To change our thinking, we have to practice thinking new thoughts. Here are 100+ classic affirmations with helpful tips to integrate them into your daily life.
In psychology, there is a saying that “neurons that fire together wire together.”
Every time you have a thought, your neurons fire down a certain pathway. And the more you think certain thoughts, the stronger those neural pathways become – until they are automatic.
To change our thinking, we have to practice thinking new thoughts.
That takes time and effort, especially when those thoughts don’t come naturally to you.
Affirmations are one simple and easy way to spark new thought patterns.
An “affirmation” is a positive or motivating thought that we repeat to ourselves inside our minds (or out-loud), with the goal of making it become a more natural part of our everyday thinking.
Every morning you can repeat positive affirmations to yourself with a clear and focused mind; and over time, these new thoughts can begin to take root inside your brain.
However, it’s important that you choose affirmations that really “click” and resonate with you.
If you try repeating affirmations that don’t spark any emotion or feeling, then it won’t matter how many times you lifelessly repeat them…they won’t stick in your brain. It will reject them.
But if you can discover just 3-5 powerful affirmations, that can be a great starting point toward getting your mind thinking in new directions.
This article shares 100+ affirmations focused on self improvement. Try to find the affirmations that “click” with you the most – or use this list as inspiration to create your own affirmations.
I recommend creating a document titled “Positive Affirmations” and start a collection of your own. It can be a very positive resource to draw from when you need an extra boost in life.
You can start by choosing 3-5 affirmations from my personal list below.
100 Affirmations for Self Improvement
Here’s 100 classic affirmations for self-improvement.
I’ve also included links to some of the affirmations which I’ve written whole articles about (a great way to dive deeper into the meaning behind each affirmation).
Which do you like best?
