Repeating affirmations a sin?

[queenofmycastle]

For the purpose of setting and achieving one’s personal goals, is writing down affirmations and/or saying them a sin?

For example, say I would like to stop procrastinating and be an organized, productive person. Is is wrong for me to repeat to myself “I am an organized person” or “I manage my time efficiently”?

I ask this because this technique seems to be popular among many self-help/goal setting websites and books that recommend repeating affirmations. Apparently this is supposed to train your mind or subconscious so that you can change your behavior.

Please advise.
Thanks and God Bless

 

[baltobetsy]

God designed us so that action flows from thought. I see nothing sinful about capitalizing on that design in order to achieve a goal.

On the other hand, it is really necessary to make concrete plans to achieve the goal as the centerpiece of the strategy. It is very foolish to think that simply repeating affirmations will cause a change in behavior. It may be helpful as an adjunct to your main plan of action, but should never replace it.

So, in your case, you might make a daily schedule to help you use your time well and help yourself stay motivated by repeating the affirmations. But keeping to the schedule is the main part of your effort.

It is unrealistic to expect that repeating affirmations in and of itself will cause the change in your behavior. Some might argue that this kind of magical thinking could be sinful. I think the jury’s still out on that one. It’s just not wise.

Betsy

 

[queenofmycastle]

God designed us so that action flows from thought. I see nothing sinful about capitalizing on that design in order to achieve a goal.

On the other hand, it is really necessary to make concrete plans to achieve the goal as the centerpiece of the strategy. It is very foolish to think that simply repeating affirmations will cause a change in behavior. It may be helpful as an adjunct to your main plan of action, but should never replace it.

So, in your case, you might make a daily schedule to help you use your time well and help yourself stay motivated by repeating the affirmations. But keeping to the schedule is the main part of your effort.

It is unrealistic to expect that repeating affirmations in and of itself will cause the change in your behavior. Some might argue that this kind of magical thinking could be sinful. I think the jury’s still out on that one. It’s just not wise.

Betsy

Thanks, great advice Betsy.

Yes, I concur that it would be unwise to only use affirmations without a firm schedule set in place. I actually already have a daily/weekly schedule, but i have trouble staying on track on a consistent basis. I find that I will get sidetracked or distracted. I don’t know what barrier or internal block is preventing me from making this a permanent change, I just thought that maybe affirmations would help me get my mind working “in unison”.

 

[JezuUfamTobie]

These kinds of affirmations were invented by secular therapists, right? They ignore the way that God works in our lives and our dependence on Him. But these affirmations have worked for some people… so if you’re interested in them, why not use the same strategy with a Catholic twist? Like, “I am an organized person, with God’s help.” It has the added benefit of being true already!

You could increase your faith and become more responsible at the same time. Personally, I find that every endeavor has a higher success rate when I’m asking for God’s help at every turn.

BTW, if you find something that works for you, let me know. I am soooo easily sidetracked myself.