Transforming Limiting Beliefs with Affirmations

In a recent class by Christina Quinn for The Washington Post, the focus was on using affirmations to transform negative self-beliefs. Affirmations, when aligned with realistic actions and motivations, can help individuals reshape their self-perception. Expert Natalie Datillo, a clinical psychologist, emphasizes that our beliefs stem from experiences and have a tendency towards confirmation bias, leading us to reinforce existing views about ourselves. The process of changing one’s self-view begins with acknowledging current beliefs and transitioning them into affirmations that feel achievable, such as 'I want to be someone who practices self-care every day.' Following this, it's crucial to develop a clear action plan to support these affirmations through consistent behavior. This involves setting up practical actions aligned with one's goals, like scheduling self-care activities weekly. Nevertheless, affirmations must remain realistic; claiming to feel safe when not actually safe can lead to adverse effects. Thus, persistence, motivation, and a commitment to personal growth are key in making these affirmations effective.