What You Tell Yourself (and Your Kids) Matters: The Power of Positive Affirmations

Affirmations—what we say to ourselves—can shape our lives in powerful ways. Growing up, my dad had a simple mantra: "We are Wallworks, and we are the best." He didn’t mean it in an arrogant way, but as a reminder that we had the potential to be the best versions of ourselves in whatever we chose to do. This early lesson, though I didn’t know it at the time, was my first experience with positive affirmations.

What Are Affirmations and Why Do They Matter?

Affirmations are simply statements we tell ourselves, but they are much more than just words. They shape our mindset, boost our confidence, and help us believe in our potential. Whether it’s something broad like, "I’m the best version of me," or specific like, "I’m a confident public speaker," these words have the power to change how we feel and act.

Some of the world’s most successful people use affirmations. Muhammad Ali famously declared, "I am the greatest," and Michelle Obama reminds herself daily that she is good enough. These are not just empty words—they’re expressions of belief that drive them toward their goals.

So why do affirmations work? Because words matter. The things we tell ourselves, even in our most private moments, affect how we see the world and ourselves.

Why Should You Use Affirmations?

You might wonder, "What’s the point of telling myself I’m confident if I’m not?" The answer is simple: speaking positive affirmations can help you become the person you want to be. By repeatedly saying and believing these statements, you begin to internalise them. If you tell yourself you’re a confident speaker, over time, you start behaving like one.

Think about it this way: if your child fell off their bike and said, "I can’t do it," would you agree with them? Of course not. You’d encourage them to try again, to believe they can. So why not treat yourself the same way?

This is why affirmations are not only for kids but for adults too. As a child, hearing "We are the best" from my dad gave me a sense of confidence and possibility. It made me believe that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. Now, I do the same for my kids, encouraging them to believe in themselves and be the best versions of who they are. And I hope they pass this on to their children someday.

How Affirmations Can Help You Achieve Success

Affirmations are more than just mood-boosters. They are a tool for achieving your bigger life goals. Whether you’re aiming for success in your career, relationships, or personal life, affirmations can help keep you focused and on track.

Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine creates structure and clarity. It helps cut through the distractions of everyday life and centres your mind on what really matters. As Hal Elrod, author of The Miracle Morning, puts it: “Affirmations are one of the most effective tools for quickly becoming the person you need to be to achieve everything you want in your life.”

From Olympic athletes to business leaders, focus is key to success. Affirmations help you maintain that focus. They keep you in the right frame of mind to tackle challenges, work towards your goals, and stay positive even when the going gets tough.

How to Build a Practice of Positive Affirmations

You don’t need to be an optimist to benefit from affirmations. Whether you’re naturally positive or more of a realist, affirmations can help shift your mindset to a more productive and hopeful place.

Here’s how you can start incorporating affirmations into your daily life:

1. Start with simple statements: Pick a few affirmations that resonate with you. It could be as broad as "I am capable of achieving my goals," or something specific like, "I am a confident leader."

2. Repeat them daily: The power of affirmations lies in repetition. Make it a habit to say them every morning or before a big task. The more you repeat them, the more you’ll believe them.

3. Visualize your goals: When you say your affirmations, visualize what success looks like. If your affirmation is about confidence, picture yourself confidently speaking or leading. This strengthens the connection between your words and your actions.

4. Teach your kids: Encourage your children to use affirmations too. This can build their self-esteem and help them develop a positive mindset from a young age.

Remember, what we tell ourselves matters. Whether you’re aiming for personal growth, professional success, or simply a better day, affirmations can help you get there. They remind us of our potential, keep us focused on our goals, and create a mindset of positivity and possibility.

So, the next time you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause and replace those thoughts with affirmations. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make in how you feel and what you achieve.

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