By incorporating positive affirmations into your day, you can actively and proactively set yourself up for greater success.
In this article, we’ll look at positive affirmations and examples of 417 you can use for all kinds of scenarios. Then we’ll answer common questions about the science and how and when to use them.
Want to feel instantly better? Watch our video to learn these 10 surprising affirmations:
What Are Positive Affirmations? (Definition)
Positive affirmations, also called self-affirmations, are words you repeat to yourself to build or sustain confidence and motivate you to achieve your goals or focus your mind. These words can be written down, read, listened to, or repeated in your head. When used consistently, positive affirmations can help you recenter on what matters most to you while reshaping your thoughts and influencing your actions.
Positive affirmations are a great way to achieve your goals. Incorporate positive affirmations with excellent goal setting by using this helpful resource!
How To Set Better Goals Using Science
Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault!
Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.
Positive Affirmations for Every Situation
Here are 417 positive affirmations. You can try to set your mind on various goals or re-center your values. To make them your own, modify them to align with who you are and your personal hopes and desires!
Positive Affirmations to Say Every Day
In various situations throughout your day, whether you’re about to start a new project, feeling anxious, or simply want to remember to be in the moment, these positive affirmations are a great place to start.
- I’ve got this, and nothing can hold me back!
- In my uniqueness, I find strength. I am enough.
- Kindness is my nature.
- Like [insert hero], I rise to challenges with grace and courage.
- One step at a time. Persistence leads to success.
- Helping others brings joy and purpose to my life.
- Within me are all the tools I need for a fulfilled life.
- Every day, I learn. Every day, I grow.
- Gratitude fills my heart. Today, I am thankful for___.
- With love and passion, I pursue what I adore:___.
- I see the best in others and myself.
- Endless opportunities await me.
- This moment is mine, and I am fully present.
- Breathe. Trust. Live.
- Challenges are lessons. What can I learn from this?
I embrace life with courage, excitement, and hope.
Positive Affirmations for Work
When you’re at work, positive affirmations can help you stay focused on your projects or build a stronger connection with your team.
- Today’s plans are tomorrow’s success.
- Collaboration fuels creativity; I thrive in teamwork.
- I actively seek opportunities to empower others.
- I contribute something valuable and meaningful through my role; my work matters to others.
- Encouragement is my gift to others.
- Focus on what I can control; release the rest.
- Three priorities, one day. I will get them done.
- Flexible, eager, ready for growth; I welcome new challenges with open arms.
- My value extends beyond my work; I am whole and complete.
- Excellence in every effort.
- Doing my best is enough.
- Believing in endless possibilities fuels my dreams.
- Inspiring greatness in others is my calling; I uplift and motivate those around me.
- With an open mind and willing heart, I approach each day as a new opportunity.
I inspire. I lead. I grow. My influence reaches farther than I know.
Positive Affirmations From Famous Authors
Here is a collection of 20 insightful and empowering affirmations from renowned authors, carefully curated to inspire, motivate, and uplift your spirit.
- “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott
- “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.” – William Butler Yeats
- “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
- “I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet.” – Mahatma Gandhi
- “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” – Charlotte Brontë
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
– Steve Jobs
- “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” – Carl Jung
- “The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand
- “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.” – Helen Keller
- “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” – Florence Nightingale
- “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
- “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
- “The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.” – Charles Dickens
- “Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett
- “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
- “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “I dwell in possibility.” – Emily Dickinson
- “You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” – William Faulkner
- “The only thing standing between you and your goal is the story you keep telling yourself as to why you can’t achieve it.” – Jordan Belfort
Positive Affirmations For Spiritual Growth
These affirmations reflect the wisdom of spiritual teachers who have shared their insights to uplift and awaken humanity to a higher state of consciousness. Whether you seek inner peace, joy, or clarity, these words can guide you on your spiritual journey.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
– Franklin D. Roosevelt
- “In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.” – Deepak Chopra
- “The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” – Eckhart Tolle
- “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha
- “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
- “Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” – Dalai Lama
- “Out of clutter, find simplicity.” – Albert Einstein
- “I am thankful for all of those who said NO to me. It’s because of them I’m doing it myself.” – Wayne Dyer
- “The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive.” – John Green
- “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” – Rumi
- “When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Lao Tzu
- “Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
- “There are two ways to spread happiness; either be the light who shines it or be the mirror who reflects it.” – Edith Wharton
- “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” – Rumi
- “You are the universe, expressing itself as a human for a little while.” – Eckhart Tolle
- “If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” – Peace Pilgrim
- “Every moment is a fresh beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
- “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
- “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” – Rumi
Positive Affirmations for Success
Once you know what success means to you, achieving it may not be easy—but it’s much easier with a positive attitude!
