50 Positive Affirmations That Will Bring You Joy and Success
Updated: Aug. 23, 2022Repeat these mantras and positive affirmations and things will start looking up in no time.
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Think positive
Say something nice. Pay yourself a compliment. Now, take a deep breath and exhale with a smile. Notice anything different? Maybe a feeling of peace, joy, or confidence? If that feeling is subtle or fleeting, give it some time. Experts will tell you that the effects of positive self-talk show up in the future. Positive affirmations really work. Just ask athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and anyone else who’s overcome self-doubt in small moments or great big ones. But why do daily positive mantras create results?
A 2016 neuroscience study found that self-affirmations activate “key regions” of the brain related to the ways we process and value our core selves. The key is to believe what you affirm, as it’s the process of affirming that creates the belief. According to Ronald Alexander, Ph.D at Psychology Today, “an affirmation can work because it has the ability to program your mind into believing the stated concept.” Even if you don’t believe yet, daily affirmations can generate the neural activity to get you there. But the way you say your words matters. “It is imperative to begin the affirmation with ‘I,'” explains Brenda S. Ehret in Unity Magazine. Always state affirmation quotes in present tense. Try saying, “I create what I imagine,” (say it every day!) and see what happens.
Use words of wisdom for motivation. Try self-love quotes for an easy boost, Monday motivation quotes to start your week, and confidence quotes, strength quotes, and leadership quotes to light up your life today and in the future. Read on for affirmation quotes that can change your life. Our list is filled with positive beliefs from inspiring luminaries that you can use to create your future.
“You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
The First Lady and social activist, in her book 1960 book You Learn By Living, wrote about the importance of daring to face fears, and in doing so, coming to grips with them. Use positive affirmations like, “I’ve got this,” and “I am courageous enough,” to tackle the things “you think you cannot do.” You really can.
“For there is always light,/ if only we’re brave enough to see it,/ If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman
Use positive mantras like “I am brave enough,” when you take inspiration from poet Amanda Gorman‘s poem penned for President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration, “The Hills We Climb” where she writes of being “aflame and unafraid” with each “new dawn . . . For there is always light,/if only we’re brave enough to see it,/ If only we’re brave enough to be it.”
“I am deliberate/ and afraid/ of nothing.” — Audre Lorde
The brilliant poet and activist Audre Lorde wrote “I am deliberate/ and afraid/ of nothing,” in her 1973 poem, “New Year’s Day.” Her works brim with positive affirmations to inspire and motivate you. Read on with these 14 amazing Black poets that you need to know about.
“No! Try not. Do—or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back
Leigh Bracket and Lawrence Kasdan wrote the screenplay for George Lucas’ Star Wars saga, featuring the short green Jedi sage known for his wisdom and positive mantras as seen in these other Yoda quotes.
like “Do—or do not. There is no try. Try “Do this I am,” and then dive into 40 more powerful quotes from the best of the Jedi masters.
“Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit.” — e.e. cummings.
Create positive affirmations that allow you to “risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight.” Go for experiences that free your spirit. e.e. cummings is also the author of one of our favorite love poems.
“Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” — Coco Chanel
Fashion powerhouse Coco Chanel states that, “Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.” She’s right, you know. Say, “I am beautiful when I am being myself.” After that, try 50 more uplifting quotes to keep you feeling wonderful.
“The thing always happens that you believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” — Frank Lloyd Wright
The innovative architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright said, “The thing always happens that you believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” Convert it into a self-affirmation as “I make my beliefs happen.”
“There is a force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us and produce miraculous results.” —Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi said, “there is a force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us and produce miraculous results.” Seize it and say, “I flow with power that creates results.” These peace quotes will also help you feel centered and calm.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” —Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey advises that it’s not about covering up difficulties with positivity, when she says, “turn your wounds into wisdom.” You affirm your truth when you say “I nurture my pain with my wisdom.” You can change your life with daily affirmations.
“I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.” — Louise Hay
Louise Hay, author of one of the original self-help books, made positive affirmations part of the mainstream. Repeat one of her most popular mantras, “I am in the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing.”
“It’s the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires. It must abandon itself to its master passion.” — Rebecca West
The brilliant, ahead-of-her-time writer Rebecca West offers, “it’s the soul’s duty to be loyal to its own desires. It must abandon itself to its master passion.” Say, “I’m loyal to my passions.” Here are 75 mantras to say every morning.
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live.” — John Wolfgang von Goethe
“As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live,” writes the playwright and poet John Wolfgang von Goethe. Make it into a mantra with, “I trust myself in this moment.”
“If the future road looks ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road and into another direction. — Maya Angelou
Heed these words of wisdom from Dr. Maya Angelou, “If the future road looks ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road and into another direction.” Convert it to a positive mantra like, “I change directions when I need to.”
“What matters most is how you walk through the fire.” — Charles Bukowski
The rebel poet and writer Charles Bukowski advises that “what matters most is how you walk through the fire.” He’s talking about bravery. Tell yourself, “I am courageous,” and then take on the hard things.
