The power of positive affirmations

Positive affirmations

“I will not compare myself to others. I stay in my lane. I compare myself only to how far I have come and where I want to go.”

This is the affirmation card I received at a recent event hosted by the wonderful Tamu Thomas from Motherhood Reconstructed.

The event was a panel discussion around the subject of how to build a soulful business, one with real meaning and purpose, that is also profitable.

My affirmation card really hit home

When I opened up my golden envelope and read my card, the words really did hit home.

When you start a blog, you have no choice but to dive head first into the world of social media. And I have to say that social media, overall, has been a really friendly place.

Every day, I’m inspired by some truly amazing people that I never would have met before, and I’ve built a fantastic virtual network of fellow bloggers, business owners, entrepreneurs, and even friends (even if we haven’t yet met IRL!).

When you work alone, this network is incredibly important, both professionally and personally. They understand your work, they understand the business you’re working so hard to build, and they understand the pressure of trying to do it all on your own.

Instagram has probably been the biggest source of support and encouragement for me. And as inspirational as other people’s stories and feeds are, there is a big downside.

Social media inevitably leads to comparisons

All of this exposure to off-the-scales-success and picture-perfect feeds does, inevitably, lead to comparisons.

I would say that I’m a fairly confident person. Not arrogant – I still have wobbles of course – but generally I trust in the power of self belief. But even I have found myself, laying in bed lost in the endless Instagram scroll, feeling as though I’m just not where I should be, and ultimately doubting that I can make a success of my business.

In the digital world, there are so many amazing success stories of bloggers with millions of hits to their blog every day, with millions of followers on Instagram and Facebook, and who can charge hundreds of pounds for one social media post.

I don’t have a million views. Not even close! If I compare our stats, I would feel like a complete failure.

But I know that I’m not a failure, and this positive affirmation helps me to remember that. I will not compare myself to others. I stay in my lane. I compare myself only to how far I have come and where I want to go.

Build your business around a meaningful ‘why’ and success will flow naturally

When I think back to where I started with Mums Off Duty, to where I am now, it really has been quite a journey already. I’ve learnt so much along the way (I really was clueless at the start but hey, we all have to start somewhere!) and I know that there is so much more to come.

The event that I went to made me realise that when you love what you do, and you’re building your business around a soulful and meaningful ‘why’, then success (and whatever that means to you) will flow naturally and easily.

Next time I find myself comparing stats and feeling rubbish, I’m going to read my affirmation card, and remind myself of how far I’ve come. And more importantly, I’m going to focus on all the exciting things ahead.

Thank you to Nicola at A Life More Inspired for creating these beautiful affirmation cards. I truly believe that changing the way we think, and coming from a positive place, can be life changing.

Share your thoughts

Do you often compare yourself to others? How does social media make you feel? Do you practise positive thinking? I’d love to hear your thoughts.