40 positive affirmations to replace negative beliefs (2024)

Falling into a pattern of negative and anxious thoughts can be a hard cycle to break. And, whilst we try to uplift others, we are often guilty of failing to treat ourselves with the same compassion. Negative self-belief impacts us in the present, and also stands in the way of our goals and dreams.

Enter positive affirmations. These personal mantras encourage us to refocus our minds and help shift our thought patterns from negative to positive. In doing so, they boost our self-esteem, motivation and mindset.

MindTools explain it best: "Affirmations are positive statements that can help you to challenge and overcome self-sabotaging and negative thoughts. When you repeat them often and believe in them, you can start to make positive changes.

"You might consider affirmations to be unrealistic wishful thinking. But try looking at positive affirmations this way: many of us do repetitive exercises to improve our physical health, and affirmations are like exercises for our mind and outlook. These positive mental repetitions can reprogram our thinking patterns so that, over time, we begin to think – and act – differently."

Positive affirmations help to replace negative beliefs and thought processes with more productive and positive ones. They're also useful when trying to achieve a goal as they help you feel motivated and focused.

"According to 2016 research, positive affirmations activate your brain’s reward system and influence how you experience emotional pain," says PsychCentral. "When the reward system gets triggered, it alleviates some of the stress you might have felt otherwise. They can also help with self-improvement and overcoming hardship."

However, it's important to use positive affirmations correctly to see the most benefit – they won't work if you don't consistently put in the effort. Whilst they increase your confidence, you still have to honour the affirmation with real action.

Positive affirmations also work best when you place emphasis on the present or future, rather than the past. It's also important to use positive affirmations that demonstrate compassion towards yourself.

First things first, identify something you'd like to achieve or change, such as better self-esteem or a promotion. Ultra-positive affirmations can fail because people don't truly believe in them, so try neutral or specific mantras instead.

For example, instead of saying: "I'm the only person qualified enough for the job", try "I am qualified and confident. I'd be a great choice for the job."

Next, get into a regular (daily, if possible) routine of repeating your affirmation out loud to yourself. Healthline says: "Regular repetition of affirming statements about yourself can encourage your brain to take these positive affirmations as fact. When you truly believe you can do something, your actions often follow."

They add: "Repeat each affirmation about 10 times. Listen to yourself saying it, focusing on the words as they leave your mouth. As you say them, believe them to be true."

If you think you'll struggle to fall into a routine, then add self-affirmations to an already-established habit. For example, stick Post-it notes on your bathroom mirror so you can repeat your mantra as you get ready in the morning. Or, try repeating your affirmations as you get ready for bed in the evening.

If you don't like verbally repeating your positive affirmation, try jotting it down in a notebook instead.

10 affirmations for anxiety:

1. This feeling isn't permanent.
2. I am safe, nothing bad is going to happen.
3. My past does not dictate my future.
4. These anxious thoughts will pass.
5. I acknowledge these thoughts and emotions, and I choose to let them go.
6. I am calm, I am in control.
7. I can handle it and I will handle it.
8. My anxiety does not define me.
9. My anxiety might arrive, but it will also pass.
10. I have survived feeling anxious before, I will survive it again.

10 affirmations for self-esteem:

1. I am intelligent, kind and loved.
2. With hard work, I can achieve anything I set my mind to.
3. I am open to learning, growing and adapting.
4. Today, I will be the best version of myself.
5. I choose to treat myself with kindness and compassion.
6. I am loved, valued and respected.
7. I deserve happiness as much as anyone else.
8. I'm at peace with myself and I accept myself.
9. I am confident and capable.
10. I have value and I matter.

10 affirmations for achieving a goal:

1. I have all the skills and experience I need.
2. I am qualified, confident and competent.
3. I can do hard things.
4. Today, I will be efficient and productive.
5. Growth isn't easy, but I can handle it.
6. I am another day closer to achieving my goal.
7. Every obstacle can be overcome.
8. I have everything I need to achieve my goal.
9. Just because it's hard, doesn't make it worthwhile.
10. I am proud of my ability to commit to a goal.

10 affirmations for positive thinking:

1. Whatever life throws at me, I can handle it.
2. Today is going to be a good day.
3. Bad days come and go.
4. I am thankful for my experiences, they've helped me to grow.
5. I am happy and relaxed.
6. I continue to thrive and grow.
7. The past is behind me and the future is bright.
8. I am enough. I have enough.
9. I am surrounded by love and care.
10. I am doing my best and my best is enough.