What are Affirmations, How to Write Them & Examples

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you challenge and overcome (often subconscious) self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. By repeating affirmations, you recite sentences that evoke positive emotions and envision a reality where you’re already achieved specific goals or desired feelings. When you repeat them often, and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes. Think of affirmations as a form of mental exercise—just like physical exercise strengthens your body, affirmations strengthen your mind by fostering positive thinking habits.

Become aware of your current thought patterns and identify any negative thoughts or limiting beliefs you’ve been holding onto. It might be helpful to ask yourself: “What do I want to work on?” “In what areas of my life have I been holding myself back?” What situations or thought patterns no longer serve me?”

Formulate affirmations that counteract the limiting belief that you have identified. Ensure they are clear, positive, and focused on your desired achievements. Positive language should reflect what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. For instance, instead of “I’m not afraid”, say “I am courageous”.

Use the present tense when framing your affirmations, as if the positive change you desire is already happening. This helps you believe the statement is true now. For example, instead of saying, "I will be happy," say, "I am happy and content with my life."

The more specific your affirmation, the more powerful it will be. For example, instead of saying, "I am successful," say, "I am successfully managing my business and achieving my financial goals."

Consistency is key when it comes to affirmations. Just as physical exercise requires regular practice to build strength and endurance, affirmations need to be repeated consistently to rewire your thought patterns. Set aside a moment every morning to check in with yourself and write down an affirmation for the day ahead. While you write down your affirmation: visualize yourself achieving your goal while experiencing the associated positive emotions as if it’s already happened.

Ask yourself: “How can I live this affirmation?” “How can I embody this affirmation?” “What changes can I make right now that are in line with my affirmation?” In order to see long lasting changes we have to implement change that reflects the affirmation. For example, if your daily affirmation is: “I allow my mind and body to rest”, start by identifying exactly what that means to you. Then, implement changes in your daily routine: limit screen time, create a relaxing evening routine, schedule breaks throughout the day, practice meditation, and so on. By integrating these steps, you turn the affirmation into actionable behaviors, which helps in fostering genuine and lasting confidence.

The daily affirmations you choose are ultimately up to you. Whether you find inspiration online or form your own one - affirmations are highly personal, and therefore, it’s important that you feel a connection with the statement. Choose affirmations that resonate with you and make you feel grateful, confident, and relaxed. Here are a few examples:

• I am productive and efficient in managing my time
• I am constantly learning and growing
• I am resilient and can overcome any challenge
• I am surrounded by positive and supportive people
• I am motivated and driven to achieve my goals
• I am worthy of love and respect
• I am grateful for my current and incoming abundance
• I deeply accept myself, just as I am
• I am in control of my thoughts and use them to empower myself every day
• Everything is working for my highest good
• I am proud of who I am becoming
• I am grateful for the opportunities that come my way, and I know that I deserve them.
• I allow my mind and body to rest
• I have everything I need within me to succeed today
• Each day, I take inspired action toward my goals, knowing that every step brings me closer to realizing my dreams
• I see and grasp all the amazing opportunities that come my way, and I know that I deserve them
• I am releasing any fears stopping me from reaching my true potential, and trusting that what’s meant for me, is on its way to me
• I’m grateful for all the blessings in my life, big and small
• My ability to conquer my challenges is limitless and my potential to succeed is infinite
• I deeply embrace any positive changes coming my way

Affirmations are more than just feel-good phrases—they are powerful tools for transforming your mindset and fostering positive change. By understanding what affirmations are and how they work, you can start to replace negative self-talk with empowering statements that reinforce your goals and well-being. 

As you embark on this journey, make it a daily habit to incorporate affirmations into your routine. Start your day with positive statements, and let them guide you towards a more confident and fulfilled you. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

If you need inspiration for your daily affirmations, check out Mindful Planner: an all-in-one productivity and wellness planner that helps you structure your life, set powerful intentions, and guide you in transforming big goals into smaller steps. It also includes an affirmation database and enough space to write down your daily affirmations.