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80 affirmations for confidence: Combatting self-doubt with self-love

December 7, 2023 - 15 min read

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How do affirmations work?

How to use affirmations for confidence, self-esteem, and self-love

80 affirmations for confidence, self-esteem, and self-love

Empowering your journey

Imagine waking up and starting your day by telling yourself: “Today, I’m going to be my best self.” 

Instead of scrolling through social media and comparing your life to others or going straight to the coffee machine, you choose to fill your mind with self-confidence building positive self-talk. Suddenly, your daily routine starts with validation, self-worth, and powerful daily affirmations.

Let's face it: in our fast-paced world, it's tough to avoid negative chatter. Whether it's from external sources like news and social media or the internal critic we all grapple with, negativity creeps in. Repeating positive affirmations, especially affirmations for self-confidence, shields us from this negativity, grounding us in our worth and potential. 

Consistency, authenticity, and personal resonance are the trifecta for effective affirmation practice. Repeating positive statements about yourself is how you perform this practice, but believing what you say makes all the difference.

So, when you adopt or create an affirmation, make sure it feels authentic. This way, you're not just reciting words — you're laying the foundation for a life imbued with self-confidence, optimism, and purpose.

How do affirmations work?

A study from Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor our brains during self-affirmation tasks. They found that individuals showed heightened activity in the brain’s reward center during these practices.

This activity influences our neural pathways, changing the structure of our brains via neuroplasticity. This activity demonstrates the link between practicing affirmation and neural reward pathways, which are responsible for shaping our behavior, training our brains to trend toward positive thoughts.   

Research has also found that if your affirmations relate to your core values, they can even reduce your body’s stress response, lowering your cortisol response. The same study found that participants who already had affirmed personal values reported the less stress, meaning that reflecting on your personal values can help you manage your stress

This positive thinking helps us combat stress and build healthier habits that put our self-worth at the center of our minds.

How to use affirmations for confidence, self-esteem, and self-love

Positive affirmations tackle negativity head-on, offering a positive counter-narrative when you experience automatic negative thoughts. However, practicing affirmations is about more than muttering positive statements — it's about challenging and controlling the undercurrents of negative self-talk and self-conscious behavior in our subconscious mind.

Every time you recite or reflect upon an affirmation, you're taking a deep breath, pushing past your comfort zone, and redirecting your mental narrative.

For lasting positive change, make these positive statements a daily habit. Whether you're vocalizing them, jotting them down in your journal, or pondering your favorite affirmations during a moment of self-doubt, try to keep them at the front of your mind.

man-in-the-street-very-confident-affirmations-for-confidence

80 affirmations for confidence, self-esteem, and self-love

Now that you understand how affirmations change your brain chemistry, it’s time to guide your journey of positive thinking to where you need it. Whether you’re struggling to stay confident, improve your self-esteem, or show yourself the love you deserve, there’s an affirmation here for you. 

Self-confidence positive affirmations:

If you’re constantly battling imposter syndrome or drowning in self-doubt, test these self-confidence positive affirmations to remind yourself of your worth. You can also try standing in a power pose while you recite these to reinforce to your mind just how strong you are:

1. "I am my true self, and that is powerful."

2. "Positive thoughts guide my daily routine."

3. "Every challenge is an opportunity for growth."

4. "I believe in my unique gifts and talents."

5. "I am capable of achieving my dreams."

6. "I will find my passion, and it will drive me toward my purpose."

7. "I have the strength to overcome any setbacks."

8. "I am always growing and transforming."

9. "My potential to succeed is infinite."

10. "I am more than any obstacle in front of me."

11. "I am resilient, strong, and brave."

12. "I am a magnet for positive energy and good vibes."

13. "Success and happiness are natural outcomes for me."

14. "I am at peace with my past and excited for my future."

15. "Every day, I become more knowledgeable and wiser."

16. "My strength is greater than any challenge I face."

17. "I will manifest my dreams and aspirations."

18. "I inspire others through my actions and words."

19. "I believe in the person I am becoming."

20. "I am in control of my emotions and reactions."

21. "I prioritize self-acceptance and self-worth."

22. "I am a powerful creator of my own reality."

23. "I have a positive impact on the world."

24. "I embrace change as a path to growth."

25. "I am confident in the decisions I make."

26. "I have the courage to chase my dreams."

27. "My mind is full of positive thoughts that guide my actions."

28. "I believe in my infinite potential."

29. "I can overcome my insecurities."

30. "Every day, I choose positivity over self-doubt."

31. "I celebrate both my small and big achievements."