“Reality is something you rise above.” — Liza Minnelli
The dazzling star of stage and screen Liza Minnelli says “reality is something you rise above,” and her comment helps write the perfect positive affirmation to state on repeat: “I create my own reality.” Create a reality that contains kindness.
“The soul is here for its own joy.” — Rumi
The medieval Muslim poet Rumi is the best-selling U.S. poet, likely due to the powerful inspiration in his work, such as, “the soul is here for its own joy.” Turn Rumi’s wisdom into your own positive mantras by making an “I” statement such as “I am here for my own joy.”
“That’s our function in life—to make a declarative statement.” — Corinne Jacker
The award-winning playwright Corinne Jacker, writes, “that’s our function in life—to make a declarative statement.” Start your affirmations with “I declare” to stake a powerful claim.
“There is only one big thing—desire. And before it, when it is big, all is little.” — Willa Cather
Your desire is all powerful. As author Willa Cather states, “There is only one big thing—desire. And before it, when it is big, all is little.” Give your desire the space to roam. Say, “I get what I desire” to affirm your belief.
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
It seems like Albert Einstein was really on to something when he said, “Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.” Tell yourself that your own imagination is everything, then use it to create your future. See if you’re in the 2 percent of people who can solve one of Einstein’s riddles.
“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” —Louis L’Amour
Louis L’Amour wrote over one hundred novels set in the American West. He offers, “there will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning.” Turn his wisdom into a self-affirmation like “I start anew in every moment.”
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lies an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
Albert Camus is best known for his existential novels, but he still came up with the inspirational whopper, “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lies an invincible summer.” Turn it into a positive affirmation and state, “I contain an invincible summer.”
“The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” — James Baldwin
Writer and activist James Baldwin advises, “The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in.” Baldwin affirms that change is possible. You can effect change. Affirm it with, “I change my world.” Check out more powerful wisdom from James Baldwin.
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” — Louisa May Alcott
The intrepid author of the classic novel Little Women offers this sage advice to say in the midst of whatever storm life brings your way, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
“In this world the unseen has power.” — Apache proverb
The book The Soul Would Have No Rainbow If the Eyes Had No Tears collects Native American Wisdom including, “In this world the unseen has power.” Practice saying “I have power,” and watch and wait as your imagination empowers your life. The traditions and beliefs of indigenous peoples have always held deep wisdom.
“Remember that you are unique. If that is not fulfilled, then something wonderful has been lost.” —Martha Graham
The powerhouse dancer and choreographer, Martha Graham, once said, “remember that you are unique. If that is not fulfilled, then something wonderful has been lost.” Create your own positive mantra and repeat, “I am unique and wonderful.”
“They can because they think they can.” —Virgil
The Roman poet Virgil wrote, “they can because they think can.” It seems he got that right. Start with “I can” and follow with your goals for the future.
“I look like me and that’s enough.” — Gina Rodriquez
Actress Gina Rodriquez of TV’s hit Jane the Virgin hits a positive note with the self-affirmation, “I look like me and that’s enough.” She’s right, you know! Say it and you’ll see.
“Hello, fear. Thank you for being here. You’re my indication that I’m doing what I need to do.” — Cheryl Strayed in Brave Enough
Cheryl Strayed, author of one of the best memoirs everyone should read, writes in Brave Enough, her collection of positive quotes, “Hello, fear. Thank you for being here. You’re my indication that I’m doing what I need to do.”
“For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering.” — Billy Porter
Fashion icon and actor Billy Porter points out the power of choice when he says, “For me, life is about being positive and hopeful, choosing to be joyful, choosing to be encouraging, choosing to be empowering.” Make it in to your own mantra when you say, “I choose to be joyful. I choose to be encouraging. I choose to be empowering.”
“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” — Brene Brown
Motivational speaker Brene Brown offers the perfect self-affirmation: “I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” Brown’s podcast Dare to Lead makes our list of the current podcasts you should tune in to right now.
“As we each step into our divine life purpose, we really are changing the world. The world needs us now.” — Justin Michael Williams
Justin Michael Williams, author of Stay Woke: A Meditation Guide for the Rest of Us, makes meditation an effortless part of everyday life. He offers, “As we each step into our divine life purpose, we really are changing the world. The world needs us now.” Make it a mantra by saying, “I make a difference. I can change the world. The world needs me.”
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Iconic peacemaker Mahatma Gandhi is known for his words of wisdom such as, “happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Use “I am in harmony” as a positive affirmation.
“I’m into exercising my individuality.” — Sandra Oh
Actress Sandra Oh from TV’s Grey’s Anatomy, Killing Eve, and The Chair is known for the charismatic originality she brings to her roles. She affirms, “I’m into exercising my individuality.” Great advice. Make it your mantra.
“Live your life to its fullest potential and don’t really care too much about what other people think of you.” — Lil Nas X
Pop superstar Lil Nas X offers some sage wisdom: “Live your life to its fullest potential and don’t really care too much about what other people think of you.” One of the best positive affirmations to say is simply “I love myself.”
“I was made exactly the way I was meant to be made in who I am and my personality and the way I was born.” — Megan Rapinoe
Soccer champion Megan Rapinoe offers advice on confidence that’s worth repeating “I was made exactly the way I was meant to be made in who I am and my personality and the way I was born.”