- Success is not an accident; it is a choice.
- My mission is to_____, and every day I make a choice to take one step at a time.
- I see opportunities to be successful everywhere I look.
- I am an action-taker. I build my own success through hard work.
- Every day, in my own way, I am becoming more successful.
- I believe in my ability to unlock my own way and set myself free.
- I am the leader of my life. I am the writer of my story. I am the master of my path.
- I will succeed. I have abundance. I am dedicated to my goals.
- I have the potential to accomplish what I set out to do.
- I seek opportunity in every new interaction and situation.
- My success depends on solving problems and adding value to others.
- I choose the next best step, even if it’s difficult.
- I don’t let my fears keep me from following my dreams.
- I have the power to create change.
I believe in what’s possible.
Positive Affirmations Before You Give a Presentation
Giving a presentation can be nerve-wracking. Before you get on stage or step in front of your team for your big presentation, try positive affirmations to combat your nerves.
- I have value to offer to my audience.
- My audience is rooting for my success.
- I’m a master of my subject.
- I’m excited to share my story.
- I’m confident in who I am and what I have to offer.
- If I make a mistake, I can pick myself back up again.
- I’m articulate and clear.
- Breathe.
- My audience is excited to learn from me.
- I’m ready to connect with my audience.
- I know my audience and how to relate to their experience.
- My nerves are a sign that I care.
- My presentation will help make people’s lives better.
- I belong here.
- I empathize with my audience.
Positive Affirmations for Leaders
As a leader, people look to you for direction, which can often feel humbling and honoring. Use daily affirmations to stay the course and support your team.
- My past experiences have strengthened me for today.
- I can handle the obstacles that come my way.
- I’m capable of creating positive change.
- I accept responsibility.
- I’m ready to overcome challenges.
- People have faith in me.
- I add value to people’s lives.
- I help others succeed.
- My integrity is part of my success.
- People trust my decision-making.
- I have confidence in my team.
- I’m open to new ideas.
- Problems are opportunities.
- I’m excited to see my team succeed.
- I celebrate others’ success.
Positive Affirmations for Women
For women looking for reminders that they are capable, worthy, and loved, here are positive affirmations you can incorporate into your rhythm.
- I don’t have to carry it all.
- I am worthy of love and belonging.
- I embrace joy.
- I can transform problems into challenges, weaknesses into strengths, and fear into action.
- I am caring, kind, and generous.
- I am confident and capable.
- The path I walk on is empowering myself and the women around me.
- I am free from the opinions of others.
- My measure of success is my own. I don’t need to compare myself to others.
- My beauty radiates from the inside out.
- I’m ready for the right next step.
- I’m empowered to choose what’s best for me.
- I choose not to believe stories I tell myself about what others are thinking.
- I can be soft and kind and simultaneously fierce and resilient.
I am living my own unique story.
Positive Affirmations for Men
For men looking for reminders that affirm their values and beliefs, here are positive affirmations you can incorporate into your day.
- I accept and express my emotions with an open heart.
- I am strong, resilient, and not too proud to ask for help.
- I value family, hard work, and honesty.
- I am grateful for what I have, what I’ve accomplished, and who I am.
- I fight for what I value and believe.
- I stand up for those less fortunate.
- I empower those around me.
- I encourage the best in others.
- I will face the day with courage and openness.
- I have value to offer to those around me.
- My strength starts from within.
- I am focused, driven, and ready for what’s ahead.
- I already know my worth. I don’t need to power up to show it.
- I look for ways to take care of those around me.
- I protect those I love and those less fortunate.
Positive Affirmations for Relationships
Use daily affirmations in your relationship when you need a reminder of the values you want to uphold with your partner.
- I value my partner’s unique traits, both good and bad.
- I’m loyal.
- I believe the best about my partner.
- I am generous with my love.
- I am fully present with my partner.
- I am forgiving toward myself and my partner.
