Positive affirmations can change your mindset by replacing negative patterns of
thinking with encouraging and constructive ones. Based on the self-affirmation theory originated by
social psychologist Claude Steele in 1988, this practice has been shown to decrease stress, increase
motivation, and improve learning outcomes. It is most effective when practiced regularly and often,
and when the affirmations have personal meaning to you.
Choose a category that is relevant to you, and click through the affirmations until you find one
that makes you feel excited, motivated, or moved when you read it to yourself.
Focusing on your body and breath, say the phrase aloud, if possible, three or more times in a
row. Pause to breathe between each repetition.
Repeat this process at least twice per day, or whenever you find yourself in a negative thought
pattern.
You may want to write down one or a few phrases that speak to you and put them around your
house, in your phone, or even record yourself saying them aloud so you can listen back when you
aren’t in a place that you can speak aloud.
Stick with the same affirmation(s) for about three weeks, then change it up!