“We’re all given something to do. And when we don’t follow what we’re supposed to do, we always know when we’re off track.” — Joy Harjo
Poet Laureate Joy Harjo, author of the memoir Crazy Brave and member of the Mvskoke Nation, says, “we’re all given something to do. And when we don’t follow what we’re supposed to do, we always know when we’re off track.” You know she’s right. You can affirm to yourself, “When I veer off track I feel it. I can change directions.”
“Magical things happen because we exist as part of the great mystery. We don’t need an answer to everything that happens to us.” — Grandmother Flordemayo
Grandmother Flordemayo, a Curandera Espiritu, or healer and elder teaches about the wisdom of honoring indigenous traditions. She says, “magical things happen because we exist as part of the great mystery. We don’t need an answer to everything that happens to us.” You can affirm and let go by saying, “I don’t need to answer for everything.”
“My belief is in the chaos of the world and that you have to find your peace within the chaos and that you still have to find some sort of mission.” — Ta-Nehisi Coates
Bestselling author and renowned journalist, Ta-Nehisi Coates, says “my belief is in the chaos of the world and that you have to find your peace within the chaos and that you still have to find some sort of mission.” Use his wisdom by affirming, “I have peace within chaos” or “I can find my mission.” Have you read Coates’ Between the World and Me or these other essential books for understanding race?
“Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.” — Don Miguel Ruiz
Don Miguel Ruiz author of the bestseller The Four Agreements affirms “every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art.” You’ll make it true when you affirm, “My very life is a work of art.”
“Keep going, don’t look back, and if you have an idea, just do it; no one is going to wait for you or tell you what to do.” — Autumn Peltier
Water activist, Autumn Peltier, from the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, is one of the youngest eminent environmental advocates for indigenous lands and people. She advises, “Keep going, don’t look back, and if you have an idea, just do it; no one is going to wait for you or tell you what to do.”
“I love who I am, and I encourage other people to love and embrace who they are. But it definitely wasn’t easy–it took me a while.” — Serena Williams
The iconic Serena Williams is both a record-breaking athletic champion and a cultural inspiration known for fashion and philanthropy. Heed her words: “I love who I am, and I encourage other people to love and embrace who they are. But it definitely wasn’t easy—it took me a while.” Whatever your challenge, it won’t be easy, but you can do it. Say, “I love who I am.”
“The key is to be here fully connected with the moment, paying attention to the ordinary details of life.” — Pema Chödrön
Pema Chödrön became a Buddhist nun in her thirties. She’s renowned for her inspirational books and teachings such as: “the key is to be here fully connected with the moment, paying attention to the ordinary details of life.”
“As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think.” — Toni Morrison
Use one of powerhouse novelist, Toni Morrison’s affirmations to pick you up. She advises, “As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think.” Morrison advises that you validate your goals and recognize your dreams. Use “I take time to pause and dream” as a powerful self-affirmation.
“I have met myself and I am going to care for her fiercely.” — Glennon Doyle
Host of the We Can Do Hard Things podcast Glennon Doyle affirms, “I have met myself and I am going to care for her fiercely.” Use this self-affirmation on repeat to harness self-love and pride. Speaking of, here are 25 inspiring LGBTQ quotes so you can celebrate Pride each day.
“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.'” — Audrey Hepburn
The famed actress and style icon Audrey Hepburn sure had a point when she said, “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible.'” Use “I’m possible” for an effortless, easy motivator.
“I am willing to fully feel everything. I’m allowed to take pleasure in every part of my existence.” — Carolyn Elliott
Carolyn Elliott, author of Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power, isn’t afraid of what we all keep hidden. She advocates for embracing our dark side to set our whole self free. Repeat one of her affirmations to get started: “I am willing to fully feel everything. I’m allowed to take pleasure in every part of my existence.”
“Boss up and change your life.” —Lizzo
Pop star Lizzo gave life to the girl boss movement in her 2016 mega-hit “Good as Hell.” Toss your hair and put it on your playlist. Sing along or just say “Boss up and change your life.” Dust your shoulders off. You’ve got this.
“Imagine yourself living in a space that only contains things that spark joy.” — Marie Kondo
Marie Kondo started a whole joy movement with her bestsellers and TV shows about decluttering our space to find our joy. She says, “Imagine yourself living in a space that only contains things that spark joy.” Use her words to create a mental image along with your mantras about joy. And for some effortless happiness here are 21 Winnie the Pooh quotes that will absolutely spark joy—maybe even the teary kind!
“You are enough just as you are.” — Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle, the actress who became a royal princess, knows more than most of us the importance of confidence and believing in yourself when things get rough. She says, “You are enough just as you are.” It’s the perfect advice for princesses and everyone else. Say “I am enough just as I am.”
“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” — Walt Disney
Disneyland is here (along with the additional theme parks across the globe) but there was a time when they were just an idea within Walt Disney. He’s famous for saying “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” Keep your affirmations and your dreams fun, people!
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Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation, Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience; 2016