- I listen to understand where my partner is coming from.
- I choose discomfort over resentment and am willing to have tough conversations.
- I offer my best self to the relationship.
- I look for ways to delight my partner.
- I share my hopes, dreams, and fears with my partner.
- I trust my partner.
- I love sharing my life with someone, even through hardship.
- I’m proactive in caring for my partner.
- I believe in our capacity to overcome hardship.
Positive Affirmations for Love
These positive affirmations help you radiate love in all areas of your life.
- I deserve a healthy, happy, long-lasting relationship.
- I radiate beauty and confidence. I am comfortable in my own skin.
- I choose that which brings me and others joy, happiness, and peace.
- I believe in myself and others around me.
- I am worthy of love.
- A river of compassion washes away my anger and replaces it with love.
- My failed relationships give me strength for the future.
- I spread love to those around me.
- I’m worthy, loved, and enough.
- I accept myself for who I am, including my strengths and flaws.
- I’m proud of who I am and strive to do well.
- I speak up for myself and others.
- I radiate love and compassion.
- Love is abundant, and there’s more than enough to give and receive.
I choose love in every interaction.
Positive Affirmations for Kids
Positive affirmations aren’t just for adults. They can be really helpful reminders for kids to keep them motivated and focused on what matters.
- I can try my best.
- Practice makes progress.
- I can learn anything I put my mind to.
- I make good choices.
- I am brave. I can do this.
- It’s OK to ask for help when I need it.
- Life is tough, but so am I.
- I can be kind no matter what.
- I look out for people who need help.
- I am curious, not judgemental.
- I say sorry and ask for forgiveness when I’ve hurt someone.
- I learn from my mistakes.
- Everyone is unique and worthy of love and kindness.
- I don’t always know what others are going through, so I will be kind.
- I am patient with myself and others.
Positive Affirmations for Anxiety
When you feel anxious, it can be difficult to take control of your mind from the spinning thoughts of worry. Turn to one or two positive affirmations to regain control of your thoughts.
- I don’t need to be perfect. I’m only human.
- It’s OK to express my needs to others.
- My past does not define my future.
- I choose to let go of what I cannot control.
- I’m allowed to take up space.
- I am not alone.
- I can face my fears one step at a time.
- I trust myself to take the next best step.
- Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is doing it despite my fear.
- I let go of what I can’t control and choose joy and vulnerability.
- I can handle anything that comes my way.
- I’m excited about what’s to come.
- I inhale peace and exhale worry.
- I grow and become stronger through challenges.
- I release the past and embrace the future.
Positive Affirmations for Morning
Kick-start your day with a positive boost to set your intentions and get off on the right foot!
- Today is full of opportunities.
- I’m grateful for another day to___.
- I’m grateful for what I have.
- I will confidently make choices to create a better future.
- I have everything I need.
- I will make the most of today.
- I will find joy in the little things.
- Today will be fabulous.
- I will take one step at a time.
- I will add value to others’ lives.
- I will accept what happens today with an open mind.
- I will focus on what I can control and let go of the rest.
- I am present, powerful, and calm.
- I will achieve my goals with focus and hard work.
- I’m capable and strong.
Positive Affirmations for the Evening
End your day with positive reflections on what you’ve accomplished, letting go of any anxiety and ready for a new day tomorrow.
- I did my best today.
- I’m grateful for___ today.
- I’m proud of what I accomplished today.
- I let go of what I cannot control.
- I deserve to rest.
- I celebrate___.
- I’m looking forward to____ tomorrow.
- I’m at peace with what happened today.
- I’m ready to relax.
- I will sleep well.
- I let go of worry.
- My to-do list will be there in the morning; tonight, I rest.
- I’ve done enough today.
- I forgive myself for what did not go well.
I release my stress and anxiety.
Positive Affirmations for Students
Use positive affirmations to remind yourself that all the studying and work to achieve your goals is worth it.
- Hard work pays off.
- I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
- I strive to do my best.
- The more I learn, the more I can accomplish.
- I embrace challenges because they make me stronger.
- Learning is a journey and an adventure.
- I love learning new things.
- It’s OK not to know everything—there’s always something to learn.
- I’m in charge of my progress.
- With every small step, I’m building my future.
- I learn from my mistakes and know they don’t define me.
- Failure is not fatal, and success is not final.
