Last updated on November 9th, 2024 at 08:23 am
Looking for affirmations to encourage a growth mindset? I have you covered below. Plus, take a look at my growth mindset quotes too.
You might be familiar with affirmations and looking for some new ideas (in which case, I’ve got loads for you below). Or, maybe you’re completely new to them and want to find out more (take a look at the information under the next couple of headings if so).
Plus, not only do I have affirmations for a growth mindset, but I’ve also listed some great affirmations for other life scenarios too. Here’s the full list:
- Affirmations for Growth Mindset
- Affirmations for New Beginnings
- Affirmations for Kindness
- Affirmations for Assertiveness
- Affirmations for Perfectionism
- Affirmations for Body Image
- Affirmations for Anger
- Affirmations for Courage
- Affirmations for Exams
But first, the answers to a few questions you might have about affirmations:
What are affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements which you speak (out loud or in your mind) in order to help you overcome limiting self-beliefs. They are best said repeatedly and with conviction.
What are the benefits of affirmations?
The main benefit of affirmations is a shift in thinking from negative to more positive beliefs about yourself and the world around you. Affirmations can act as motivators, a boost to self-esteem and confidence, encourage new beginnings and hone qualities and characteristics you’d like to develop.
Do positive affirmations work?
According to research completed in 2016: ‘self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward’. Affirmations broaden a person’s perspective, expanding on their sense of self-worth when faced with threats, and access the brain’s ‘reward system’.
New neural pathways can be formed when we repeat affirmations. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change and adapt based on new information. Affirmations can act as that ‘new information’ and therefore create new and lasting beliefs.
Of course, success can be dependent upon the regularity by which we practice affirmations and how much we believe them. Reinforcement is key, as is choosing the affirmations which personally resonate with you most.
Interestingly, the research mentioned above highlights the fact that affirmations tend to be more meaningful and successful when they are ‘self-transcending’ rather than ‘self-enhancing’. In other words, leave the ego behind and identify affirmations which are likely to genuinely help you in life, and potentially help others too.
Do affirmations work with kids?
Yes! Using affirmations with kids and teenagers is a fantastic way to help them manage anxiety, stress, uncertainty, fear and other big feelings. If they’re not sure about utilising affirmations (and some teens will almost certainly be reluctant or sceptical), keep the affirmations brief and simple to begin with.
Affirmations are particularly great for exam stress and you’ll find some useful examples below.
If you have younger children, start using affirmations with them when they’re still little (perhaps 3 or 4 years old) so that it feels like second nature to them.
You can make your own affirmation cards for your kids or you can purchase some here.
What are affirmations for Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset is often talked about with kids at school. It’s one which sees potential and opportunities rather than hopelessness, disinterest or despair.
The opposite of a growth mindset is a ‘fixed’ mindset. This is one in which kids (or adults) find it tricky to see things differently or feel optimistic. They believe that qualities such as intelligence cannot be improved upon. Those with a growth mindset prioritise effort and a positive can-do attitude.
Carol Dweck highlights the differences between a growth mindset and a fixed mindset in her book Mindset: Changing the way you think to fulfil your potential, so make sure you take a look if you want to learn more about coaching a growth mindset or developing one yourself.
Affirmations for growth mindset are great for kids (or adults) who need a bit of help making the shift from a fixed mindset.
The Best Affirmations for Growth Mindset
Read on for some of the best growth mindset affirmations:
- The more I practice, the more I improve.
- Challenges help me grow and learn.
- I can try again if I need to.
- Effort and persistence are the keys to my success.
- I believe in my ability to work hard.
- Mistakes are stepping stones to progress and understanding.
- I am open to new experiences.
- I am resilient in the face of setbacks and setbacks only make me stronger.
- Every obstacle I overcome brings me closer to achieving my goals.
- I am in control of my mindset, and I choose to focus on positivity and growth.
- I am capable of adapting to change.
- Opportunities to learn new things are everywhere.
- I welcome feedback and use it to improve myself and my work.
- I am not limited by my past; I have the power to shape my future.
- I can ask for help if I need it.
- I am confident in my ability to master new subjects.
- I am persistent and will keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges I face.
- I am willing to work hard for what I want.
- I am the creator of my own path, and I choose to make it a positive path.
- I am committed to developing a growth mindset and nurturing it every day.
- I am not defined by my failures; I am defined by my determination to rise above them.
- I believe in myself.
The Best Affirmations for New Beginnings
If you, or your kids, are feeling anxious about changes coming your way, try these affirmations for new beginnings:
- I am excited for the future
- I am open to the opportunities and adventures that new beginnings will bring into my life.
- I release the past and welcome the new.
- Each new beginning is a chance for me to create the life I want.
- I trust in the process of change and am excited for the possibilities that lie ahead.
- I am capable of handling whatever challenges come my way in this new chapter.
- It is time for me to turn a new page in my life.
- I let go of fear and step into the unknown with courage and confidence.
