If you’ve been reading my blog for even a little while, you know that I am a big fan of positive affirmations – because they work. Advocates of this practice fall into several camps. Some believe there is a spiritual aspect to it and others believe you are developing a habit of positive thinking. I believe the success, in part, is due to changes in the brain as it “learns” the new perspective. No matter what the reason, most people have good results, as long as they are consistent and persistent.
I believe we can take charge, in a concrete way, of how we think, and thus how we feel. In order to assist the brain, and speed up the affirmation process, it is important to keep the mind nimble. Like the body, the brain needs exercise, too. When you don’t use it, you can become mentally lazy. And when you’re mentally lazy, you will have trouble pushing through life’s challenges.
Every time you learn anything, even the definition of one new word, a new neural pathway is created. So challenge your mind by learning something, anything, new. If learning a new language is too much at the moment (of course it is – you’re a new business owner), learn how to knit or start playing Sudoku. And be aware, everything you do to run your business gives your brain a workout. Research done at the University of California Los Angeles found that internet research stimulates centers in the brain that control decision-making and complex reasoning.
The best part about doing things to keep the brain healthy and active is, the more you do it, the more you want to do it, so you do it even more. Along with your daily affirmations, incorporate learning and fun new activities as often as possible. The brain loves to question, explore and learn. If you treat it well, it will return the favor and you will see positive results in all areas of your life.
