8 powerful affirmations to skyrocket your confidence in just 30 days

Confidence. It’s a trait we all crave, but sometimes it feels just out of reach.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, and I believe in the power of words to transform our mindset.

The right phrases, repeated with conviction, can work wonders on our self-belief. That’s where affirmations come in. They’re not magic words but simple, powerful statements that can help us shift our perspective and boost our confidence.

In this article, I’ll share some of my favourite affirmations designed to skyrocket your confidence in just 30 days.

So let’s dive in, and remember: change starts from within.

1) “I am enough”

When it comes to confidence, it all starts from within.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase, “I am enough.” It’s a powerful affirmation that you can use daily, and it’s fundamental to boosting your self-belief.

Why? Because acknowledging your worthiness is the first step to cultivating a strong sense of self-assurance. It’s about recognizing your value and potential, regardless of external validation or comparisons.

This affirmation is an act of self-love and acceptance that triggers a positive response in our psyche, leading to increased confidence.

In mindfulness practice, we learn to observe our thoughts without judgment. By repeating “I am enough,” we are reinforcing this positive thought pattern and challenging the negative ones that often hold us back.

So, start your day with “I am enough”. Say it aloud, write it down, meditate on it. Know that you are complete, just as you are.

2) “I choose to be happy”

Happiness is a choice. It’s a statement we’ve all heard, but it can be tough to truly grasp.

I remember when I first came across this concept. It was during my early exploration of mindfulness and Buddhism teachings. It was an idea that struck me deeply and has since become a cornerstone in my life.

The affirmation “I choose to be happy” is not about ignoring life’s challenges or pretending everything is perfect. Rather, it’s about recognizing that we have the power to choose our reactions to life’s events, which ultimately shapes our overall happiness.

Thich Nhat Hanh, the renowned Zen master and mindfulness expert, once said, “There is no way to happiness – happiness is the way.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of this affirmation.

By repeating “I choose to be happy,” we are asserting our own power and control over our state of mind. It serves as a reminder that happiness is not something to be pursued but a state of being that we can cultivate within ourselves.

3) “I let go of what I cannot control”

Let’s be honest, life can be chaotic. Unexpected events occur, plans fall apart, people disappoint us – and it’s hard. It’s hard because we crave control. But the harsh truth is, there are many things in life we simply can’t control.

This is where the affirmation “I let go of what I cannot control” comes into play.

In Buddhism, there’s a fundamental teaching about the law of impermanence – that everything in life is transient and constantly changing. This wisdom encourages us to let go of our attachment to outcomes and situations beyond our control.

By affirming “I let go of what I cannot control,” we are practicing this Buddhist wisdom. We are accepting the reality of change and uncertainty, thereby freeing ourselves from unnecessary stress and anxiety.

It might not always be easy, but remember this: letting go is not about giving up. It’s about acknowledging what’s beyond your control and focusing on what you can influence – your thoughts, your actions, your reactions.

So breathe in, breathe out, and repeat: “I let go of what I cannot control”. Trust me, it’s liberating.

4) “I am present in this moment”

Life can be overwhelming. Our minds are often cluttered with thoughts about the past and worries about the future. Amidst all this noise, we tend to forget the most important time – the present moment.

This affirmation is a powerful tool to bring our mind back to the here and now. It’s not about ignoring past experiences or future possibilities; rather, it’s about recognizing that the only time we truly live in is the present.

Mindfulness teaches us to focus on the present moment, to be aware of our surroundings, our feelings, our thoughts – without judgement or resistance. By affirming “I am present in this moment,” we are practicing mindfulness.

Yes, it’s raw. Yes, it’s honest. And yes, it can be uncomfortable to face the reality of now, especially when it’s less than ideal. But remember: It’s in the present moment where life happens.

It’s a simple yet profound way to cultivate mindfulness and live more fully.

5) “I am a work in progress”

We often fall into the trap of seeking perfection.

We berate ourselves for our flaws and mistakes, forgetting that growth is a journey, not a destination.

This is where this affirmation can be a game changer.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I discuss the concept of self-improvement versus self-acceptance. It’s about understanding that while we strive to be our best selves, it’s equally important to recognize that we are continually evolving and growing.

Repeating “I am a work in progress” is a gentle reminder that it’s okay not to have all the answers. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to be imperfect. That’s how we learn, grow, and ultimately, become better versions of ourselves.

6) “I forgive myself”

Forgiveness can be a powerful healer, and often, the person we need to forgive the most is ourselves.

We all have regrets and mistakes that haunt us. We beat ourselves up over actions we can’t undo and words we can’t take back. The weight of self-judgment can be heavy and debilitating. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

The affirmation “I forgive myself” is a potent act of self-compassion. It’s about accepting our imperfections, learning from our mistakes, and moving forward.

In both mindfulness and Buddhist teachings, forgiveness is a fundamental practice for inner peace. It’s about releasing negative emotions that bind us to our past, allowing us to live fully in the present moment.

Saying this may feel difficult at first. The guilt and regret might not vanish immediately, but remember, forgiveness is a process.

So allow yourself to be raw, honest, and repeat: “I forgive myself”. Because you deserve compassion, acceptance, and above all, forgiveness.

7) “I am capable and resilient”

Life throws us curveballs. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. It’s easy to doubt our abilities, to feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of adversity.

But here’s the raw, honest truth: You are capable. You are resilient. And you have the power to overcome any obstacles that come your way.

The affirmation “I am capable and resilient” is a testament to your strength and tenacity. It’s about acknowledging your abilities, trusting your resilience, and empowering yourself to handle life’s challenges.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer of mindfulness in the West, once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This quote reflects the essence of resilience – it’s not about avoiding challenges but learning to navigate them.

So when you’re faced with a tough situation, take a deep breath, gather your strength, and remind yourself: “I am capable and resilient”. Because you are, and you always have been.

8) “I embrace stillness”

In a world that values constant action and productivity, the idea of embracing stillness might seem counterintuitive. But here’s the thing: Sometimes, the most powerful action is inaction.

The affirmation “I embrace stillness” is all about acknowledging the value of quiet moments. It’s about giving yourself permission to pause, to just be, without the need for constant doing.

Mindfulness teaches us the importance of being present, not just when we’re busy with tasks or activities, but also during moments of stillness. It’s in these quiet moments that we can truly connect with ourselves and the world around us.

By affirming this, we’re not advocating for idleness or complacency. Instead, it’s about recognizing the power of mindful pauses in our fast-paced lives.

So take a step back, take a deep breath, and remember to affirm: “I embrace stillness”. It might just be the counterintuitive key to a more balanced and mindful life.

In conclusion, confidence is a journey, not a destination. It’s about cultivating self-belief, resilience, and presence through powerful affirmations. Remember, words have power. They shape our mindset, influence our actions, and ultimately, our lives.

If you’re interested in exploring more about self-improvement and confidence from a Buddhist perspective, I’d recommend my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”. It’s designed to provide practical insights and wisdom to help you live with greater mindfulness and confidence.

So go ahead, practice these affirmations daily. Remember, you are enough, you are resilient, and you have the power to shape your life. Here’s to a more confident you!