I have completed monthly challenges in the past that have been extremely physically difficult or time-consuming. Last month’s challenge wasn’t either of those, and yet it was one of the best challenges I have completed successfully to date. Sometimes the best things really are the simplest ones.

What I learned from the challenge:

• Writing down positive beliefs about yourself has intrinsic benefits. This is the first and most basic lesson from this month. The simple act of writing down these affirmations imparted value, irrespective of whether I verbalized them or used them as a motivation for particular actions. Beliefs have tremendous power over our lives, even in the abstract.
• Verbalizing intellectual beliefs can transform them into felt beliefs. Whatever power beliefs have in the abstract, they are 100x more impactful when they reside at the core of our being. These are the ones we don’t have to repeatedly convince ourselves of intellectually, because we live and breathe them on a daily basis. The easiest way to acquire felt beliefs is to have a powerful set of experiences or the general validation of our social group. However, repeated verbalization can be a great supplement to these interactions OR a stand-in when they aren’t available.
• Utilizing the progressive tense in affirmations promotes skillful action. First, let me explain what progressive tense means for those of us that don’t remember English class (like me!). Progressive tense is a type of present tense which involves an action that is currently ongoing. For example, consider the two statements below:
  

  I give myself space to grow and learn.
  I am giving myself space to grow and learn.

  The first of these utilizes simple present tense. It describes the general state of being for something. “I give myself space to grow and learn” means I am the type of person that does this but doesn’t necessarily mean I am doing this right now. The second statement utilizes progressive present tense. It describes what is happneing right now! The most powerful affirmations are ones that actualize the moment you are currently in, not just ones that generally desribe you.

What I want to continue going forward:

• Continue using affirmations at night. This seemed to be the time I could most consistently utilize them. I have reserved the last few minutes of the day, right before I go to bed, to be used either for affirmations, gratitude journaling, or Buddhist discussion groups. I want to utilize affirmations at least twice per week.
• Take a closer look at one affirmation each weekend. Affirmations are only as powerful as the understanding and appreciation we have of the words being used. For example, I have a couple affirmations that begin with the words:
  

  I am worthy…

  Of course, for these affirmations to have any real meaning and worth (pardon the pun), there needs to be a clear definition of the word ‘worth.’ Is worth intrinsic or contingent? If intrinsic, would this mean that everyone has the same worth regardless of their actions or beliefs? If contingent, what factors is it based on? For the record, my current line of thought is to view worth as contingent, but based solely on a person’s true intention, not their actions.

The last thing I will say with respect to affirmations is that they can be ANYTHING you want them to be. If you find the a lot of the pre-made ones on positive thinking apps or websites too hacky, too general, or too woo, then create your own and use whatever wording speaks to you. If nothing else, it should provide some clarity on your deepest desires, thoughts, and feelings.

Namaste.