- I improve a little bit every day.
- I make the most of new opportunities.
- I’m open to changing my mind in the face of new information.
Positive Affirmations For Body Image
For those struggling with or needing a reminder of the amazing thing that is their body, these are great go-to ideas.
- My life matters.
- My body is worthy of kindness and care.
- I love and accept my body as it is.
- My body and my life are a miracle.
- I choose to be kind to myself.
- My body is a work of art.
- My existence makes the world a better place.
- I nourish my body well so that I can do great things.
- I cherish my body because it allows me to experience life.
- I take care of my body’s needs.
- My favorite part of my body is___.
- I enjoy taking care of myself.
- I’m worthy of self-care daily.
- My body is strong and capable of amazing things.
- I’m grateful for the life I experience through my body.
Positive Affirmations for Teens
Here are the positive affirmations for teens dealing with bullying, self-acceptance, negative self-talk, and the range of issues accompanying adolescent life.
- The people judging me are the ones most afraid of being judged.
- I forgive those who have harmed me and peacefully detach from them.
- It is okay to feel fragile, sensitive, alone, and sad. These feelings are part of being a human being.
- I give myself permission to love myself.
- I overcome all pressures of drugs and alcohol. I hold myself to the highest values and morals.
- Social media is only a small part of life. True life is beyond the phone.
- Everyone will eventually forget what happened today. Nobody cares what I wore yesterday, either.
- I surround myself with positive influences and people who treat me well.
- Not every rumor is true. I choose not to ruminate on unconfirmed stories.
- I don’t compare myself with people on the internet.
- I love and accept who I am today.
- I’m an example and influence those around me.
- I believe in myself.
- I trust my gut and don’t give in to peer pressure.
I show myself kindness and forgiveness when I feel alone.
Positive Affirmations for Depression
Research1https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.032408.153621 has shown that negative self-talk can exacerbate feelings of depression. When you’re experiencing depression, try positive affirmations instead.
- I am peaceful. I am calm. I am resilient in the midst of change.
- I do my best daily and let the future take care of itself.
- I have gotten over every bad day so far. I will get through this one.
- I can handle anything that comes my way.
- I focus on what’s before me, one step at a time.
- I will face my fears and come out of this stronger than ever.
- I am in charge of my personal happiness.
- I accept both the ups and downs as valuable parts of my life.
- I love myself, regardless of what people think of me.
- I am not my depression. Depression is an experience that I am going through.
- I’m allowed to take up space.
- I have the strength to move beyond my depression.
- I’m loved and valued by others.
- I give myself compassion.
- I’m patient with my progress.
Positive Affirmations for Healing and Health
If you’re facing a health problem or just want to stay healthy, here are some affirmations.
- I accept the changes that are happening to my body. I am open to this change.
- I focus on being the healthiest version of myself at this moment.
- I am beautiful on the inside and out.
- I am investing in my health because I know I am worth it.
- My body is my temple.
- I will take steps to get stronger and healthier every day.
- Exercise will bring me longevity and more years to come.
- I train my body to achieve my goals.
- I make healthy choices for myself.
- I listen to my body. My body knows what it needs.
- I deserve to feel vibrant.
- Taking care of myself feels great.
- I exercise to honor my strength.
- I let go of stress and tension.
I am a priority.
Positive Affirmations for Creativity and Innovation
Want to learn how to be more creative? Creativity often comes sporadically—but, you can learn to increase your odds of a creative streak with these powerful positive affirmations.
- My creativity knows no bounds.
- Innovation is a natural and exciting process for me.
- I embrace new ideas and unique perspectives.
- My imagination leads me to discover brilliant solutions.
- I trust my creative instincts and follow my intuition.
- My mind is an endless source of inspiration.
- I am fearless in my creative expression.
- I see opportunities where others see challenges.
- My creativity grows with each day and each experience.
- Every failure is a stepping stone to a creative triumph.
- I am open to unconventional paths and ideas.
- My creativity is a gift that I share with the world.
- Innovation flows freely and effortlessly through me.
- I celebrate my unique artistic and innovative talents.
- Today, I will create something beautiful and original.
Positive Affirmations for Financial Prosperity
Financial stability and prosperity don’t happen by chance. These affirmations focus on cultivating a positive and abundant mindset that attracts wealth and success.
- I am worthy of financial success and prosperity.
