Introduction
Many people hear the word “affirmations” and immediately picture something ridiculous—like Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live, sitting in front of a mirror repeating, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me.” It’s an image that makes affirmations seem laughable, weak, or even desperate. And honestly, if affirmations are just empty words spoken without belief or energy, they are pointless.
But the truth is, real affirmations—when done correctly—aren’t about just saying nice things to yourself. They’re about reprogramming your mind, shifting your self-image, and training your brain to expect success instead of failure. The difference between a joke and a life-changing habit comes down to how you do it.
So why do affirmations seem to work for some people but not for others? It comes down to four key principles. If you’ve ever struggled with affirmations, chances are you were missing one (or all) of these. Let’s break them down.
The 4 Keys to Making Affirmations Work for You
1) Pick Something Attainable
One of the biggest reasons affirmations fail is that people choose statements that feel too far from their current reality. If you’re struggling financially and you start saying, “I am a millionaire,” your brain immediately calls out the lie. Instead of feeling empowered, you feel frustrated.
The key is to choose affirmations that stretch you but still feel believable. Instead of “I am a millionaire,” try:
- “I am learning how to build financial stability.”
- “I am developing habits that lead to wealth.”
- “I am becoming someone who attracts financial opportunities.”
These statements still push you toward growth, but they don’t trigger an internal resistance that makes you want to quit.
2) Believe It to Be Possible
Your mind will only accept an affirmation if it feels like something that could be true. If you affirm something that feels completely unrealistic, your subconscious will reject it before you even finish the sentence.
That’s why small shifts in wording can make all the difference. Instead of saying:
❌ “I am fearless.” (when you’re struggling with anxiety)
Try this instead:
✅ “I am becoming more confident every day.”
Notice the difference? The second version acknowledges progress rather than pretending you’re already there. It allows you to buy into the possibility of change rather than feeling like you’re lying to yourself.
3) Say It with Energy and Commitment
Most people make the mistake of saying their affirmations in a dull, robotic tone. If you mumble “I am confident” under your breath with zero conviction, your mind will treat it as meaningless noise.
Your energy matters. When you say an affirmation with strength, emotion, and engagement, your brain takes it more seriously. Your body reinforces what your words are saying.
Think about it like this: If you say, “I am powerful,” while slouching, whispering, and looking down, will you believe it? Probably not. But if you stand tall, speak loudly, and engage your body, it starts to feel real.
Here’s a simple test: Say an affirmation with passion for just 60 seconds and notice the shift in your state. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
4) Repeat It Often
One of the biggest misconceptions about affirmations is that you say them once and suddenly transform your life. But just like going to the gym once won’t build muscle, saying an affirmation once won’t rewire your mind.
The power of affirmations comes from consistent repetition. The more you say something, the more your brain starts to believe it.
But repetition alone isn’t enough—you have to engage with your affirmations actively, not just mindlessly repeat them. Feel them. Visualize them. Own them.
This is why people who commit to affirmations daily—especially when spoken with energy—often see dramatic shifts over time.
Conclusion
Affirmations aren’t magic, but when used correctly, they can be a powerful tool for shaping your mindset and transforming your reality. The key is to:
1️⃣ Pick something attainable. Stretch yourself, but keep it within the realm of possibility.
2️⃣ Believe it to be possible. Adjust your wording so that it feels like a real possibility.
3️⃣ Say it with energy and commitment. Your tone, body language, and emotion matter.
4️⃣ Repeat it often. Consistency rewires your brain over time.
If affirmations haven’t worked for you before, try implementing these four principles for the next 10 days. Say them with energy. Feel them. Commit to them. And then, notice what changes in your mindset, your confidence, and your actions.
Stay tuned, as next week we will be talking about affirmations versus incantations. This will take your affirmations to a whole new level and is something I have used to improve my own life.
I’d love to hear from you—have you tried affirmations before? What’s been your experience? Drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram (@CertainlyUp) and let’s talk!