As Humans, we start approaching a problem or task with such great and glorious intentions. We vow to go to the gym, get  ourselves out of debt, or make amends with that a troublesome relative.

Unfortunately, as sure as snow melts, our resolve fades. Although the spirit of that New Year's resolution you made may have been authentic, the endurance falters and one’s attention subsides. As it would turns out, the problem isn't so much sticking to the resolution, as it's simply making the resolution stick. 

This brings us to Affirmations. An affirmation is a strong, positive statement that something is already so. So, instead of saying "I will go to the gym", we affirm, "I am strong, healthy, and physically fit." The difference in changing up the phrasing shifts your statement from a 'to-do' item to a 'to-be' item, which in turn works to create a new thought pattern. What actually makes it work, is the fact that "whatever is going on in someone’s subconscious mind actually has the power to contort or shape our actions." These effective affirmations are phrased in the present tense, and framed in a positive way, and practiced with a 'fake it 'til you make it' mentality. That is, even if your financial hole seems insurmountable, you sit back, close your eyes, find peace, and visualize being debt-free. Conjure up a vision of what it feels like to live without that burden, and couple the emotional-visual sense with an affirmation.

The practice of affirmations follows the 'Law of Attraction', which asserts that what we put our attention on grows stronger. It is also related to the psychological technique of auto-suggestion, which is used in hypnosis and self-hypnosis to 're-program' the mind in an effort to change behaviors or beliefs. The idea is that if we can convince our subconscious of our desired outcome, our thought processes and actions will then shift to make it so. Its quite miraculous to see this in action when you get it right. The Universe is really conspiring in your favor, and I promise it will blow your mind.

In my experience and what has worked best for me, I suggest using a technique that compliments your style of learning. If you are a visual learner, write the affirmation on a note card and place it where it can be seen repeatedly throughout the day. Audio learners should record their own voice repeating the affirmation, and/or read or say it aloud. Movement-oriented individuals can create an appropriate gesture (like a bow, salute, or embrace) to accompany the words, and helping the affirmation to stick. Sound silly? Too bad. If you live by the motto “Oh what the heck – do whatever it takes!”, you’re one step closer to creating some real magic in your life.

Okay, so  you've crafted your affirmation, now what? Science proves that it takes about twenty-one days to create a new habit, so write your affirmation on your calendar every day for three weeks in order to integrate it. If you really want to go the distance with your goals, try writing it on a blue note card or in blue ink, as scientists have shown that we learn best in blue.