​Positive Affirmations: Definition, Benefits, & 102 Examples to Improve Your Life

By Tchiki Davis, MA, PhD

What are daily positive affirmations and how do you use them to shift your mindset? Here we'll share some powerful daily affirmations for multiple areas of your life.

*This page may include affiliate links; that means I earn from qualifying purchases of products.

Is it sometimes hard for you to believe in yourself? Do you struggle to think positively? Or, does your mind always seem to be able to find the worst-case scenarios? Then daily affirmations may be a useful tool to help you shift your mindset in ways that improve your life.

​Daily affirmations are simple, powerful phrases that can shift the way you think and feel. Whether you’re looking to calm anxiety, build self-confidence, manage anger, deepen your faith, or sustain happiness, affirmations can help you create new mental habits that support your well-being.

This article explains what affirmations are, how they work in the brain, and how to use them effectively. You’ll also find an expanded collection of more than 120 affirmations—including new categories for de-escalating anger, faith-based living, social situations, and sustaining joy.

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What Are Positive Affirmations?

Positive affirmations are phrases or statements that we repeat to ourselves to help us shift our minds in ways that, hopefully, improve our lives. Generally, these affirmations are positive (e.g., "I am happy and healthy"), although they could also be somewhat neutral (e.g., "I am present in the moment.") Regardless of their emotional tone, affirmations are used to shift the way our minds think about something. Maybe we want to feel less anxious, more confident, or more focused.

The theory is that affirmations may be able to help us with these goals by forging new neural pathways in our brains. Indeed, both research and theory suggest that deliberate thought processes—like affirmations—can be made automatic over time (Paulhus & Coue, 1993). For example, try to think back to before you knew the answer to 2 + 2. You had to count and think about it. Now, your brain just knows the answer automatically. This is how the brain works—it attempts to automate anything we do often. So if we repeat our affirmations often enough, our brain just might start to think these thoughts automatically.

Daily Affirmations: Are They Good for Us​?

The benefits of using affirmations can be supported by a variety of studies on related topics. For example, we know that things like optimism, positive thinking, and various mindsets lead to well-being and other positive outcomes. We also know that when we believe something will come true, it is actually more likely to. Even false beliefs can affect our own and others' experiences (Madon, Jussim, & Eccles, 1997).

Research on affirmations themselves suggests that affirmations can be a good way to maintain self-esteem in the context of threat (Critcher, Dunning, & Armor, 2010). For example, when our bosses, romantic partners, friends, or even strangers say something critical or negative to us, we may use affirmations to dampen negative emotions and feel better about ourselves.

​We also know from research on neuroplasticity that we actually can change our brains to think in new ways, even as adults (Demarin & Morovic, 2014). When we put this research together, there is good reason to believe that shifting our thoughts and training our brains to think in new ways is indeed good for our health and well-being.

The History of Positive Affirmations

One of the earliest known practices that resembles modern affirmations is sacca-kiriyā (Pāli; Sanskrit satyādhiṣṭhāna), a “solemn declaration of truth.” Found in early Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain texts, this practice involves stating a personal truth—often a moral virtue or a good deed—followed by a wish or command such as, “By this truth, may I be protected.”

​Ancient people believed that truth itself carried transformative power. Spoken with sincerity and often accompanied by ritual acts like pouring water or cleansing, these declarations were thought to bring healing, safety, or success. In essence, sacca-kiriyā is an ancient affirmation grounded in the conviction that words aligned with reality can shape outcomes.

Positive Affirmations in Egypt
In ancient Egyptian spirituality, the deceased might recite statements like, “I have not committed sin,” or “I am pure,” to secure safe passage into the afterlife. These utterances were not merely symbolic; Egyptians believed that correctly spoken words activated cosmic forces. Much like modern affirmations, these statements combined intention, repetition, and sacred language to transform reality.

​Mantras in Ancient India
Mantras—sacred words or phrases repeated during meditation and ritual—are another clear example of ancient affirmations. In Vedic and yogic traditions, mantras were used to focus the mind, purify the heart, and align with divine qualities. Repeating these phrases was believed to imprint uplifting qualities on the practitioner’s consciousness, reinforcing inner strength and spiritual growth.

How to Do Daily Positive Affirmations

Daily affirmations are pretty easy. You just choose a phrase that represents how you want to think or feel, and repeat that phrase to yourself. Here are some tips to help you start an effective affirmation practice:

1. Say your affirmations out loud.
Saying an affirmation in your head is fine, but it may help to add additional senses so multiple parts of your brain experience the affirmation. Saying your affirmation out loud can help you feel it coming out of your mouth and hear it going in your ears.

​2. Use the present tense.
Keep your affirmations simple and clear by using the present tense. For example, you might say “I am a good person” rather than “I can become a good person”. This focuses your attention on shifting your beliefs rather than setting a goal.

3. Try not to highlight the negative.
The goal is to shift your mind to thinking in more beneficial ways, so be careful not to frame your positive affirmations in ways that remind you of the negative. For example, instead of saying, "I will no longer get into bad relationships," you might say, "I am deserving of healthy relationships."

