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10 Positive Affirmations to Get You Through the Day

Kelly Meehan Brown Sep 07, 2022

You know who your biggest cheerleader should be? You. How so? Positive self-affirmations.

Sometimes, you need to be the one that tells you it’s all going to be okay over and over until it sinks in—you’d do it for your bestie, right? So why not for yourself? We all feel a little low from time to time—which is totally fine and a normal part of growing up. What’s not fine is beating yourself up about it.

In fact, negative self-talk can lead to an increase in other mental health issues like anxiety and depression^{^[1]}. If you hear something too often, it’s easy to be convinced it’s true. This talk can also lead to limiting beliefs that mean you don’t put yourself out there, try new things, or continue to strive for a level of perfection that doesn’t exist.

Positive self-affirmations, however, do the exact opposite (as you may have guessed). These affirmations, whether for teens, young adults, or the golden oldies, are positive statements or phrases you repeat to yourself that drive home their constructive meaning while negating pessimistic thoughts or feelings. Simple, right?

And they work. One study found that positive self-talk, tested against negative, motivational and instructional, led to greater success in teen athletes and better headspace overall^{^[2]}. Again, if you hear something often enough…

Sounds good, so how do you get started? Simply pick a phrase (or two) that resonates with you and repeat it to yourself daily. And to make it even easier, we’ve compiled a list of 10 useful affirmations as well as some tips to help you stick with them.

10 Short Positive Self-Affirmations

1. I am a quick, capable learner.

Whether it’s school, college, or a beloved hobby, you can always improve and pick up something new every day. Ensure your study space at home is designed well to help with this.

2. This too shall pass.

Every situation and feeling, no matter how intense it may feel at the time, will eventually fade. Bear this in mind as you navigate negative self-talk.

3. I am not my negative thoughts.

It’s okay if some of your thoughts aren’t so positive all the time. Just remember that they do not define you.

4. Not everyone will like me, and that’s okay.

You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, just like not everyone’s your best friend. Remind yourself of this often.

5. I deserve good things in life.

Whether it’s packing up your Good Vibes Gear Hauler for a hike or organizing your Suede Campus Backpack with new stationary, if it makes you feel good, you deserve it.

6. The person I see in the mirror is a friend and I will be kind to them.

Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to someone you love. After all, you’re the only you you’re gonna get!

7. I am in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.

You are where you’re meant to be; trust in your decisions.

8. I am good enough.

You are. ‘Nuff said.

9. My life is just beginning.

It may not always feel like this, but that’s why positive affirmations are so important for teens especially. You have a long road ahead of you, but you’re nailing the right now.

10. Thank you, self.

Think of everything you do for you. Whether it’s going for a long walk or remembering to fill up your Lunch Break the night before, show gratitude to yourself.