Affirmations for Combating Negative Self-Talk

Affirmations! You know I love these. Affirmations for combating negative self-talk. Affirmations for imposter syndrome. All of it!

When we view normal mistakes as character flaws, we can’t possibly have a positive self-image. When we don’t have a positive self-image, we settle for unhealthy partners and bad relationships. So, the negative self-assessment must stop. Nature abhors a vacuum. So, affirmations can fill that void, and build you up. 

Affirmations, done correctly, are very powerful tools.

A quick, important note about affirmations: These are NOT substitutes for dealing with your real-life issues or “doing the work” necessary to move through tough times. If you’re having suicidal ideations, you need to talk with a professional now. If your relationship is over, you have to deal with grieving the relationship realistically. Affirmations won’t make the hurt or problem go away. But, they will help fill the space left from those feelings and thoughts that used to take up valuable real estate in your mind and heart. We’re not into “toxic positivity” over here. We ARE into giving you the very best tools for self-love and true fulfillment.

How do affirmations work?

As a child, you were given messages about yourself that were imprinted by your subconscious. What we believe on a subconscious level can have a significant impact on current and future events. These imprints that were made in childhood could be extremely positive. However, for most of us, some negative messaging has likely gotten mixed in as well. When we feel bad about ourselves and/or have a negative self-image, we tend to engage in self-defeating behaviors which may cause negative outcomes. This is NOT to say that you are causing the adverse circumstances in your life, simply that negative self-talk is not doing any of us any favors. Unfortunately, many of us have also experienced some level of emotional abuse and/or neglect that will create even more work for us to re-write that imprinted narrative.

Affirmations have the power to turn the tide around.

Some people believe that affirmations can serve as a magnet for positive energy. Manifesting the best things in life and calling them to you as a beacon of self-love and success. How beautiful, right? If that isn’t quite your vibe, that’s okay too. Affirmations can still be for you, logical lovely. Research shows that positive affirmations actually buffer stress! They also improve problem-solving performance in underperforming and chronically stressed individuals. Perfectionists: what great news! You can get back on track with positive affirmations for your life, love, and work.

Affirmations can help after a breakup or major change in life.

Take it from the moving forward expert herself, affirmations will help you get your groove back. Things may feel lonely or chaotic at first. The feelings of uncertainty can be all-consuming and overwhelming. But, you can get better. You can feel more in control of the way your brain processes your past and forecasts your future.

“Along the way, I decided what would have once been unthinkable: that I would rather be alone than accept the unacceptable from anyone. Never again would I give up all that I am for a relationship. I was not willing to be ignored, called names, or remain low on the priority list. I was not willing to accept unacceptable behavior just to keep someone around. For years I had been afraid that no one would love me. Now I was sure that I would get what I settled for, so I would not settle for less than I deserved. I was slowly coming to believe that I deserved the best.”

~Susan J. Elliott, Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You

Using Affirmations to Re-Wire Your Brain: Anatomy of a Great Affirmation

Creating productive, positive affirmations is quite simple. There’s a formula to follow that will help you succeed and give your subconscious the boost it needs to promote positive self-talk.

• Positive statement,
• Declared in the first-person,
• In the present tense, as if already true.

Some examples of positive affirmations include:

• I am confident.
• Confidence is my superpower.
• I am successful.
• Success comes easy to me.
• I am resilient.
• All I need is within me right now.
• I am powerful.
• My life is getting better every day.
• I am strong.
• All is well in my life.

Now, I know it’s tempting to simply search for lists of affirmations on the web, create a Pinterest board, or get a list someone else made at some point. But, part of the magic (and science) of affirmations is the custom creation of them. So, that’s your homework. Create your own affirmations. Turn your negative, unproductive self-talk into a more positive use of your time and brain-space.

Consider Working with Enid via Online Therapy in Florida or Coaching for Women

As always, I would love to support you. If you are a woman in Florida needing a therapist, let’s talk! Though I’m based out of my therapy practice in Miramar, FL, I can actually help you wherever you are via online therapy in Florida. Let’s talk about what life looks like when you practice strong, healthy boundaries!

Outside of Florida, but still needing support to live your best, most authentic life? Let’s talk about how I may be able to help you through empowerment coaching for women! Check out the rest of my therapy blog for resources, thoughts, and additional self-care tools. I’m here for you and your journey to a beautiful life.