Affirmation vs. Declaration …Say what you mean and mean what you say…
People have touted the benefits of affirmations for decades. Placing positivity into the atmosphere and speaking life over yourself has been encouraged. Business owners sell affirmation cards, t-shirts, coffee mugs and more. At the beginning of each year, you’re encouraged to create vision boards, inclusive of positive affirmations.
The purpose is to create statements you want your subconscious to believe, so you can change your life in positive ways. Selecting powerful affirming words is thought to be advantageous, because they can create emotional positive feelings particularly when you proactively create new beliefs about yourself, others and situational outcomes.
Let’s examine the definition of affirmation, as stated in the present tense, first person. The key is to believe what you affirm so you can convince your subconscious mind that what you say is your belief. Using affirmations can help you to replace negative self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors by boosting confidence.
Example:
“I am consistent. I am growing forward.”
Merriam-Webster defines affirmation (noun) as: “a positive assertation.”
Merriam-Webster defines declaration (noun) as: “an announcement. Proclaimed in a distinct statement.”
Let’s dig deeper. . .
Merriam-Webster defines proclaim (verb) as: “to declare publicly, insistently, proudly, to give an outward indication of show.
Let’s go even more deeply. . .
Biblical declarations are spoken in first person, are positive. Additionally, they’re backed by the holy scriptures to strengthen belief in the Word of God. The more you apply scriptures, the more you begin to connect with the power and promises of God over your life.
Example:
“God has not given me the spirit of fear and timidity. I have the spirit of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
“I walk by faith and not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
Every day presents opportunities to examine how you show up in life. Having a growth mindset is an option. As a leader, in the Workers’ Compensation industry for two decades, I worked with a vast array of personalities daily, each with its own agenda. The overarching mission is to be of service to employees who are injured during the course and scope of their employment. For some this includes creating opportunities to enable employees to return to work timely, with or without need for accommodations.
A career in this industry can be stressful and even emotional, at times, for some individuals. Being of sound mind, treating all people fairly, exploring alternate options when applicable, adhering to regulatory guidelines consistently and paying benefits timely goes a long way toward doing what’s right.
As we explore redefining this industry I believe, willingness to explore different ways of blending core values, vision, goals while accomplishing the business at hand is long overdue. Self-awareness and personal branding benefit by being revisited, especially after experiencing life changing personal challenges. Of course, using affirmations or declarations is a personal choice. My intent is to inspire leaders, like you to become more intentional about your thoughts and actions. I encourage you not to continue to do business as status-quo.
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Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP is a certified Leadership Reinvention Strategist and published author of “When Your Soul Whispers: Strategies for leaders to redefine values and go forward after life’s transitions.” She’s a former corporate Workers’ Compensation Director of Return to Work, Managed Care and vendor relations who now equips Workers’ Comp and other leaders with a blueprint to next level growth strategies to navigate through and beyond personal and professional challenges quicker so you can THRIVE.
Email: Licia@LiciaThompson.com Website: www.LiciaThompson.com. Instagram: @Licia_Thompson Facebook: Licia Thompson, The Reinvention Strategist LinkedIn: Licia Thompson, CPC, ELI-MP