Lakhiani for teaching me this concept!)

Instead of just making statements like “I’m a great friend,” try asking yourself:

“Why am I such a great friend?”

Why is it more powerful?

Because it triggers your mind to search for evidence.

When you ask, “Why am I such a great friend?” your mind naturally starts recalling all the times when you were there for others, helped out, or offered support.

It doesn’t stop there.

Your subconscious also keeps this open loop running in the background, making you more aware of future opportunities to be a great friend.

You’re not just affirming, you’re guiding your mind to reinforce this positive identity.

Here are some other examples of lofty questions you can use:

• “Why am I so good at solving problems?”

• “How come I am such a great leader?”

• “What makes me so disciplined?”

These questions cause your brain to search for reasons why you’re capable, which strengthens that belief and makes it easier for you to act in alignment with it.

Especially if you’ve dismissed affirmations in the past because of their true/false nature, consider using lofty questions instead, letting your subconscious mind do the work.

The Productivist Challenge: Make this practice effortless

You don’t have to look at yourself in the mirror and recite affirmations every morning, though it’s very effective if you put in the reps and emotion!

But what if you could make affirmations a part of your daily life without effort?

Here’s how:

• Use apps that send you gentle affirmation reminders throughout the day.

• Write them on sticky notes and place them in areas you pass by often.
  → I have one on my mirror that says: “What are you grateful for?”

• Rename your folders with “I am” statements:

  → Your banking apps folder becomes “I am wealthy.”

  → Health apps folder becomes “I am healthy.”

  → Work apps become “I am a great CEO.”

• Set affirmations as your phone or computer background.

  → My current background is a powerful daily reminder:

  

It’s all about integrating this practice seamlessly into your lifestyle, making it more effortless to reinforce a more productive, empowered mindset, consistently.

Which one(s) will you try this week? 🙌

The Productivist Question:

Choose one of the lofty questions you came up with and actually journal on it.

If you haven’t thought of any lofty questions yet, here’s one:

• How come I am so happy?

Wish you a beautiful week ahead,

Valeriya

PS: What’s the biggest insight for you here? Let me know by hitting reply or DMing me on LinkedIn!

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