Effective Daily Affirmations for Work and Life

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Most of the time, the only thing you need to do to achieve better results is simply flip that switch in your head. Your brain is much more powerful than you think. Whatever seed you plant in it organically grows. And that’s not because of some kind of magic or unexplainable manifestation trick. It is but logical.

When your thoughts are negative, you tend to focus on excuses and how undeserving you are of success, happiness, and overall worth. Thus your inaction to improve your situation. When you are busy nurturing harmful thoughts, you miss out on a lot of opportunities not because they do not happen to you but because you do not recognize them when they do.

When your thoughts are positive, you are focused on solutions, actions, and possibilities. You are quick to see and seize moments because you are open and actively welcoming them into your life.

Notice that when you commit to saving an X amount of money, whenever you visit YouTube, you’re instantly drawn to videos about financial education. There’s also going to be that distinct force that stops you from doing an impulse purchase – or some sort of guilt whenever you give in. And you become responsive to new things that support that commitment – like having the urge to review your expenses, exploring other sources of income, or connecting to people with the same goal – the latter expanding the influence of that seed much more by activating serendipity. Whenever you plant a seed in your head, it would want to grow by trying to influence the decisions you make in its favor. And this is where affirmations come in handy. Not to trick yourself, but to be in charge of the narrative you tell yourself.

Affirmations work because what you tell yourself, you tend to believe is already true. And it is human tendency to find things in their environment that support the narrative in their mind – because it’s satisfying. And when they can’t find evidence to support their narrative, they make one. This is where the action happens.

Although validation from other people or redeeming situations could help you feel and think better, there’s no one else in this world who can motivate you the most than yourself. And it’s only you who can make things happen for yourself because only you have the power to connect your thoughts to your actions. 

Affirmations though only work if these are realistic, tailored to your circumstances, and backed up with action. I recommend creating your own affirmations. You may use below simple questions:

• What are my truths?
• What are my values?
• What are my goals?
• What things do I allow into my life?
• What is my idea of the best version of myself?
• What changes do I want to see?

Here’s one I used to tell myself when I was still starting as a young professional: “I may be a beginner in skills, but I’m a pro in attitude. I will continue to show up, persevere, improve and produce results like a pro because I am a pro”. I still use this whenever I find myself venturing into something new.

Say your affirmations on a regular basis. Repeat your affirmations twice or thrice – with intent focus on your words. Most people do this in the morning. In the evening, you can cap your day with quick journaling – which I will discuss further below.

In the meantime, here are some affirmations for self-empowerment that you can apply both at work and in life, in general, depending on your circumstances.

Fears, Resistance to Change

• I am only one decision away from living my best life. 
• The more I fear it, the more I should do it.
• My life is a reflection of my hopes and not of my fears.
• Most of the fears I had in the past never came true.
• Fears are the friends I have not started to get to know yet.
• Fears may be excuses.
• I liberate myself.
• My dreams are bigger than my fears.
• I am worthy of opportunities.
• I am capable of change.
• I deserve to be a part of a bright future.
• I am grateful for the opportunities in front of me.
• I am capable of action to better my situation.
• I will seize moments.
• I am excited for my future.
• Change is what gave butterflies their wings.
• Life is an adventure.

Lack of Motivation

• Today, I plant seeds.
• I have trust in the process
• I am committed to my success.
• I am in charge.
• Eyes on the prize.
• The systems I built around me give me confidence.
• I have grit, discipline, and determination to make things happen for myself.
• I am my own hero.
• No one said it’s easy, but it’s worth it.
• I have everything I need.
• It’s okay to ask for help, but first, I help myself.
• Instead of saying “I have to”, I say “I get to”.

Do not say: I have to work. I have to save money. I have to finish a project.

Instead say: I get to work. I get to save money. I get to finish a project.

Social anxiety

• The spotlight is not on me – everyone’s minding their own business. 
• These people are just human beings too, like me.
• What others think of me is none of my business. 
• I am not responsible for others’ words and actions, only mine. 
• I compete with no one but myself.
• Everyone starts as a beginner.
• I decide what kind of energy I allow into my space.
• They were once in my shoes.
• What’s the worst that could happen?
• My focus is my growth, my goals, and my happiness.
• Thinking that people judge me is me judging them.
• Everyone is inherently good.

Relationship Conflicts, Rejections

• I suspend judgment and give people the benefit of the doubt.
• I can co-exist.
• I will take the high road.
• Nothing is personal.
• Everyone’s fighting a battle I do not know about.
• I will stick to facts.
• I will not let my emotions get the best of me.
• My time is best spent serving my purpose.
• If it’s my fault, I will apologize. If it’s someone’s fault, I am guilt-free.
• Communication is key. If people have a problem with me, I expect them to tell me directly. And I will do the same.

Failures

• I can be great.
• Failures are opportunities to do better or change course. 
• Failure is a noun – not an adjective. I am a success waiting to happen. 
• I am proud of what I have achieved.
• I’ve gone so far.
• I’m between achievements.
• There’s no other way but up.
• I have solid skills to back me up.
• I learn from my mistakes.
• I am not defined by my past. 
• There are no failures – just discoveries of things that do not work. 
• I’ve earned a token that will save me in the future.
• I choose to move forward.
• My hardships are my stepping stones.
• I am that plot twist.
• Closed doors lead me to the right path.
• A no is a yes for something better.
• I am resilient.

Lack of self-esteem, confidence, and optimism

• The sum of all my energy, skills, experiences and aspirations is unique, therefore I am.
• I know my worth, I keep my boundaries, and I operate on my values.
• I let go of anything that does not add value to my life.
• When I say NO to others, I say YES to myself.
• My time is mine and I choose to spend it wisely.
• I choose the people that will influence me.
• I can be whoever I want to be.
• I love how a new day greets me with a clean slate.
• I add value and I impact the world.
• I do not ask for permission to be worthy, happy, and successful.

To complement your morning affirmations, I suggest journaling at the end of your day. Most people write down their blessings, this one’s a little different.

Affirmations are not a tool for concealing negative thoughts, weaknesses, and lapses. Nothing is realistic when we only entertain the positive. We need to allow ourselves to be human and feel a range of emotions – the good and the not-so-good. And that’s why you journal at night. It’s your opportunity to get real, assess how you fared, and plan how to improve. Affirmations only work when it’s coupled with action. By the end of the year, try collating your daily entries. You should be able to come up with a long list of:

• fears you have conquered
• Skills you have improved
• Accomplishments

And you can use the above lists to further improve your self-esteem, reach your goals, and be happy. These are more than enough proof that you are worthy of success, opportunities, and happiness.

In conclusion, your life is driven by your everyday decisions. And your everyday decisions are driven by your thoughts. You are the boss of your own thoughts. And if you have alternatives of things you can tell yourself, why settle for ones that do not yield good results? With healthy thoughts, you get healthy results so always choose to be healthy. Have a happy journey, allies.

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