🌟 The Power of Affirmations 🌟

I’m diving into one of my favorite daily practices: affirmations. Yep, those bold little statements we repeat to ourselves that (when done right) can actually move the needle on how we feel, show up, and succeed.

And yes, I know what you’re thinking — you’re picturing Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live looking into the mirror saying, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.”
We all laughed — but the truth is, Stuart might’ve been onto something.

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📜 A Bit of History (Because Even Mindset Has Receipts)

Affirmations aren’t just a woo-woo self-help trend. Their roots stretch back through psychology and philosophy.

• In the early 20th century, French psychologist Émile Coué taught the now-famous phrase, “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
• In the 1980s, psychologist Claude Steele introduced self-affirmation theory — showing that positive self-statements can help maintain self-integrity when our confidence gets rattled.
• Fast-forward to today, and affirmations are backed by neuroscience: studies show they can literally rewire the brain through neuroplasticity, activating regions that process self-worth and reward.

Basically, this stuff isn’t fluff — it’s mental conditioning. Think of it like brain gym.

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🧠 What the Science Says (aka, It’s Not Just Magic — It’s the RAS)

Okay — here’s where it gets really interesting. When you use affirmations consistently, you’re tapping into your brain’s Reticular Activating System (RAS).

The RAS is like your brain’s internal filter and spotlight. It decides which information gets through to your conscious mind.

Ever decide to buy a new car and suddenly see that same model everywhere? Or hear your name in a noisy crowd? That’s your RAS doing its thing — focusing your awareness on what you’ve told your brain is important.

Now here’s the kicker:
When you repeat affirmations like “I am confident and capable” or “I attract the right opportunities,” you’re essentially programming your RAS to look for proof of that belief in the real world.

• Your brain starts noticing people, ideas, and opportunities that align with your statement.
• Over time, your RAS and your neural pathways sync up, strengthening the mental “muscle memory” of that identity.

It’s not wishful thinking — it’s cognitive retargeting. You’re training your brain to see what serves your growth instead of what feeds your fear.

Bottom line: affirmations don’t magically create opportunities — they train you to spot them and act on them.

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🧘 My Daily Practice (and Why It Works for Me)

Every morning starts the same way — LMNT electrolytes, leash in hand–Luke Skywalker (my dog) and I head out for our walk. The first ten minutes are my mental boot-up time. That’s when I run my chosen affirmation through my head on repeat — in rhythm with my steps, almost like a walking meditation with purpose.

Shortly after we’re back, I compound the practice by writing that same affirmation 25 times in my notebook. There’s power in putting pen to paper — repetition builds belief, and seeing the words fill a page reinforces the message.

A while back, I read The Answer: Grow Any Business, Achieve Financial Freedom, and Live an Extraordinary Life by John Assaraf and Murray Smith, and it flipped the switch for me. That book reminded me that affirmations aren’t just “feel-good” talk — they’re mental programming. You’re literally training your brain to focus on what matters and filter out the noise.

Between my morning mental reps, my writing ritual, and the rhythm of that daily walk, I start each day centered, intentional, and ready to take on whatever the universe (or the market) throws my way.

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🪞 How to Create an Affirmation That Actually Works

Here’s your Affirmation Cheat Sheet — no crystals required:

1. Start with “I” — Make it personal. (“I am calm under pressure.”)
2. Use the present tense — You’re being it now, not someday. (“I am confident in my ability to close deals.”)
3. Keep it positive — Focus on what you want, not what you’re avoiding.
4. Make it specific and emotional — Add feeling. (“I feel energized and inspired when I connect with clients.”)
5. Repeat it often — Repetition = reprogramming.

💡 Pro tip: If it feels fake or too far from your current reality, tweak it until it feels possible and powerful. “I’m becoming more confident in meetings every day” works better than “I’m a world-class speaker” (for now).

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🔁 Different Ways to Practice

Find what feels authentic — there’s no one-size-fits-all.

• 🖊 Writing: My go-to. Write it 25 times.
• 🪞 Mirror work: Go full Stuart Smalley — say it, mean it, feel it.
• 🚶 Movement: Repeat during walks, drives, or workouts.
• 🧘 Meditation: Breathe and visualize it as your reality.
• 📱 Reminders: Sticky notes, phone lock screen, even Siri alarms.
• 📓 Journaling: Pair your affirmations with gratitude or reflection.

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💭 Why It Matters (and Not Just for the Woo Crowd)

Affirmations are micro-moments of self-leadership. They train your inner voice to be your coach, not your critic.

In real estate — or any business built on mindset, connection, and service — how you talk to yourself determines how you show up for others.
If I start the day thinking, “I’m behind,” I’ll act like it.
If I start the day affirming, “I’m focused, capable, and serving at a high level,” I become that person throughout the day.

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💬 The Takeaway

Affirmations are like daily push-ups for your subconscious.
They might sound simple, but when practiced consistently, they change how you see yourself — and that changes everything.

So grab your notebook, leash up your Luke Skywalker, and start with one powerful statement that gets you in alignment with your best self.
Say it. Write it. Believe it. Live it.

Because as our old friend Stuart Smalley said — you are good enough, you are smart enough, and doggone it, people like you. 😉

And hey — if you ever want to run through some affirmations together or craft one that aligns with your business, mindset, or personal goals, let’s make it happen. Sometimes all it takes is ten focused minutes to change your inner dialogue — and your day.