- I am the author of my own story, and this new beginning is a blank page waiting to be filled.
- I welcome change as a chance for growth, learning, and self-discovery.
- I am grateful for the chance to start anew and make the most of this fresh beginning.
- I am open to learning from every experience and using it to shape my new path.
- I release old patterns and embrace the opportunity to create a better and brighter future.
- I am excited to see where this new journey takes me and I will make the most of it.
- I am confident in my ability to adapt and thrive in this new chapter of my life.
- I am not limited by my past; I am empowered by the potential of my future.
- I am strong and resilient, and I embrace the challenges and joys that come with new beginnings.
The Best Affirmations for Kindness
As noted above, affirmations work best when they are ‘self-transcending’ and thinking of how our positivity can help others in addition to ourselves. Choose the affirmations for kindness below which resonate with you:
- Everybody deserves kindness, including me.
- I show kindness and positivity to everyone I encounter.
- I spread kindness wherever I go.
- I choose to see the good in others and treat them with kindness.
- My actions are rooted in empathy and understanding.
- I am kind to myself and to others.
- I understand the power of small acts of kindness and their impact on others’ lives.
- I will complete one act of kindness today.
- My words and actions uplift and inspire those around me.
- I am patient and gentle with others, understanding that everyone has their own struggles.
- I am a source of comfort and support, offering kindness to those in need.
- I choose to be kind even in challenging situations.
- My kindness is a gift I freely share, making the lives of those around me better.
- I forgive and extend kindness to those who may have hurt me.
- I treat all beings with respect and compassion, knowing we are all interconnected.
- By being kind I am making the world around me a better place to be.
- I am grateful for the opportunities to show kindness and make a positive impact in the world.
- I am mindful of the energy I bring into every interaction, choosing kindness as my default.
- I am committed to creating a world where kindness and empathy thrive, starting with myself.
- Being kind feels good.
The Best affirmations for Assertiveness
Many people struggle with the confidence to assert themselves. However, it’s important to remember that your voice counts – just as others do. Read on for affirmations for assertiveness.
- I am just as important as anyone else and my views matter.
- I express my thoughts and opinions with confidence.
- I am worthy of being heard and respected in all situations.
- I stand up for myself and my own needs.
- I trust my instincts and speak without fear of being judged.
- I communicate assertively while also respecting others’ perspectives.
- I set healthy boundaries and communicate them assertively and kindly.
- I am capable of addressing difficult conversations with assertiveness.
- I embrace assertiveness as a tool for positive change and growth in my life.
- I know what I want and how to get it.
- I am in control of my responses and can navigate challenging situations.
- I deserve to have my opinions and desires taken seriously.
- I release the fear of confrontation and speak my mind with courage.
- I am assertive in pursuing my goals and dreams, unapologetically owning my path.
- I empower myself through assertive communication, creating positive outcomes.
- I am assertive and respectful, fostering healthy and effective relationships.
- I embrace discomfort and use it to fuel my communication and growth.
- I value myself and my contributions, confidently asserting my worth in all situations.
- I am assertive without being aggressive, finding the balance between firmness and respect.
- I choose assertiveness as a means to honour my values and prioritize my well-being.
- I am a strong and assertive communicator, capable of handling any situation with confidence.
The Best affirmations for Perfectionism
Girls, in particular, can struggle with perfectionism. It can hold them back and stop them from taking action. Affirmations can help them move forward. Below are some ideas on affirmations for perfectionism.
- I am enough.
- I release the need for perfection and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
- I am worthy and valuable just as I am.
- Everyone makes mistakes and they are opportunities for growth.
- I choose progress over perfection; the journey is more important than the destination.
- Done is better than perfect.
- I give myself permission to do my best and let go of the constant pursuit of perfection.
- I release the pressure of unrealistic expectations and accept myself as I am.
- I am proud of my efforts and accomplishments.
- I recognise that perfectionism holds me back, and I choose to move forward with courage.
- I release the need to seek validation through perfection.
- I celebrate my achievements, even if they don’t meet my original idea of perfection.
- I value my well-being over the pursuit of unattainable perfection.
- I let go of the need to control every detail and allow life to unfold naturally.
- I am kind to myself and treat myself with the same compassion I extend to others.
- I choose self-compassion over self-criticism, understanding that nobody is perfect.
- My worth isn’t based on my achievements.
- I embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn, and I approach challenges with resilience.
- I am free from the constraints of perfectionism and open to the joy of authenticity.
- Progress, not perfection.
The Best Affirmations for Body Image
Concerns about body image continue to affect many young people (both male and female). Affirmations for body image can help teens (and adults) feel more body-positive:
- I love and appreciate my body just as it is and I embrace its uniqueness.
- I am more than my physical appearance; I value myself for who I am on the inside.
- I treat my body with kindness and respect, nourishing it with love and care.
- I release negative judgments about my body.
- I am grateful for the abilities and strengths that my body provides me with every day.
