Affirmations and the self concept

Organizational Team Building by Earl J. Ends and Curtis W. Page, University press of America:

"The Influence of the Self-concept
A person's self-concept is simply an image of self. Not merely the physical image reflected in a mirror, but rather a set of psychological images that taken all together define in a person's own mind the kind of person he or she is or is trying to be. The process by which everyone steadily and consistently tries to establish, support and add to this image of self is sometimes called self-actualization. For example, one may see oneself as a person of action, as a courageous leader, as an electronic genius, as a master crafts person, or as any number of other images. These various self-images a person has are extremely important. Usually a person will willingly do those things that fit these images that support them, or better yet, that add to or polish them a bit...."

Based on the self-concept there are at least two points to keep in mind when using affirmations.

First, "...a person will willingly do those things that fits these images...that add to or polish them." This means that you are most likely to take action on affirmations that meet your self-image. You will most likely be successful in using affirmations of things you do well, and improve on them. This is important to know and to do because success breeds success.

Second, you can use affirmations to change your self-concept. When you have changed your self-concept you are more likely to do the things that support it as mentioned above. When you have done these things and been successful this will polish your self-concept and result in even more success.