An affirmation is a positive assertion, a solemn declaration, a way to change your way of thinking. You can use affirmations to improve performance and results in all areas of your life. The "positive action" self-talk of specific affirmations is beneficial to achieving desired outcomes.

Affirmations can implant your sub-conscious mind with a framework for achieving success. They should be read with emotion, preferably out loud, and with great desire and meaning. The secret to affirmations is to read them as though you are already in possession of that which you are seeking.

Affirmations should be read every day without fail, preferably as soon as possible on rising in the morning and always just prior to retiring in the evening. During the day try to read your affirmations as often as you can.

Do not be concerned if the results you are seeking do not come immediately. Be persistent. Use your affirmations for 30 days without missing a single day. This will implant the positive messages into your normal way of thinking. Continuing the recital of your affirmations beyond 30 days will increase their strength, which will manifest itself in the results that you will receive.

Understand that different people have different levels of self-belief and self-worth. Results, therefore, will be different from one person to the next.

For greater results you can write each affirmation into an exercise book every day. You can also add your name to each affirmation to personalize it for you. Commence each affirmation by saying: "My name is..." This will add further strength to the affirmation.

The following is an example of an affirmation for happiness. (Note the positive and action based way it is written)

HAPPINESS AFFIRMATION

"A feeling of inner happiness is coursing through me. I am choosing to be happy every day no matter what circumstances I find myself in. I awaken each day with a smile on my face because I know I will be at my best when I am happy. Other people see my happiness as a sign of great strength. I smile and greet people with genuine enthusiasm. My own happiness leaves everyone I meet in a happier state. Being happy is a wonderful feeling. A feeling of inner happiness is coursing through me."

You can make up your own affirmations or you can visit the Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website at www.motivationselfesteem.com where you will find affirmations on subjects such as health, self-esteem, wealth and memory.

[If you like this article and would like to use it on your own website or ezine you may do so ONLY if the article is not changed in any way and the final paragraph: "About the author", with all links intact, is included.]

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.