- Money flows to me easily and abundantly.
- I am responsible and wise with my finances.
- Wealth is an expression of my inner value and success.
- I am open to new avenues of income and financial growth.
- Financial security and freedom are within my reach.
- I am grateful for the wealth I have and eager for more.
- I invest in myself and my future.
- I use my wealth to improve my life and the lives of others.
- My positive attitude towards money attracts prosperity.
- I am aligned with the energy of abundance and wealth.
- Every dollar I spend comes back to me multiplied.
- I am confident in my ability to make wise financial decisions.
- Money supports my goals and dreams.
Today, I choose to live a life of financial abundance.
Positive Affirmations for Athletes or Physical Performance
Physical performance is not just about the body, but also the mind. Whether you’re serving up points on the court, getting toned in the gym, or just trying to get more fit, these quotes will help you push beyond your limits!
- My body is strong, agile, and responsive.
- I am dedicated to improving my physical performance every day.
- I am fearless in the pursuit of my athletic goals.
- My mind and body work in perfect harmony.
- I push myself beyond limits and achieve greatness.
- I recover quickly and come back stronger.
- I am focused, disciplined, and determined in my training.
- Every sweat, every pain, is a step towards my victory.
- I am grateful for my health and physical abilities.
- I am a winner, both in spirit and in action.
- I love the challenge and thrill of competition.
- I trust my training, my skills, and my instincts.
- My body is a temple, and I treat it with love and respect.
- I find joy and satisfaction in physical activities and sports.
Today, I will push myself to be the best version of me.
Positive Affirmations for Career Advancement
Career growth is a journey, filled with opportunities and challenges—especially if you don’t know how to make a great first impression. These affirmations are designed to inspire confidence, motivation, and a positive attitude towards achieving your professional dreams.
- I am worthy of success and professional growth.
- I embrace new opportunities and challenges at work.
- My skills and talents are recognized and rewarded.
- I am proactive and take charge of my career path.
- I build positive relationships with colleagues and superiors.
- My work brings value to my team and my organization.
- I am always learning and growing in my career.
- I trust myself to make the best decisions for my career advancement.
- My success at work is a reflection of my hard work and dedication.
- I am confident in my abilities and know I am irreplaceable.
- I set clear career goals and work diligently towards them.
- I am not afraid to step out of my comfort zone for professional growth.
- Success, recognition, and promotion are within my reach.
- I am grateful for my career and the opportunities it offers.
- Today, I choose to be the leader of my professional destiny.
Positive Affirmations for Pregnancy and Parenthood
Pregnancy and parenthood are profound life changes filled with joy and challenges. These affirmations will help you embrace this beautiful phase with love, patience, and positivity.
- My body is strong and capable of nurturing life.
- I embrace the changes in my body with love and respect.
- Parenthood is a journey I’m prepared to embark upon with joy.
- I trust my instincts as a parent and know what’s best for my child.
- I am patient, understanding, and compassionate as a parent.
- I accept the imperfections and surprises of parenthood with grace.
- My love for my child grows deeper every day.
- I am grateful for the opportunity to be a parent and caregiver.
- I am connected with my child on a deep, spiritual level.
- I nourish my child’s growth with love, wisdom, and kindness.
- I am surrounded by support and love in my parenting journey.
- I am a source of comfort, guidance, and love for my child.
- Parenthood enriches my life in unimaginable ways.
- I celebrate the joys, embrace the challenges, and grow through parenthood.
- Today, I am a proud, loving, and confident parent.
Positive Affirmations for Grief and Loss
Grief and loss are painful but inevitable parts of life. These affirmations aim to provide comfort, acceptance, and strength to heal and move forward.
- I allow myself to feel my grief and heal at my own pace.
- My pain is real, but so is my resilience.
- I remember my lost loved ones with love and gratitude.
- I find comfort in the memories and legacy left behind.
- I am surrounded by love and support during this difficult time.
- My grief does not define me, but it helps me grow.
- I am strong enough to face this pain and find peace.
- It’s okay to seek help and share my feelings.
- I honor my grief but also embrace the joy in life.
- My heart is open to healing, acceptance, and new beginnings.
- I am grateful for the time and experiences shared with my lost ones.
- I trust that time will ease the pain and reveal the lessons.
- Grief has its place, but so does joy, love, and life.
