Positive Affirmations

Everyone has days when things just seem to go wrong. I certainly had one last week–on the way to the Taylor Swift concert, in fact.

Sometimes, though, nothing is exactly wrong with your life, but you still feel off. It can be so hard to know how to fix your mood if the problem isn’t evident, but something that has always helped me are positive daily affirmations.

What are positive daily affirmations?

Positive affirmations are quick one-liners you can say to yourself (or others) to remind you of what is important. It might sound silly at first, but they’re backed by science.

“Affirmations are important because our perceptions help shape our feelings and behaviors. If you think positively about yourself, you’re more likely to feel empowered and optimistic—even in adverse situations,” says neuropsychologist Alexander Burgemeester. “Similarly, you’re more likely to respect yourself, which leads to better boundaries, self-care, and healthier decision-making skills.”

How we can create positive daily affirmations

Step 1: Make a list of areas where you’d like to feel more confident or improve.

To help you decide what kind of positive affirmation you’d like to use, hone in on the area or areas where you’d like to feel stronger. For instance, if you feel you’re people-pleasing too much or your confidence is low, consider focusing on your self-worth.

Step 2: Write a sentence that reflects how you want to feel about those things or the mindset you’d like to have.

Use a list like the one below to craft a phrase that embodies the mindset shift you’d like to make. For the self-worth example, try something like “I have a value” or “I am enough.” That’s your affirmation.

Step 3: Write that phrase down and repeat it to yourself daily.

Make saying your daily affirmation a habit by choosing specific times of day that you’ll say it. And add power to your words by speaking it aloud or touching specific areas of your body while saying it. Re: self-worth. Place your hand on your heart and say aloud, “I have value.”

Below are nearly 150 positive affirmations designed to instill confidence and increase happiness.

131 positive daily affirmations

Positive daily affirmations to inspire confidence

1. “I am capable.”
2. “I am intelligent.”
3. “I am innovative.”
4. “I am brave.”
5. “I am confident.”
6. “I stand up for myself.”
7. “I can do hard things.”
8. “I am in charge of my own identity.”
9. “I have faith in myself.”
10. “My ideas are powerful.”
11. “I am allowed to change my mind.”
12. “This is my time.”
13. “I am articulate.”
14. “I know myself.”
15. “I am an independent person.”
16. “I am good at many things.”
17. “Anything is possible in my life.”
18. “I have faith in my own abilities.”
19. “I am qualified to be where I am.”
20. “I make good decisions.”
21. “I will stop apologizing for things I can’t control.”

Positive daily affirmations to instill self-worth

1. “I am good enough.”
2. “I deserve joy.”
3. “I am worthy of investing in myself.”
4. “I deserve positivity.”
5. “I am worthy of praise.”
6. “I love myself.”
7. “People like being around me.”
8. “I have surpassed my own expectations in the past.”
9. “I have innate value.”
10. “My perspective matters.”
11. “I respect myself.”
12. “I have meaning.”
13. “I am purposeful.”
14. “I am unique.”
15. “I am interesting.”
16. “I am deliberate.”
17. “I am intentional.”
18. “I am wise.”
19. “I am respected.”
20. “I matter to the world.”
21. “I am doing my best.”
22. “I deserve support from those who are close to me.”
23. “I am complete as I am.”
24. “I am allowed to feel good.”

Positive daily affirmations for leaders

1. “My leadership makes a difference.”
2. “I inspire people.”
3. “I am a role model to many.”
4. “I will be remembered.”
5. “I can make a positive change.”

Positive daily affirmations to honor how far you’ve come

1. “My past will never define me.”
2. “I am breaking generational cycles.”
3. “I am abandoning bad habits.”
4. “I am proud of myself.”
5. “I am advancing at my own pace.”
6. “There are a million reasons to be proud of myself.”
7. “My ancestors would be proud of me.”

Positive daily affirmations to channel growth

1. “Failure is not negative.”
2. “I am ready to learn and grow.”
3. “I know I can do this.”
4. “Today I will take the first step.”
5. “I am ambitious.”
6. “I am better than I was yesterday.”
7. “I enjoy learning.”
8. “I am proud of the person I am becoming.”
9. “I am my own biggest cheerleader.”
10. “I am constantly learning.”
11. “I am working hard to better myself.”
12. “I am filled with focus.”
13. “Every day is an opportunity for greatness.” 
14. “I allow myself to evolve.”
15. “My dreams are coming true.”

Positive daily affirmations for loving your whole self

1. “I have a beautiful spirit.”
2. “My sensitivity is beautiful.”
3. “I am gracious.”
4. “I am poised.”
5. “I am dynamic.”
6. “I am spontaneous.”
7. “I will not change who I am for anyone else.”
8. “I am allowed to feel my feelings.”
9. “I do not have to be happy all the time.”
10. “I love my body.”
11. “My body is strong.”
12. “I am not defined by beauty standards.”
13. “I deserve to nourish my body.”
14. “My body can do great things.”
15. “People who matter in my life will not ask me to change my identity.”

Positive daily affirmations for hard times

1. “Nothing can break my spirit.”
2. “These times are tough, but they won’t last forever.”
3. “Negative feelings will pass.”
4. “I am grateful for every day.”
5. “I am conquering challenges in my life.”
6. “I have come far in life.”
7. “My fears are melting away.”
8. “My future is bright.”
9. “I forgive myself for my past mistakes.”
10. “I will move forward from negativity.”
11. “I have a lot to look forward to.”
12. “I am rejecting negative energy.”
13. “I choose to try to be happy today.”
14. “I finish what matters and let go of what doesn’t.”
15. “I have done my best today.”
16. “Asking for help is a strength, and I am strong.”
17. “There is something good in every day.”
18. “I am not a failure.”

Positive daily affirmations to see the meaning in  life

1. “I am contributing to the world.”
2. “I am making an impact.”
3. “I am destined to do great things.”
4. “I make a positive impact on my community.”
5. “I make a difference in the world.”
6. “I am proud of the impact I make.”

Positive daily affirmations to keep grounded

1. “I belong here.”
2. “My kindness makes others’ lives better.”
3. “I am honest.”
4. “I am grateful for my life.”
5. “There are many small things I’m grateful for.”
6. “I know my own truth.”
7. “I set boundaries for myself.”
8. “I matter.” 
9. “I am complete as I am.”
10. “I am kind.”
11. “I am loved.”
12. “My positivity is contagious.”
13. “My life has meaning.”
14. “My friends and family value me.”
15. “My life is beautiful.”
16. “I make people I meet feel seen.”
17. “I am supported by people who love me.”
18. “I am in charge of my own life.”
19. “I am grateful for the life I have.”
20. “I appreciate the little things in life.”