4. Choose meaningful affirmations.
When choosing which affirmations to repeat regularly, look for ones that matter to you. If you keep repeating something that's unimportant to you, it won't feel as worth it, and so you may not be as committed to shifting your mindset in that direction.

Choose Believable Affirmations To Avoid Cognitive Dissonance

When practicing daily affirmations, it’s important to select statements that feel authentic to your current reality. If an affirmation feels completely impossible or far removed from your present circumstances, it can create cognitive dissonance—a mental friction between what you say and what you actually believe. Instead of feeling empowered, you may end up frustrated or skeptical, which can undermine the effectiveness of your practice.

For example:

• ❌ “I am a multi-millionaire” when you are struggling to pay bills may create tension in your mind, making the affirmation feel false or even discouraging.

​To avoid this, focus on actionable, believable affirmations that reflect both your current efforts and your aspirations:

• ✅ “I choose to be a good steward of the blessings I’ve been given and continue to seek opportunities to create wealth and financial abundance.”

​This approach allows your brain to internalize the statement without resistance, reinforcing positive habits and attitudes while keeping your positive affirmations grounded in reality. By bridging where you are with where you want to be, you maintain motivation and encourage genuine growth.

Video: Powerful Morning Affirmations

Daily Affirmation Examples

Each of us will resonate differently with different affirmations. It likely depends on which thought processes we are most struggling with. For example, if I'm struggling with self-esteem or confidence, I might feel like I really get the most out of self-love affirmations. Or, if I'm feeling stressed out about work or my career, I'll probably get the most out of daily affirmations for success. 

Everyone is different, so try to remember there is no right or wrong affirmation. If you want your daily affirmation to be, "I am a radiant being," that's just fine. Someone else may prefer, "I am worthy," or "I am in control of my life." Explore the following different types of daily affirmations to find the ones that you think will work best for you.

Daily Positive Affirmations

1. I am inspired by things happening all around me.
2. I am grateful for the people I have in my life.
3. I grow and improve every day.
4. I treat myself kindly and with self-compassion.
5. I am able to find the silver linings in difficult situations.
6. I always try to see the bright side of things.
7. I am grateful for the things I have in life.
8. I appreciate the opportunities I've been given.
9. I am kind and help inspire others to be kind.
10. My life is full of potential.
11. I give myself permission to be myself.
12. I give myself permission to take time for myself.
13. I have the power to change.
14. ​I forgive those who have hurt me.
15. I have the ability to recover from difficulties.

Positive Affirmations for Self-Love

1. I am courageous.
2. I am capable of standing up for myself.
3. I approve of myself.
4. I love myself fully.
5. ​I’m allowed to have needs and take up space.
6. I am good at ​__________.
7. I have value.
8. I am at peace with who I am.
9. I deserve peace of mind and joy in my life.​
10. I am allowed to take care of myself.
11. I am worthy of love.​
12. There are many things that I love about myself.
13. I feel proud of myself when I ___________.
14. I have many positive qualities including _____________.
15. I surround myself with positive, supportive people.
16. ​I am enough.​
17. ​My needs and wants are important.​
18. ​I’m worthy of self-respect and kindness.
19. ​I choose to celebrate my good qualities.
20. ​I’m doing my best and that is enough.
21. ​I am enough.

Daily Positive Affirmations for Success

1. I am in control of how I live my life.
2. I am allowed to take my own path.
3. I put my energy into the things that matter to me.
4. I am free to create the life I desire.
5. ​I am capable of making my own decisions.​​
6. I trust in my ability to make good decisions.
7. My future is bright.
8. I deserve success.​​​
9. I give myself permission to do what is right for me.
10. I give myself the time and space for personal growth.
11. Failure is just one step on the way to success.
12. Taking small steps every day can help me achieve big goals.
13. I have the freedom to set my own goals.
14. I have the potential to succeed.
15. ​I am open to future opportunities.
16. ​I’m in charge of my life.

Video: Daily Affirmations for Success

Positive Affirmations for Anxiety

1. I can control how I react to others.​
2. My emotions have purpose and value.
3. I trust myself and my feelings.
4. I accept myself just the way I am.
5. I feel safe and secure wherever I am.
6. I am calm and feel content.
7. I am allowed to say no and stand up to my negative thoughts.
8. I have the power to let things go.

Positive Affirmations for Women

1. I’m beautiful and smart.​
2. I accept my body shape and size.
3. I am grateful to be living in a female body.
4. I deserve to feel safe and comfortable in my body.
5. I accept myself the way I am.
6. I accept the experience of being a woman.
7. I empower myself and other women.
8. I am confident in my sexuality.
9. I am grateful for my feelings and emotions.
10. I express my true self.

Positive Affirmations for Men

1. I accept the responsibilities of being a man.
2. I respect myself.
3. I feel confident.
4. I matter to a lot of people.
5. I like who I am.
6. I am allowed to feel and express my emotions.
7. I am powerful.
8. I am a good person.
9. I use setbacks to make me stronger.
10. Happiness is a choice, and I choose to be happy.

