Bull? Or is it Really that Simple to Rewire Your Brain?

I remember the first time I heard the word affirmations. I hadn't knowingly come across it before, let alone understood what it meant.

My first thoughts? Reeeeally?

How can simply saying something out loud possibly change anything? It struck me as wishful thinking at best, delusional at worst.

But here's the thing; I was wrong.

From Sceptic to Convert

During the most brutal few months after splitting up with my daughters’ dad, I started to try out some positive self-talk. Purely because I was at my lowest point and needed something; anything.

I found myself repeating "I can do this; I can cope" just to get through the day.

What started as a survival mechanism slowly transformed into something more powerful.

I noticed changes before I understood the science.

My confidence grew.

My resilience strengthened.

My outlook shifted.

Now, as a coach, I see the same pattern with clients. Those who embrace affirmations thrive. Those who dismiss them as "fluffy nonsense" miss out on one of the most potent (and completely free) tools for personal transformation.

But What If You Feel Like a Fraud?

Let's address the elephant in the room. Many of my clients, particularly the men, resist affirmations because they feel dishonest. "I'm not going to stand there lying to myself," one told me.

Fair enough.

Nobody wants to feel like they're taking the mickey out of themselves.

But affirmations aren't about telling fibs; they're about neuroscience.

The Science Behind Why It Actually Works

Your brain isn't set in stone after age 25. That's outdated thinking. Your neural pathways continue to form, strengthen, and reorganise throughout your entire life. That’s neuroplasticity.

Every thought you think creates a neural pathway. Think it repeatedly, and that pathway strengthens, like a footpath becoming a road from frequent use.

Here's the crucial bit: Your brain doesn't distinguish between what's objectively "true" and what you repeatedly tell yourself. It simply responds to repetition.

When you consistently practice affirmations, you're literally rewiring your brain's default settings. Those persistent negative thoughts ("I'm rubbish at public speaking") gradually get replaced with more constructive ones ("I'm becoming more confident with each presentation").

Making Affirmations Work When You're Not Buying It

If repeating "I am wealthy" while eating beans on toast feels ridiculous, try these evidence-based approaches:

1. Use the 'becoming' bridge: Instead of "I am successful," try "I am becoming more successful each day" or "I'm developing the habits of successful people"

2. Build on real evidence: Recall genuine moments of success, then craft affirmations that amplify those experiences: "I solved that complex problem last week, and I'm developing stronger problem-solving skills every day"

3. Get specific: Replace vague statements like "I am confident" with specific ones like "I speak clearly and calmly in meetings"

Take the Two-Week Challenge

Still sceptical?

Fair enough.

But consider this challenge: Choose one area of your life where negative thoughts consistently appear. Create one realistic affirmation for that area. Repeat it meaningfully (not robotically) for just two minutes each morning and evening.

After two weeks, check in with yourself. Notice any shifts in your thinking or behaviour. Even small changes signal that your neural pathways are beginning to reorganise.

The most powerful personal transformations often begin with the simplest tools. Affirmations cost nothing, require no special equipment, and take mere minutes of your day.

Your brain is changing continuously whether you direct it or not.

Why not take the reins?