One of my goals this year is to improve my inner dialogue and lean into the plasticity of my brain to improve my thought processes. I suppose that makes me sound like a mash up of a granola cruncher and a nerd, ha. Anyway, I started writing my own list of the best self-affirmations recently to kickstart my efforts. I plan to reference this list regularly this year and share them below in hopes you can use them too.
Daily Affirmations Can Unlock Your Best Self
Before, I dive in, let me take a quick step back and explain what self-affirmations are. Maybe you’ve heard the term used before, but aren’t quite clear on their format and purpose.
Self-affirmations are basically positive statements you say to yourself that focus on your strengths and potential, usually in the present tense to help you really believe them. When you repeat them often, you’re training your brain to replace negative thoughts with more empowering ones—this is referring to the neural plasticity benefits our brains have that I was referring to earlier. They are also said to be more effective when you voice them out loud versus just in your head.
Rewiring our brains for positivity is effective because it boosts confidence, motivation, and happiness. The idea behind self-affirmations is that validating your worth helps build a stronger sense of self and makes you more resilient to stress and self-doubt. They can even help you get rid of bad habits.
The Best Self-Affirmations by Time of Day
I’ve divided my list of the best affirmations into categories. I find I need different words of mental encouragement depending on the time of day and emotions I’m experiencing. If there are any moods or moments I didn’t cover that you would like added, please ping me in the comments and I’ll be happy to add more.
Start of the day
Today is a new chance to show up and I’m ready. I am strong, resilient, and capable of a lot. Even if things get busy, I will take things one step at a time and trust that I am enough. I don’t need to do it all or do it perfectly. My love, effort, and dedication matter more than anything else. I will give this day my best as that’s what matters most.
- Today is a fresh start
- Today I choose peace, joy, and tranquility
- I am enough
- I am worthy of love and respect
- I am in control of how I feel
- I am capable of greatness
- I trust the process of life
- I have a life filled with love, abundance, and happiness.
- I am grateful for my family and myself
- I am proud of what I’ve accomplished
- I am excited for what’s to come
- I believe in myself and my abilities
- I deserve success and happiness
- I am grateful for today and all it will bring
Before a meal
I’m thankful for this food and the way it fuels my body. I eat with awareness, honoring my hunger and choosing what feels right. Each bite nourishes me, and I’m grateful for this moment to care for myself.
Mid-day
I feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day. I let go of any stress from this morning and embrace the rest of my day with clarity and ease. I trust myself to stay focused and keep my energy flowing through the afternoon.
End of the day
Today, I did my best, and that is enough. I gave love, care, and effort. And I know those are the things that truly matter. I am proud of all the little victories—both seen and unseen. Tomorrow is a new day, and I will approach it with patience and grace. For now, I rest knowing I am enough, just as I am.
Simple Self-Affirmations For Every Mood And Moment
Below I list my favorite self-affirmations for some of the most common emotions adults experience today. It’s a mix of positive and negative feelings that I think we can all relate to. They are organized by emotion in alphabetical order. Enjoy!
Anxiety
I am in control of my thoughts and my body. Each breath I take calms my mind and centers my spirit. I trust that I am capable of handling whatever comes my way. And I have the inner strength to navigate through any discomfort. I release the worries that don’t serve me and embrace peace in this moment.
Confidence
I walk through life with confidence in my abilities and my worth. I trust that I have the skills and strength to tackle whatever comes my way. I am proud of who I am and the progress I have made. Confidence is within me, shaping my decisions and helping me move forward with clarity and intention. I trust in my ability to handle whatever comes next, and I approach each step with calm and focus.
Courage
I choose courage and embrace the unknown with an open heart. Fear does not define me. I move forward with strength and resilience, knowing that each step is a step toward growth. I trust in my ability to rise above challenges and face whatever comes with boldness and clarity. Today, I am brave, and my courage empowers me to act without hesitation.
Encouragement
I am my own source of encouragement, and I lift myself up with every step I take. I celebrate my progress, no matter how small, and acknowledge the strength it took to get here. I believe in my potential. Every challenge I face is an opportunity for growth, and I am proud of the courage I have to keep moving forward.
