HOW AFFIRMATIONS CAN HELP YOU THRIVE IN BUSINESS

Self-doubt can raise its head in all walks of life, but for those in leadership positions at work, it can be hugely limiting, but also the root cause of anxiety and high stress levels. I speak to Chris Goodman of Soar Valley Press to discover how affirmations transformed his mental health and in turn, his business

How do you take a business from postpandemic debt to a thriving professional entity? Soar Valley Press began 2022 with high debt compared to turnover and a company director who was burdened by worry, anxiety and stress. And yet, the business finished 2022 with reduced debt and a 50% increase in turnover – a huge ratio shift.

So, how did Chris Goodman do it? “It hasn’t been easy, but I have developed successful ways of managing the stress of our business surviving the pandemic,” the company director told me. “I started 2022 anxious about turning the business around – questions like – ‘Can we succeed? Are we good enough? What if we have a bad few weeks or months?’ These thoughts were affecting my mindset and how I led the company.”

They did more than worry Chris – he shared with me an anxiety attack that occurred last May whilst holidaying with his family on a beautiful Greek Island. “I was completely fine one minute, enjoying the weather and break, then I got a text about something that set my anxiety off. My breathing changed, and I fainted hitting my head on the way down. I was rushed to hospital with concussion. It was a watershed moment.”

Having been to the GP with anxiety prior to the holiday, he had put in place support to help, but he knew at this point that he needed to take action. “With the support of medication, breathing techniques, my family, faith and my business coach, the anxiety improved, but I also harnessed the power of using affirmations.

“Affirmations have been key to the business achieving goals. Affirmations help me focus on the important goals in the business and transform my mindset so I can achieve more. But more than that, they have really helped my mental health. Affirmations have been important in bringing me back from the brink.”

Not only have they helped Chris with his personal mental health, but he is also certain they have helped SVP to survive the effects of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis, and the rising fuel costs, and that they are helping it to thrive.

“One of my affirmations was about hitting a high sales target, this was the highest monthly figure in our budget for 2022. It was two times the average month in 2021 – and we achieved it.”

Chris has nine affirmations in total but he uses them in varying ways, sometimes using them at the start of the day or a couple before a big meeting. “They aren’t a magic wand; they are part of a strategy and a structure of support. I believe affirmations are a massive help in becoming who you desire to be and to achieving your goals, squashing limiting beliefs about ourselves in the process.”

He adds that his ’supportive family, his coach and having clear goals,’ have all contributed to improved mental health, as well the business’ prospects too.

CHRIS’ GUIDE TO USING AFFIRMATIONS IN YOUR BUSINESS

1 Plan to achieve – have clear realistic goals in business and life

2 Put the support necessary to succeed in place

3 Use affirmations regularly to keep yourself moving towards your goals, to help you really believe in yourself, especially when times are tough

4 Recognise when you achieve goals and affirmations and celebrate it

5 Review your goals and affirmations and go again!