I’ve used affirmations in the past, as a form of self-help, but I don’t think they worked. I’ve read self-help books – some classics, others more questionable – and I’ve repeated a thousand times that everyday in every way I am getting better and better. But I admit I lacked belief, and belief is core to an affirmation being effective.

Many people view affirmations favorably, including some readers of this blog. There are others who take the opposite view. I’ve read one or two articles recently that say they are detrimental, to the extent that falling short of an ideal, over and over, will impact a person’s self-esteem.

Scott Adams takes up the subject on his blog today, and it gave me reason to smile.

I have a long-time friend who is always full of energy, enthusiasm and goodwill. It sounds sickening but it’s not; without fail he’s a pleasure to be around. Whenever I ask him how he is, he always replies “fantastic”, “brilliant” or “top of the world”. Does he use affirmations? I don’t know. But after reading Scott Adams I think he has a chicken-and-egg thing going!

The Day has its own website, which says that its purpose is simply to celebrate the benefits of positive thinking. Not a bad idea.

The first thing to do is to focus on the following Positive Thinking Day affirmation: “I choose to create a great day!”

Based on my understanding of affirmations, for it to have an impact you need to repeat it about 20 times with lots of concentration and emotional energy. Then, full of enthusiasm, skip over to the Day’s website to see how else you can make a positive difference.

On another subject, I’ve discovered a couple of fantastic blogs in the last few days.

Trick-Cycling for Beginners

This is written by Shiny Happy Person, a “dissatisfied and stroppy junior psychiatrist” working in the UK’s National Health System. If blogs were given classified ratings then this one would be Adults Only, but if you don’t mind the colorful language then the dry English wit is wonderful.

{ Evolving Blueprint }

I love the name of this blog. The “Evolving Blueprint” is about the changing foundation of your life, as you adjust and grow towards the person you aspire to be.

If you know the zen habits blog then this is in a similar space (nobody shoot me). It is firmly focused on health and personal development but without the common “life hacks” feel. Topics include motivation, living simply, goal setting, relationships, and maintaining core values.

Please share your own favorites in the Comments!