Related: Get Back Up And Keep Going
Exhaustion
I acknowledge my exhaustion and give myself permission to rest and recharge. Even a short break can make a big difference. I am deserving of rest, and my body knows when it needs to pause. Rest will restore my energy and renew my spirit.
Flexibility
I can handle whatever comes my way. When things don’t go as planned, I stay flexible and find my way forward. It’s okay if I can’t do everything I want right now—I’m honoring my commitments and putting my energy where it’s needed. I trust that the timing will work out. I’m adaptable, capable, and I have everything I need to make the most of every moment.
Frustration
I allow myself to feel frustrated and acknowledge it without judgement. It is a sign that I care about my goals and the outcome. I release the need to control everything and allow space for progress. I will focus on what I can change. I’m moving forward, even if it’s one step at a time and I choose patience and persistence.
Gratitude
Today, I focus on gratitude for all that I have and all that I am. I recognize the blessings in my life, both big and small, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment. Gratitude fills my heart and brings me peace, reminding me that even in challenging times, there is always something to be thankful for. I am thankful for my journey and the lessons it brings.
Guilt
I release the weight of guilt and forgive myself. I am human, and I am doing my best. I learn from my mistakes and grow stronger. I choose compassion and understanding for myself, knowing that I can make better choices moving forward.
Loneliness
I am never truly alone. I carry within me the love, support, and strength of those who care for me. My connection to the world is deep and ever-present, and I am open to new relationships and experiences. I am worthy of love and companionship, and the right connections will come into my life in their own time.
Overload
Through my breath, I release the weight of too many thoughts. I can handle one step at a time, and I give myself permission to slow down. Each task is manageable, and I trust in my ability to prioritize what truly matters. I am capable of finding peace amidst the chaos, and I trust that everything will fall into place.
Related: How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed And Deflated
Regret
I can’t change the past, but I can shape today and my future. I focus on what’s ahead, knowing I have the power to create a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Stress
I have the tools to find calm. I release tension with every exhale and allow my body to relax and my mind to settle. I am capable. And I approach challenges with a clear, focused mindset. I let go of what I can’t control and trust the process of life to unfold as it should.
Zen
I can find calm in any situation. When things get hectic, I focus on my center and breathe. I create space for stillness and clarity. It’s okay if things feel out of balance—I am present. My mind is clear, my heart is open, and I am grounded. I welcome peace and find my zen in every breath.
Related: Find The Answers To What Inspires You
Rewire Your Mindset with The Best Self-Affirmations
Adding daily affirmations to your routine can really make a difference in how you feel and handle life’s everyday challenges. You can utilize them to boost your confidence, shake off stress, or just find a little more peace. Affirmations are a wonderful way to train your brain to think positively. Think of them as little pep talks to reset your mindset.
The more you say self-affirmations, the more natural it becomes to focus on your strengths and keep moving forward. Just remember—it’s all about consistency, and every day is a new chance to level up your mindset. I’m giving every one of these best self-affirmations a go this year and hope you will too.
Untemplaters, what’s your favorite affirmation from my list? Which emotions do you want to focus on improving the most this year? Have you tried saying self-affirmations before?
Thank you for sharing this wonderful list of self-affirmations. I can’t express how timely and helpful this post is for me. About a month ago I started incorporating affirmations into my own day to day routine, and they’ve been really helpful with getting into a good headspace.
My backstory is this past November I switched to a new job and was felt pretty overwhelmed by self-doubt and felt out of place. I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with my new boss’s demands and felt like I’d made a mistake taking on that role. My wife reminded me how normal it is to feel flooded for the first month or two at a new job. And she encouraged me to stick with it and try positive affirmations.
I was pretty skeptical at first. But then I started giving myself mini pep talks before opening my laptop everyday like “I am capable,” “I trust my abilities,” and “I am growing every day.” Gradually, my confidence grew and I felt more at ease in meetings, more proactive and a lot more at peace with myself.
I really like how you organized your affirmations list. I’ll definitely be adding many of these to my daily routine. I go believe that words have power, and your post has reminded me of just how much. Thanks Sydney. Please keep up the great work.