Dealing with change is challenging for many people. The fear of the unknown makes us resist new circumstances, even though change is often a good thing. Because we can't fight the inevitable, practicing affirmations for change can help you cope with the situations that come your way.
They can help you step outside your comfort zones and embrace the future more confidently. Here's how you can use affirmations to deal with change.
Why Affirmations Are Important for Change
An affirmation for change is a simple statement that you can use to improve self-confidence and the ability to reach your goals. It does this by helping you overcome negative thoughts and self-doubt. According to therapist Juliana Haigh, negative thoughts can prevent you from achieving your dreams.
They can also affect your mental health. Affirmations aid in challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. Haigh explains that these statements can remind people that they have the power and strength to overcome obstacles.
According to researchers, the brain constantly rewires itself to create new neural pathways. Unfortunately, our brains have a natural tendency to hold onto negative thoughts. Believing in the power of positive affirmations can help your mind rewire itself to think positively and rationally.
Scientist and author Dr. Hyder Zahed says that words are the most potent force humans have. They can be used to build or to destroy. Words can hurt or heal, humiliate or encourage. By using affirmations for change, you choose to use your words to build your confidence and lessen your anxiety. You will then steady yourself from within, gaining the ability to handle the uncertainty of change.
It's easy to affirm others, but it's also important to remember to encourage yourself. However, it’s essential to be realistic when using affirmations for change. For instance, constantly telling yourself that you’re courageous when you don't necessarily feel brave could make you feel worse.
According to Lisa Legault, a professor of psychology, the key is to tap into your core truth. Evaluate your values and take stock of what you care about. You can then draw your affirmations from there. It's better to reflect on what you know and believe to be true. You can try out some of these affirmations for change as a starting point.
60 Affirmations for Change
- I face every challenge with strength.
- I believe I have what it takes to succeed.
- My talents will be useful wherever I go.
- I bring my best to all that I do.
- My best is enough.
- I am stronger with each new day.
- I am in control of my life and how it unfolds.
- I stand up for myself in every situation.
- I deserve good things.
- I am filled with goodness and kindness.
- I am brave.
- I radiate confidence wherever I go.
- I am bold enough to ask for what I want.
- I accept the things I can't change.
- Forgiving others helps me move forward.
- I am grateful for every sunrise.
- I am thankful for all the love that surrounds me.
- I attract greatness.
- I am determined to live each day to the fullest.
- I allow good thoughts in as I let bad thoughts out.
- I am surrounded by people who uplift me.
- I am overflowing with joy.
- The changes I am making are exciting and positive.
- I am excited about the opportunities coming my way.
I am excited about the opportunities coming my way.”
- The Universe supports my hopes and dreams.
- Change comes precisely when I need it.
- My heart is open to whatever life has in store for me.
- I celebrate all the great things in my life.
- My life is overflowing with love and light.
- I inspire those around me with my actions.
- I am a confident and secure person.
- I freely and openly accept change.
- My relationships are a source of joy.
- I deserve peace and happiness.
- I release fear and embrace joy.
- Courage dictates how I live my life.
- I choose peace over conflict.
- I feel deeply at peace.
- I alone am responsible for my emotions.
- I am creating new, healthy habits.
- I have unlimited potential.
- I focus on the things that matter to me.
- I confidently overcome any obstacle.
- I am well on my way to achieving my goals.
- I deserve to dream big dreams.
- I manifest my deepest desires.
- Pursuing my dreams excites me.
- I am creating my destiny.
- My talents are helping me fulfill my purpose.
- I follow opportunities wherever they may lead.
- Changing my life today makes me a better person.
- Change leads me to the life I deserve.
- I start each day with self-acceptance.
- With self-love, I can achieve anything.
- I attract positive change.
- I am ready to change my circumstances.
- It's up to me to decide the direction my life will take.
- Change is inevitable, and I'm okay with that.
- Change is welcome and accepted in my life.
- No matter what happens, I will be okay.
How to Use Affirmations for Change
Affirmations for change can help you focus on your positive attributes and live a more productive life. By doing so, you will gain the confidence to embrace change more readily. Check out how to carry out this practice.
Write in the First Person
Use the words “I” or “I am” to begin your affirmations. These statements about self-identity are powerful tools for self-improvement. For instance, you can say, “I am a confident and secure person.” You might also say, “I love to exercise.” Statements said in the first-person help solidify your belief in what you are saying.
Write Positive Statements
Unfortunately, our brains are wired to fixate on the negative. Including negative statements in your affirmation would, therefore, not be ideal. Even though the phrase isn't pessimistic, your brain may pick up the negative connotations. For example, instead of saying, “I have given up junk food,” you could use the words “I am a healthy person” or “I love the way my body feels when I eat healthy meals.” Reciting these statements at the start of each new day can help reinforce your belief in what you are saying.
Include an Emotional Charge
It would be helpful to use words that are related to your feelings. Throw in some emotion to add more weight to your affirmation for change. For instance, instead of saying, “I only eat healthy food,” try saying, “I feel grateful for the healthy food strengthening my body.” Including an emotional charge in your statement is advisable because the connection between emotions and somatic experiences is powerful.
Write in the Present Tense
Instead of saying, “I will be happy and confident in a couple of months,” start with, “I am already happy and confident.” This will help reinforce what you are saying.
Many people trying affirmations for the first time wobble at this step because they find it hard to write down something they don’t necessarily believe. It's perfectly normal to feel that way, but the goal of affirmations is to rewire your brain. According to the laws of attraction, believing that something is true helps it become a reality. Therefore, you should write your positive phrase in the present tense, as though it’s already a done deal.
Don't Worry About the How
Getting caught up in how everything is going to work out undercuts the power of the affirmation. It's more important to let your subconscious lead the way here. It will figure out a way to make things work out once it catches up to your conscious mind.
Keep It Regular
It's essential to regularly write down your own affirmations, which you can use to reflect your deepest desires in that particular moment. It's also crucial to update them regularly to keep their emotional potency.
Final Thoughts on Affirmations for Change
Change can be scary. Leaving the comfort of what you are familiar with to contend with the unknown can bring on anxiety. Affirmations for change can give you the confidence to step into new circumstances. Learning how to make these affirmations a part of your daily life is beneficial for long-term personal growth.
And if you want more encouraging affirmations, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 73 Positive Affirmations for Anxiety Relief and Stress Reduction
- 75 Self-Love Affirmations to Find More Acceptance in Life
- 75 Positive Affirmations for Women [Recite Daily in 2023]
Finally, if you want a simple tool to record and recite these affirmations, then check out these 13 affirmations apps that help you create a positive mindset.
