Whether the New Year had the start you were looking for or it didn’t start with the bang you hoped for not have been the start you were looking for. BUT just because the tides aren’t *currently* turning in your favor, doesn’t mean the rest of the year can’t be what you’re looking for. How’s that, you ask? By incorporating positive affirmations into your routine!
According to research, adding positive self-talk to your day—otherwise known as positive affirmations—can help boost your outlook on life and overall well-being. Of course, we’re all for this, but knowing how to create these and when to use them can be new to you. Therefore, we tapped Ashley Joy, life and leadership coach, to gain a better understanding of positive affirmations and how to make them a successful part of your wellness arsenal.
Scroll on to learn more!
What are positive affirmations?
Don’t let the name fool you — positive affirmations may already be something you’re incorporating in your day! Think of these as phrases or statements you repeat to yourself before a big meeting, call or workout (i.e. “I’ve got this!”). Yep, those are positive affirmations!
It’s these words or phrases that can provide you with powerful benefits: “[They can be] used to boost your self-esteem, self-worth, and belief within yourself and your abilities,” says Joy.
In terms of who they benefit, the good news is they don’t discriminate. “Positive affirmations can help anyone, especially someone battling self-limiting beliefs and negative thoughts,” adds the Life and Leadership Coach.
How do you create positive affirmations?
So, where to start when it comes to creating your own positive affirmations? Joy advises using any existing painpoints or worries as a beginning point. “I encourage individuals to think about their current negative thoughts or beliefs and turn them into a positive affirming statement starting with ‘I AM’, which means you exist,” she says.
Taking this one step further, she provides some examples for ones to consider: “For someone dealing with imposter syndrome in the workplace and insecurities of belonging, you will say, ‘I am qualified and capable. I belong in every room I enter and earn my seat at the table,’” she says. Then, take this practice a bit further by writing them down: “After, post your affirmations where you can see them daily, places like a car, mirror, dresser, shower, computer, etc,” Joy adds.
Being mindful of the end goal, Joy provides a favorite quote for staying motivated: “The goal is to ‘speak what you seek until you see what you said.”—Marshawn Evans-Daniels. (We’re writing that down, too!)
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What are good positive affirmation examples?
Here are a few of Joy’s favorite of positive affirmations for you to put into practice to help you get started. Try adding these positive self-talk options that resonate with you to your daily wellness routine:
- I am right where I need to be, and everything is working for me.
- I am confident, I am fearless, and I am equipped to get the work done.
- I am disciplined, and I am taking bold steps today that my future self will thank me for.
Looking for a few more to add to your day? Scroll on over to Joy’s Instagram for additional inspiration. (Spoiler alert: There are SO many good ones, we’re upping our goal to 10 positive affirmations we’ll say daily!).
