Having resolved to make positive changes is something that is admirable every hour of every day.  When we know what we want to change it is a wonderful sign that we are aware of what we want and need internally.  Sometimes, a resolution is not strong enough on its own to help you make that change that you want.  You need to fuel it, and there is no better way to do that than by incorporating affirmations into your life.  It will make a wonderful difference.

Create a wonderful affirmation.
Affirmations need to be loaded with positive words, specific actions, and a conclusion.  They do not need to be long, and are usually one sentence—one that is easy to memorize, repeat, and absorb into your inner conscience.

It’s time to choose your affirmation based on the one resolution you have that you want to start taking care of now.  That’s right—now.  No need to wait until the clock switches over to 1/1/15 to start.  You may want to consider:  weight loss, healthier eating, exercise, stress reduction, financial improvement, more time for yourself, learning something new, etc.  The choice is yours, just like the actions you take are yours, too!

Here’s an example of an affirmation that is tied to stress reduction:

I am in control of my heart, mind, and soul, and know how to calm my body.

Three ways to incorporate affirmations.
Using affirmations to promote personal growth and change takes adjustments, and creating a new habit to help guide a positive transformation.  Here are three common ways to make affirmations a habit for your heart, your soul, and your growth.

• Put a post-it note on your bathroom mirror.  Every time you are in the bathroom you want to make sure you say your affirmation out loud at least three times.  Look at yourself while you say it, and feel its conviction giving you strength.  You can do it!
•  Make sure you have a reminder of your affirmation around your work environment, or an area that you are in for a large part of your day.  Even if you have to set a timer to remind you hourly, make sure you go to that affirmation several times a day, and say it out loud (if you can), or in your mind if you are not in a place where you can say it.
• Have your affirmation by your bed.  This way you can say it first thing when you wake up in the morning and last thing before you go to sleep.  You know you will do both of those things in a given day, which means you cannot avoid it.

Affirmations are the start of action for rewards that are wonderful for our spirit.  Today is your day to create one, and start using it.  All of our greatest potential can be tapped into with the use of affirmations.