The Psychology of Passing Exams (Part-4)

AFFIRMATION
Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice----
It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.
W. Byran.

An affirmation is a positive statement describing what you want to be, have or do. The constant repetition of positive thoughts day in and day out displaces stored negative thoughts in your subconscious mind. Remember the words of Benjamin Franklin: ‘Little strokes fell great oaks’.

Here are a few guidelines for constructing affirmations.

1. Use the first person ‘I’.

2. State affirmations positively. ‘I will not be afraid when i perform in long cases’ is not as effective as‘t enjoy the challenge and sense of achievement I feel when I perform in long cases’.

3. State affirmations in the present tense. When though you know it isn’t true yet, affirmations need to be worded in the present tense. Therefore state ‘I am a Pathologist’ rather than ‘I will be a Pathologist’ and see yourself already in possession of your goal.

4. State affirmations with emotion. The more feeling you can generate when repeating the affirmations, the more effective they will be.

5. Write out affirmations. Write down your affirmations on 3x5 cm cards and carry them with you (in pocket, wallet etc.) and place them in areas where you will see them (e.g., study desk, bathroom mirror, dressing table, dash board). Repeat them throughout the day, especially first upon awaking and when you are about to sleep.