1. Everyday, in every way, I am getting better and better.
2. Every failure can be a learning experience.
3. Live in the present moment.
4. I create value in other peoples’ lives.
5. I am always changing and growing.
6. I am worthy of positive relationships in my life.
7. I wish happiness and success for everyone.
8. I learn something new everyday.
9. I have many strengths, skills, and talents.
10. This too shall pass.
11. I don’t worry about the things I can’t control.
12. Listening to my emotions can help guide me to make better decisions.
13. My anxiety is motivation to change or improve.
14. I can overcome obstacles in my life.
15. I am a positive role model to others.
16. I will try something different today.
17. Stepping outside of my comfort zone is necessary for growth.
18. I believe in the goodness of people.
19. I forgive anyone who has hurt me in the past.
20. What stands in the way becomes the way.
21. What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger.
22. My past is one big learning experience.
23. I must be the change I wish to see in the world.
24. I will try to be more understanding of others.
25. Every decision I make helps shape my destiny.
26. I create my own positive energy.
27. I can find happiness in every moment.
28. I’m a proactive problem-solver.
29. I can look at any situation from multiple perspectives.
30. Take the smallest step in the right direction.
31. When people get to know me, they really like me.
32. Just do it.
33. I see the bigger picture.
34. I see money as a useful tool for helping myself and others.
35. I take small steps everyday to be more healthy.
36. I’m dedicated to my passions in life.
37. I have the resources to take care of my family.
38. My negative emotions can serve a positive function.
39. I determine the meaning of my life.
40. I’m the prize.
41. No risk, no reward.
42. I remain focused on what matters.
43. I participate in life, I don’t wait for it to happen.
44. I will be more conscious when acting and making decisions.
45. I can think rationally and intelligently.
46. I’m dedicated to self improvement.
47. I treat others with kindness and respect.
48. If I want something I’ve never had, I must do something I’ve never done.
49. I know when to relax and not take life so seriously.
51. I can accept criticism without taking it personally.
52. I love and accept my body.
53. When I love myself, I permit others to love me too.
54. Most of the limitations in my life are fictional.
55. I narrate the story of my life.
56. I exude purpose and joy.
57. All is well, right here, right now.
58. Today, I open my mind to the endless opportunities surrounding me.
59. I am grateful for the people in my life.
61. I am my own best friend.
62. I am mindful of my health and well-being.
63. I exercise freedom in all aspects of my life.
64. I know when to trust my intuition.
65. I can gain knowledge in anything if I’m willing to learn.
66. I strive to achieve my goals and values in life.
67. I can only give happiness to others once I have found happiness in myself.
68. I’m optimistic about the future.
69. I have all the material luxury I need.
70. One day at a time.
71. I’m interconnected with everything in the universe.
72. I’m productive in achieving what I want in life.
73. Small changes on a daily basis lead to big changes over time.
74. Most of the time there is nothing to fear.
75. When life gets tough, I can persist.
76. If I can overcome this, I can overcome anything.
77. Nature doesn’t hurry, yet all is accomplished.
78. I can reframe any negative thought.
79. I wish happiness and success for everyone I meet.
80. Sadness is a stepping stone to happiness.
81. All of my power is in the present moment.
82. Nature does not hurry, yet all is accomplished.
83. I can change my thoughts and mindset with practice.
84. I trust the process.
85. I am energy.
86. My life is filled with possibilities.
87. To think is to practice brain chemistry.
88. I focus on what is in my power – and ignore what I can’t control.
89. I have a right to take up space in this world.
90. I am interested in everyone.
91. Everyone has something to teach me.
92. I’m open to changing my beliefs in the face of new information.
93. Every experience feeds my self-growth.
94. I can program my own mind.
95. I am a beacon of love and positivity.
96. I can overcome any obstacle.
97. People will like me if they truly get to know me.
98. I live a life filled with meaning and purpose.
99. I completely forgive myself for all past mistakes and failures.
100. Happiness is a perspective.
101. Fear is the mind-killer.
102. I have the power to create my own happiness in life.
103. My attitude permeates all external conditions.
104. I am a source of motivation and inspiration for others.
105. I wake up ready to make the most of each day.
106. Why not me?
107. I put my best effort into everything I do.
108. The only person ahead of me is me from 10 years into the future.
109. I bounce back from negativity quickly.
110. Things could be worse.
111. Carpe diem.
112. I must help myself if I want to help others.
113. Mindfulness is self-directed neuroplasticity.
114. I am a dynamic being.
115. I surprise myself every day.
116. I’m thankful for everything in my life.
117. Leave it better than you found it.
118. I have the right to take up space.
119. I will let go of the desire to change people.
120. I can think infinite positive thoughts.
121. Let bygones be bygones.
122. Accept, learn, adapt, and let go.
How to Practice Affirmations in Your Everyday Life
Once you choose affirmations that resonate with you, there are many different ways to integrate them into your life.
Here are healthy suggestions for how to make affirmations a part of your daily routine – and the best part is most of these tips take less than 5 minutes to do.
- Make affirmations a part of your morning ritual. You could repeat 3-5 of your favorite affirmations in front of the mirror before jumping in the shower or while brushing your teeth. Easy!
- Decorate your home with affirmations. Choose a few affirmations you like, write them down on pieces of paper or index cards, and then post them in places you will see them frequently (fridge, mirror, bedroom, etc.). A great way to practice unconscious positivity
- Combine affirmations them with power-posing. Get both your mind AND body thinking in a positive direction by combining your affirmations with a confident body posture.
- Add swear words to maximize effect. Studies show that swearing can reduce stress, so if you’re feeling a little adventurous why not add some swear words to your affirmations to make them sound cooler?
A few favorites that come to mind:- “Breathe in the good shit, breathe out the bad shit.”
- “F*ck that” (link to a great guided meditation)
- “Shit happens.”
- Write your own daily prayer. Another way to take your affirmations to the next level is to write your own “daily prayer” that you can recite to yourself every morning or night (or just when you need it). This is a great way to combine multiple affirmations that are all focused on the same topic.
- Motivating and inspiring quotes from role models. You can also use powerful quotes from people who inspire you as “affirmations” as well. For example, one quote from award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey that always stuck with me was, “The only person ahead of me is me from 10 years in the future.”
- Experiment and have fun. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to use affirmations. Be willing to experiment and try new things to see what works for you – that’s what is most important when it comes to self-improvement.
There’s nothing magical about affirmations, they are simply the practice of using words to help change your perspective and attitude.
It’s similar to reading an inspiring quote from your favorite athlete, scientist, philosopher, teacher, or musician.
Finding the right words can be a gateway to changing your mindset.
Pay attention to words, quotes, phrases, and affirmations that resonate with you at a deep level and create a genuine change in your mood and emotions.
Start practicing affirmations today!
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