- Today, I choose to take a step forward with love and hope in my heart.
I am a survivor, a warrior, and I will thrive again.
Positive Affirmations for Strengthening Friendships
Friendships add joy, support, and richness to our lives. These affirmations are designed to enhance your connections, deepen your friendships, and foster positive communication.
- My friendships are valuable and meaningful to me.
- I am a loyal, loving, and supportive friend.
- I attract friends who reflect my values and kindness.
- My friendships grow deeper and stronger with time.
- I am open, honest, and genuine in my friendships.
- I celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of my friends.
- I am grateful for the love and joy my friends bring into my life.
- I invest time and effort into nurturing my friendships.
- I am here for my friends, in good times and bad.
- Friendships enrich my life in countless beautiful ways.
- I trust my friends and feel safe to be myself with them.
- I learn from my friends and grow through our relationships.
- My friendships are a source of strength, encouragement, and fun.
- I am surrounded by friends who believe in me and lift me up.
- Today, I will reach out to a friend and share love and gratitude.
Positive Affirmations for Embracing Change
Change is a constant and often unsettling part of life. These affirmations will help you embrace change with courage, flexibility, and a positive outlook.
- I am adaptable and welcome change with an open mind.
- Change is an opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
- I am strong and resilient in the face of change.
- I trust the process and know that change brings progress.
- I am excited about the new paths and possibilities that change offers.
- I embrace change with courage, wisdom, and grace.
- I am in control of my attitude and response to change.
- Change is a natural part of life, and I flow with it.
- I learn from every change and become wiser and stronger.
- I am not afraid of change; I am empowered by it.
- I see the positive sides of change and focus on them.
- I am supported and guided through every change in my life.
- Change challenges me to evolve and become my best self.
- I am grateful for the lessons and opportunities change brings.
- Today, I choose to see change as a beautiful new beginning.
Bonus: In addition to the positive self-affirmations listed above, take advantage of the 200+ positive quotes we’ve curated that can also help you change your mindset!
Why Are Positive Affirmations Important? (The Science)
Research shows2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541373/ there is power in speaking positively to yourself to realign with who you are and transform your life for the better. In fact, those who self-affirm their values and intentions show increased activity in the part of the brain responsible for expecting and receiving rewards!
For example, if you repeat a message to yourself like “sitting less lowers my risk for certain diseases,” you’ll likely focus your mind on being more active and change your behavior over time.
Research indicates positive affirmations can also help to:
- affirm your values3https://www.academia.edu/13555803/The_Impact_of_Self-Affirmation_on_Health-Behavior_Change_A_Meta-Analysis
- reduce stress4https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0062593
- increase athletic performance5https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1745691611413136
- improve your health6https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24686957/
- promote healing7https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26497697/
- achieve your goals2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541373/
- overcome obstacles8https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103105000077
- boost your GPA9https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-49095-001
How Do You Create Positive Affirmations?
To create effective affirmations, it’s important to focus on positive and empowering language and use present tense statements that reflect the values, goals, and reality you’re aiming for.
Self-affirmations are not necessarily about speaking platitudes about yourself but about helping you identify and focus your mind on your values. In fact, if you use affirmations you don’t believe or don’t align with your values, research suggests10https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/psyifp/aeechterhoff/wintersemester2011-12/seminarthemenfelderdersozialpsychologie/04_wood_etal_selfstatements_psychscience2009.pdf they could have the opposite desired effect!
In order to write effective positive affirmations, try these helpful tips:
- Understand your values. If you don’t know what you want out of life and what matters to you most, positive affirmations will likely be unhelpful. Start first by exploring your values and setting goals.
- Make them personal and specific. The closer your affirmations align with your values, goals, desires, and intentions, the more likely they will support you.
- Use positive words or phrases. Instead of a phrase like, “I hate being unhealthy,” try saying, “I am healthy.” This reduces your focus on shame and sets your mind on your desired state.
- Use positive action words. Instead of simply saying, “I am kind,” you might add action by saying, “I show kindness to everyone I encounter.”
- Use positive feeling words. Words that express a desired state of feeling will help you start to embody how you want to feel. For example, “I feel at peace with who I am.”
- Focus on positive outcomes and intentions. For your affirmation to have the desired effect, focus on outcomes and intentions that alight with your values and goals.