Positive Affirmations for Kids

1. There is no one better to be than myself.
2. I get better every single day.
3. I am perfect just the way I am.
4. I can make a difference in the world.
5. If I fall, I will get back up again.
6. My mistakes help me learn and grow.
7. It’s okay not to know everything.
8. I give myself permission to make my own choices.
9. I believe in myself.
10. It is enough to do my best.
11. Today I am going to show the world my greatness.
12. I can learn new things and build new life skills.

​Affirmations for Managing Anger and Road Rage

Anger is a natural emotion, but when it escalates—especially in high-stress situations like traffic—it can lead to impulsive actions that harm both mind and body. Affirmations can be a quick, practical tool for interrupting this cycle. Below are affirmations tailored specifically for moments of extreme frustration or anger.

Road Rage Affirmations

• These drivers’ mistakes do not control my behavior.
• This person's failure to signal will not make me drive like a fool in response.
• I am focused on arriving safely, not proving a point.
• I choose patience over reaction.
• Every deep breath brings me closer to calm and clarity.

General Anger Affirmations

• I inhale in peace and exhale anger.
• How I choose to express my anger is my responsibility.
• I acknowledge my frustration and release it without harm.
• I can step back and give myself time to cool down.
• I allow this feeling to pass without letting it define me.

​These statements work best when paired with a physical grounding technique—such as counting your breaths, unclenching your jaw, or loosening your grip on the steering wheel. Over time, these practices can help you maintain self-control even in situations that once felt overwhelming.

A Few More Powerful Daily Affirmations

1. I am allowed to be loud.
2. My thoughts and feelings matter.
3. I like me. I love me.
4. I am not perfect and that's okay.
5. Good things are coming my way.
6. I am doing my best, and that's good enough.
7. Today is going to be a great day.
8. I am capable of achieving my goals.
9. I am proud of myself.
10. I am awesome.

Daily Affirmations Journaling

One way to make sure you do your affirmations each day is to get a journal. You might try to write a few affirmations each morning or evening—whenever works for you. After writing your short affirmation statements, it may also be helpful to elaborate. For example, if you write, "I am kind," you might go on to write about the kind thoughts or feelings you have or the kind actions you have taken. These elaborations may help your brain integrate this new information and connect to other thoughts, feelings, or memories.

Books on Daily Affirmations

Want even more affirmations? Here are some books on affirmations to explore:

• ​​10,000+ Positive Affirmations: Affirmations for Health, Success, Wealth, Love, Happiness, Fitness, Weight Loss, Self Esteem, Confidence, Sleep, Healing, Abundance, Motivational Quotes, and Much More!​​
• Daily Rituals: Positive Affirmations to Attract Love, Happiness and Peace
• Badass Affirmations: The Wit and Wisdom of Wild Women

Daily Affirmation Cards

Here are some affirmation card decks. These cards may make it easier to look over affirmations and keep them handy.

• Affirmators! 50 Affirmation Cards to Help You Help Yourself - Without The Self-Helpy-Ness!​
• Affirmation Cards for Women: Beautifully Illustrated Inspirational Cards with Positive Affirmations to Help with Gratitude, Mindfulness, Daily Encouragement and Self Care
• Dessie Affirmation Cards for Women With Thought-Provoking Questions
• Mindful Messages Positive Affirmations Meditation Cards​
• Meditations and Affirmations: 64 Cards to Awaken Your Spirit​

Articles Related to Daily Affirmations

• Morning Affirmations: 97 Good Affirmations to Start The Day
• Self-Affirmations: Definition, 195 Examples, & Lists
• Loving Yourself: Why and How to Love Yourself

Books Related to Daily Affirmations

If you’d like to keep learning more about daily affirmations, here are a few books that you might be interested in.

• 10,000+ Positive Affirmations: Affirmations for Health, Success, Wealth, Love, Happiness, Fitness, Weight Loss, Self Esteem, Confidence, Sleep, Healing, Abundance, Motivational Quotes, and Much More!
• A Year of Self-Love Page-A-Day Calendar 2024: Daily Affirmations and Actions for Self-Compassion and Self-Worth
• I Am Capable of Anything: 1,500+ Daily Affirmations to Boost Self-Love, Self-Esteem and Positivity
• 365 Days of Positive Affirmations: A year of powerful daily inspirational thoughts for creating change in your life and attracting health, wealth, ... and self-esteem.

Final Thoughts on Daily Affirmations

Starting a daily affirmation practice can be a useful tool for developing a more positive mindset. Although we can't expect magic or an immediate change in perspective, the evidence suggests that over time, affirmations may help us change our brains in ways that improve our well-being.

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References

• Critcher, C. R., Dunning, D., & Armor, D. A. (2010). When self-affirmations reduce defensiveness: Timing is key. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 36(7), 947-959.
• Demarin, V., & Moroic, S. (2014). Neuroplasticity. Periodicum biologorum, 116(2), 209-211.
• Madon, S., Jussim, L., & Eccles, J. (1997). In search of the powerful self-fulfilling prophecy. Journal of personality and social psychology, 72(4), 791.
• ​Paulhus, D. L., & COUÉ, E. (1993). Bypassing the will: The automatization of affirmations. JMS, 4, 1.

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