I used to roll my eyes a bit at affirmations. You know the ones: I am enough, I am powerful, I radiate confidence and calm. I thought they were for people who drank green smoothies and had vision boards made of cork and fairy lights. And while I do love a good smoothie and my fridge does feature more than one or two  inspirational magnets, I wasn’t sure that simply saying something would change how I felt. 

Turns out… it kind of does.So does giving yourself a high five in the mirror each morning … try it for a few days and see the difference. 

Over the years, I’ve come to truly value the power of a positive mindset. Not in a toxic “just think happy thoughts” kind of way, but in the gentle, compassionate way of noticing how we talk to ourselves—and choosing to do it more kindly. 

Our brains are clever things. They respond to repetition. Neuroscience tells us that the more we think a thought, the stronger that neural pathway becomes. So if we’re constantly telling ourselves I’m not good enough, I’m failing, or everyone else has it together but me, our brains believe it—regardless of whether it’s true (spoiler: it’s usually not). 

Affirmations work by slowly rewiring those pathways. When we intentionally choose to say positive, supportive things to ourselves—even if we don’t fully believe them at first—we start to build new mental habits. That’s not just fluff; it’s science. 

Of course, I like to keep things real. So while I do say things like I am capable and calm under pressure, I also have days where my affirmation is more like: I am doing my best, and that’s enough. Humour plays a big part in how I use affirmations. Laughter helps us release endorphins, reduce stress, and shake off the weight of the day. There’s something powerful about looking in the mirror and saying, “I’ve got this,” followed by, “and if not, there’s always chocolate.” 

The point isn’t to be perfect—it’s to be intentional. To be kind to yourself. To offer your inner critic a cup of tea and tell her to take the afternoon off. 

So, if you’re looking to boost your confidence, try adding a few affirmations to your day. Write them on sticky notes. Save them as reminders in your phone. Whisper them to yourself before a tricky conversation or after a long day. 

Here are a few of my go-tos: 

I am enough, just as I am. (Thanks Bridget Jones ) 

I bring value to every room I enter. 

I can do hard things—and I’ve already done plenty. 

I may not have it all together, but I’m holding it together just fine. 

I am strong, smart, and surprisingly resourceful when there’s a deadline involved. 

Whatever version speaks to you, own it. Say it. Smile at yourself in the mirror. Laugh if you need to. 

Confidence starts from the inside—and sometimes all it takes is a few kind words from the one person who matters the most: you.