- I am deserving of love and acceptance, regardless of societal expectations.
- I choose to focus on the things I love about my body and appreciate its capabilities.
- I am confident in my own skin.
- I release comparisons with others and celebrate my uniqueness.
- I honour my body’s needs and listen to its signals with care and understanding.
- I am beautiful, worthy, and deserving of all the good that life has to offer.
- I release the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards and embrace my authentic self.
- I am more than the reflection in the mirror; I am a whole and valuable person.
- I choose to speak kindly to myself and reject negative self-talk about my body.
- I am confident and comfortable in my body, no matter its shape, size, or imperfections.
- I am grateful for the journey my body has taken me on, and I treat it with gratitude.
- I accept others as they are, just as I accept myself.
- I am proud of my body’s resilience and strength, and I appreciate all that it does for me.
The Best Affirmations for Anger
Some of us struggle to manage feelings of anger. They can feel overwhelming as if our anger is in control of us rather than the other way around. This isn’t true, however, sometimes we need to be reminded of that fact. That’s where affirmations for anger come in. Here are some ideas:
- I am in control of my anger; it is not in control of me.
- I acknowledge my anger and choose to respond to it with calmness and understanding.
- I release the grip of anger and replace it with a sense of peace and calm.
- I am in control of my emotions, and I choose to let go of anger.
- I breathe deeply and exhale tension, allowing anger to melt away.
- I move on from past anger and open myself to forgiveness and healing.
- I respond to challenging situations with patience, rather than reacting in anger.
- I choose to communicate my feelings and concerns calmly and assertively, without anger.
- I have no need to hold onto anger, freeing up space for positivity and happiness.
- I am in charge of my emotions, and I channel my anger into helpful solutions.
- I release the burden of carrying anger and choose to move forward with a light heart.
- I acknowledge my anger but choose not to act on it.
- I release any resentment and replace it with feelings of compassion and empathy.
- I am in control of my reactions, and I choose to respond to challenges with a calm mind.
- I release the need to put blame on others and choose to find solutions that promote harmony.
- I focus on self-care and stress-relief techniques to prevent anger from taking over.
- I am patient with myself, allowing time for anger to subside before taking action.
The Best Affirmations for Courage
There are inevitably times in life when we need to be a bit brave. These affirmations for courage are great for kids who are feeling worried about trying something new (and for those adults about to embark on something new, as well):
- I know that I am okay.
- I am brave and capable of facing any situation that comes my way.
- I step outside of my comfort zone with courage and embrace new opportunities.
- I have the inner strength and courage to follow my dreams.
- I replace fear with the courage to overcome obstacles.
- I am resilient and I know challenges will only make me stronger.
- I stand up for what I believe in and speak with courage.
- I confront my fears with bravery, using them as stepping stones to grow.
- I am fearless and I am not held back by self-doubt.
- I choose to believe in myself and take bold steps towards my goals.
- I have the courage to express my authentic self and show up fully.
- I embrace challenges as opportunities to prove my courage and determination.
- I am a warrior of positivity and face each day with unwavering courage.
- I am not limited by past failures; I have the courage to rewrite my story.
- I release the need for approval from others and have the courage to be true to myself.
- I am not defined by my fears; I am defined by my courage to conquer them.
- I am capable of handling anything that comes my way.
- I have the strength and bravery to overcome obstacles and create a life I love.
- I am bold, fearless, and unstoppable.
The Best Affirmations for Exams
Exams are mentally and physically exhausting. If your child or teen is lacking in confidence and feels their nerves might get the better of them, try these affirmations for exams:
- I am fully prepared and capable of succeeding.
- I am calm and focused as I approach my studies and the upcoming exam.
- I am a quick learner and absorb information easily and effectively.
- I trust in my ability to recall information accurately during the exam.
- I have a clear mind and a deep understanding of the material.
- I am confident in my problem-solving skills and can tackle any question in the exam.
- I remain focused throughout the entire exam period.
- I am in control of my anxiety and stay relaxed during the exam.
- I stay positive and confident, even when faced with challenging questions.
- I trust that my hard work and dedication will pay off in this exam.
- I manage my time effectively during the exam, completing each section.
- I am capable of thinking critically and answering questions with clarity and precision.
- I approach this exam with a positive mindset.
- I trust my memory and know I will remember what I need to.
- I embrace challenges and view this exam as an opportunity to demonstrate my knowledge.
- I stay composed and confident, even if I encounter unexpected questions.
- I am proud of the effort I’ve put into preparing for this exam, and I am ready to excel.
For more support in responding to anxiety or depression in children in teens, take a look at: How NLP For Kids Can Help With Anxiety and Why Is My Child Depressed And What Can I Do?
For more about kindness, head to How To Encourage Kindness For Kids.
[…] probably heard about growth mindset (make sure you check out my 170 Affirmations for Growth Mindset). A winning mindset is similar – it’s a particular way of thinking which is focused on […]