Creating lasting habits is one of the most powerful ways to shape our lives, yet forming new routines can be a challenge. From exercising to eating healthier or improving our mindset, the key to habit-building often lies in repetition. One effective and accessible habit is writing affirmations in a journal.
The 369 Method merges the repetition of affirmations with a structured journaling habit, providing a pathway to nurture a positive mindset and support personal growth over time.
What Is the 369 Method?
The 369 Method involves writing down affirmations at set intervals: three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times in the evening.
This pattern draws inspiration from numerology, which ascribes special significance to these numbers, and is thought to support manifestation and transformation. More practically, this method is a framework for consistency, using repetition to reinforce both positive thinking and the journal writing habit itself.
So, the method is not just about manifestation; it’s more about creating a routine that encourages consistency.
Why These Numbers?
Although rooted in numerological beliefs popularized by figures like Nikola Tesla, it's the rhythmic structure and scheduled repetition, not mystical properties, that drive results.
Breaking up the day into specific journaling moments also helps reduce decision fatigue and strengthens habit formation.
How Writing Affirmations Builds Habits
Writing affirmations shifts your mindset from self-doubt and negativity toward confidence and purpose.
Putting affirmations on paper turns intention into action: the physical act of writing cements new beliefs and forges a deeper emotional connection to your goals.
Cognitive Shift: Repetition of affirmations strengthens neural pathways associated with positive beliefs.
Emotional Engagement: Daily writing helps build enthusiasm and resilience when setbacks occur.
Physical Anchoring: The act itself can become a small ritual, cueing your brain for reflection and growth.
By repeating affirmations at these intervals, you not only reinforce the positive thoughts you're cultivating but also develop the habit of journaling. The repetition solidifies the habit, making it easier to stay committed over time. This regular practice encourages reflection and mindfulness, both of which are central to journal writing.
Affirmations are powerful because they help shift your mindset from negativity or uncertainty to positivity and confidence. When written down, they become even more potent because they engage both the mind and body, combining thought with action. Rewriting affirmations daily reinforces the beliefs you are developing, and over time, this repetition can transform the way you think.
For example, instead of just thinking about your goals, you're actively creating a connection with them. This daily action fosters an emotional connection with your goals, which is the foundation of building a lasting habit.
Example Affirmations for the 369 Method
- I am growing my business every day, and success is inevitable.
- I am consistent and disciplined in my work, and my habits support my goals.
- I am worthy of success, and I take action every day to achieve it.
- I create value with every product I create, and I serve my customers with integrity.
- I embrace challenges and see them as opportunities for growth.
By repeating these affirmations multiple times a day, you are not only reinforcing the belief that success is attainable, but you’re also strengthening the habit of writing in your journal.
The 369 Method gives structure to this process, encouraging you to return to your affirmations throughout the day and making it a non-negotiable part of your routine. For variety and consistency, as your goals and challenges evolve, so too should your affirmations.
Enhancing the Habit: Tips and Adaptations
Stack the Habit
Pair With Existing Routines: Attach 369 journaling to existing habits (morning coffee, afternoon break, evening wind-down).
Use Reminders: Set alarms or use journal apps with notifications to anchor the habit.
Track Progress
Habit Trackers: Log each session, noting successes, skipped days, or patterns. Use our FREE Writing Tracker to help you.
Goal Pages: Dedicate sections in your journal to long-term goal-tracking for extra motivation.
Make It Enjoyable
Use Special Materials: Select pens or journals that make the process enjoyable.
Create a Ritual: Light a candle or play soothing music to set the mood during journaling.
Why Habits Matter for Personal Growth
Well-established habits free up cognitive energy, make progress automatic, and help you weather periods of low motivation.
Journal writing specifically supports:
Mindfulness: Fosters awareness and reflection.
Resilience: Encourages working through challenges and emotional processing.
Self-Awareness: Creates a written record to look back on for insight and motivation.
Confidence: Builds a positive feedback loop as you track progress and reaffirm new beliefs.
Maximize your journal sessions by incorporating these prompts:
What emotions arise as I write today’s affirmations?
Are today’s affirmations aligned with my larger life goals?
Did I move forward on a goal today? How?
What challenge did I face, and how did I respond?
What action can I take tomorrow to build on today’s intentions?
369 Method in Contemporary Practice
The 369 Method is well-represented in modern self-improvement literature and social media, with authors and content creators like Lindsay Rose, Keila Shaheen, and David Kasneci popularizing variations of the practice. These practitioners often focus on:
Structure: Journals and guides offer 12-week paths or brain-based techniques.
Reflection: Encouragement to “go deeper” with meaning behind affirmations.
Community: Online groups or hashtags for sharing progress and motivation.
Making the 369 Method Your Own
The 369 Method is not just about manifestation—it’s about creating a journal writing habit that can transform your life. By committing to this structured routine of writing affirmations three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon, and nine times in the evening, you’re cultivating consistency and mindfulness, two critical elements of personal growth.
Whether you’re looking to improve your mindset, track your progress, or simply develop a healthy writing habit, the 369 Method provides a framework that can help you stay on track. Combine it with reflective journaling practices, and you’ll be well on your way to not only manifesting your desires but also building a habit that supports your personal development journey.
The 369 Method offers a structured, accessible habit for cultivating positivity, mindfulness, and resilience. Make it a personal ritual, adapt it as you grow, and remember that consistency, not perfection, is the true foundation of transformation.
