I started dabbling with affirmations last year. I thought they were total bullshit.
I’ve never been into the idea of manifestation or the law of attraction. Naturally, we should have a clear vision of what we want…but the only way to make it happen is to consistently do the work and actions necessary.
We don’t manifest a healthy body. We exercise and eat well to create one.
We don’t manifest more money. We provide more value and change our financial habits to create more money.
We don’t manifest better skills. We practice until we get really fucking good at them.
….BUT affirmations don’t have to be about wanting something from nothing.
On New Years Day, I decided that my life would have a new mantra. I wrote it down in my notebook and have continued to write it every day since:
“I love doing scary things.”
Has this turned me into a fearless and rich person? Absolutely not. But, whenever opportunities or risky ventures have presented themselves to me this year, I’ve simply reminded myself that I love doing scary things.
I’ve never taken more intimidating (to me) action in my life than in the past eight months. I’ve…
• started a freelancing business • halted that freelancing business to go full-time with my coaching business • paid $12,000 for coaching programs • put myself out there as a coach to a bunch of people from my past—getting ignored and rejected constantly • started running group coaching calls/workshops • bought plane tickets I couldn’t afford • did a triathlon • wrote this blog every day and shared my favorite ones • told a woman I had feelings for her • started writing a book • built an established business when, my whole life, I’ve said I know nothing about business
What I’ve learned from this:
Affirmations aren’t bullshit if we use them to guide our mindset toward taking more action. Simply writing things that sound powerful isn’t enough, but if we do something about it, those words can change our lives.
We don’t have to be fearless; we have to be courageous. Fear is natural, but we must not let it stop us from creating the life we want to live.