As we continue to experience one of the most difficult years in our nation’s history, we have to keep a positive mindset throughout the conflicts we face. Daily affirmations can help a person do that. According to Dictionary.com, an affirmation is the assertion that something exists or is true; state of being affirmed. When one uses affirmations, stating wants or goals, this is putting them into existence by speaking them out loud. People use affirmations to manifest their dreams and goals on a day-to-day basis. Many people subconsciously use affirmations in their daily lives.  If you’ve ever said to yourself, “I am going to ace this test,” then you’ve made an affirmation.

By making clear statements of what one wants, it brings that thing/idea into one’s conscious mind, providing a constant reminder of how one’s goals can be achieved. Speaking these goals into existence has the result of making a person more likely to take steps forward to reach that goal.

The subject of affirmations is controversial because it is hard to prove that speaking something into existence makes it come true. People tend to have a negative opinion on affirmations, often because their own attempts to reach their goals or dreams have “failed”.  They go on to talk about how it is “not real” or “it doesn’t work”. Affirmations and manifestation take both time and effort, and if a person is not 100% dedicated to it, poor results will be the outcome.

Another concept similar to affirmations, The Law of Attraction is the belief that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person’s life. In other words, a person will attract into their life whatever they give their energy and attention to. Little goals leading to a larger goal is the basis of the Law of Attractions. A dedicated student provided hard work in hopes to get into an ivy league school. Their drive to continue studying and imagining their future in college all contribute to their main goal, getting accepted. Someone who had little determination, down talked themself, and paid no efforts in high school would have a harder time getting accepted into an ivy league school; it is all a chain of effects.

When a person dedicates themselves to manifestations, they change their mindset in a more positive light. For example, instead of thinking that I will be broke and jobless in my future, I will picture myself in my dream home I was able to afford because of the dream job that I worked hard to get. Thinking this way causes a person to take steps to work for what they’ve manifested because their mind is telling them that they can and will achieve it. There are people who claim that daily affirmations have helped them improve self-love, determination, and focus. Celebrities like Jim Carrey, Denzel Washington, Jennifer Lopez and Oprah Winfrey follow daily affirmations and manifestations and are big believers in all aspects of capturing the life one truly desires.

Daily affirmations that students can include in their routines include:

• I am more than the grade I received on an assignment.
• I improve myself every single day.
• My challenges help me grow.
• All of my problems have solutions.
• I am proud of my progress.