32. "I am deserving of joy, success, and love."

33. "I face every situation with courage and determination."

34. "I am surrounded by an abundance of positivity and opportunities."

35. "I am in charge of my own happiness."

36. "I let go of fear and embrace possibilities."

man-sitting-very-confident-affirmations-for-confidence

Self-esteem affirmations:

When it feels like everyone’s on top of the world but you, let these affirmations boost your self-esteem: 

37. "Today, I choose self-love over self-doubt."

38. "My mistakes don't define me; they guide me."

39. "I deserve emotional well-being and happiness."

40. "I am deserving of my own affirmations and self-worth."

41. "My voice is valuable, and my opinion matters."

42. "My self-worth isn't determined by others."

43. "I will not let self-pity impact my ability to be happy."

44. "I embrace all that makes me unique."

45. "I believe in my decision-making ability."

46. "I am the creator of my own destiny."

47. "I replace negative thoughts with positive ones."

48. "I am surrounded by love and positivity."

49. "My happiness is a reflection of my self-love."

50. "Today, I am building the version of myself I wish to become."

51. "I give myself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them."

52. "I am a masterpiece, constantly evolving and transforming."

53. "Every day, I am moving closer to my true self."

54. "Every step I take is leading me to greater success."

55. "I am constantly inspired by the world around me."

56. "I attract opportunities that help me grow."

57. "I face every situation with determination."

58. "My authenticity is my superpower."

59. "I embrace challenges as stepping stones to growth."

60. "My heart and mind are open to new adventures."

girl-in-yellow-very-confident-affirmations-for-confidence

Self-love affirmations:

At the end of the day, the person who you can always count on to have your back is yourself. Don’t forget to show yourself some gratitude and compassion for all that you do: 

61. "I am worthy of love, just as I am."

62. "Every day, I discover more about my true self."

63. "I honor the commitment I make to myself and my well-being."

64. "My life is a reflection of the love I have for myself."

65. "I am loved for who I am."

66. "My boundaries are a reflection of my self-love."

67. "My past experiences enrich my present journey."

68. "Self-love radiates from me and attracts positivity."

69. "Each day brings me closer to realizing my dreams."

70. "I am a force of good and inspire those around me."

71. "My heart and mind are open to new adventures."

72. "I embrace every part of me with unconditional love."

73. "The love I give myself sets the standard for the love I receive."

74. "I am deserving of love, compassion, and empathy — from others and from myself."

75. "Celebrating my strengths and accepting my weaknesses is the path to true self-love."

76. "My self-worth grows every time I show love to myself."

77. "I am deserving of every bit of love, joy, and positivity that comes my way."

78. "Every act of self-care is a declaration of love for myself."

79. "My journey, with its ups and downs, is a testament to the depth of love I have for myself."

80. "Self-love empowers me to be my best version, every single day."

Harnessing the power of positive affirmations for self-love can transform the narrative you tell yourself. No matter how successful you are or what stage of life you find yourself in, self-worth affirmations maintain a positive mindset. When you embrace these words of affirmation, you're paving the way for a brighter, more confident self. 

Whether you use any of the 80 affirmations above or craft your own list, find what works for you and infuse your daily life with whatever inspiration you need. And most importantly, never forget that you’re always capable of crafting the life you envision.

man-in-the-street-smiling-confident-affirmations-for-confidence

Empowering your journey

Affirmations can be your daily dose of self-care. With every positive statement, you’re taking a step toward combating low self-esteem, pushing back on negative self-talk, and building confidence (but not arrogance). Whether you’re using them as mantras during meditation or reminders on the mirror each morning, affirmations are a constant validation of your worth.

It's easy to forget your value in a world riddled with comparison. But with these self-love affirmations, every day becomes an opportunity to validate yourself, take a deep breath, and be your best version.

Choosing self-confidence affirmations allows you to challenge your comfort zone, strengthen your mental health, and embrace the amazing things you're capable of. As you recite these daily positive affirmations in the present tense, you reaffirm your worth and mold your future with positive words and thoughts.

Affirmations for confidence are more than words you repeat. They're a mindset, a daily routine, and a powerful tool for change. So, the next time you're in doubt or need a confidence boost, reach for your favorite affirmations, take a deep breath, and remind yourself of your worth.

Transform your life

Make meaningful changes and become the best version of yourself. BetterUp's professional Coaches are here to support your personal growth journey.

Transform your life

Make meaningful changes and become the best version of yourself. BetterUp's professional Coaches are here to support your personal growth journey.

Published December 7, 2023

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships.

With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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