- Use growth mindset language. By focusing your affirmations on your performance versus your ability, you increase your chances of success. For example, instead of saying, “I’m really good at this,” you might say, “I will do my best.”
- Use future tense language11http://scan.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/05/scan.nsv136.abstract. For some, affirmations may be hard to say because they are written in the present tense and may not feel believable. If this is you, you might try writing your affirmations in the future tense. Instead of saying, “I’m healthy,” you might say, “I will be healthy.”
- Pose affirmations as questions12https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626423/. Some people respond better to affirmations written as questions vs. statements because asking is often more powerful than telling. For example, instead of saying, “I will feel confident,” you might say, “Will I feel confident?”
Pro Tip: To make your affirmation personal to you, it may take a little trial and error, but it will be worth it. You might first start by getting ideas from the lists in this article. Find something that resonates with you. Maybe you choose, “I am lovable.” However, you might think, I don’t know if I believe this. To make it more believable to yourself, perhaps you modify your affirmation to, “I don’t always feel lovable, but I deserve to be loved.” By modifying your affirmation, it becomes more powerful!
Now that you understand how to write positive self-affirmations let’s look at how and when to use them throughout your day.
How and When Do You Use Positive Affirmations?
Positive affirmations are best used as a tool to help you realign with your values, intentions, and goals. Suppose you are feeling discouraged by an unfortunate mistake, disappointed by the outcome of an important project, or saddened by a failed relationship. In that case, positive affirmations are a great way to center yourself and keep you from ruminating on situations beyond your control. If they are focused on your values, positive affirmations aid in bringing you back to yourself.
To make the most of positive affirmations, take note of these tips to incorporate them into your life:
- Write them down. You might keep affirmations in your head, but one way to really mark them in your memory is to write them down and put them in places you will see them regularly.
- Read them out loud. By reading your affirmations aloud, you utilize more senses to embody the words. Better yet, read and repeat them regularly!
- Make them a part of your routine. You might start and end your day with positive affirmations or use them before important meetings or projects.
- Use them to recenter yourself. Do you find yourself in a negative thought pattern after some difficult feedback? Use affirmations to regain control of your mind and find focus.
- Put your affirmation in an image. If you’re more of a visual person, choose an image that aligns with your value or desired goal and put it somewhere you will see it every day. For example, “I am compassionate” might align with an image of a warm embrace.
- Only use affirmations that you agree with. Even if you haven’t met that desired state yet, be sure to choose affirmations that align with what you believe you are or want to accomplish in the future.
- Try the Thought Trigger technique. By pairing your affirmation with an activity, object, or person you see, you can trigger yourself to repeat your affirmation in specific situations. For example, every time you step into the office, there might be a certain door you go through. When you step through that door, repeat an affirmation to yourself, “I choose to be open to opportunity today.” Soon the door will become a trigger for you to remember to be open-minded. Try it in different situations and see what happens!
Personal Challenge: Write down 10 positive affirmations that are unique to you. Every day for the next two weeks, read and speak your affirmations to yourself during your morning and evening routine. Pay attention to the change in your mindset and mood!
Positive Affirmations Key Takeaways
In summary, take note of these takeaways to start incorporating positive affirmations into your daily routine:
- There is power in speaking positively to yourself to transform your life for the better.
- To create effective affirmations, it’s important to focus on positive and empowering language and use present tense statements that reflect the values, goals, and reality you’re aiming for.
- If you are feeling discouraged by an unfortunate mistake, disappointed by the outcome of an important project, or saddened by a failed relationship, positive affirmations are a great way to center yourself and keep you from ruminating on situations beyond your control.
If thinking positively is something you struggle with, we also recommend checking out our article Take Control of Your Life By Silencing Your Inner Critic.
Article sources
- https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.032408.153621
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541373/
- https://www.academia.edu/13555803/The_Impact_of_Self-Affirmation_on_Health-Behavior_Change_A_Meta-Analysis
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0062593
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1745691611413136
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24686957/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26497697/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022103105000077
- https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-49095-001
- https://www.uni-muenster.de/imperia/md/content/psyifp/aeechterhoff/wintersemester2011-12/seminarthemenfelderdersozialpsychologie/04_wood_etal_selfstatements_psychscience2009.pdf
- http://scan.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2015/11/05/scan.nsv136.abstract
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3626423/
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