Affirmations – do they really work?

What is an affirmation?

Affirmations are phrases when repeated regularly can change your mindset, boost confidence, give self-belief and positivity.

Do affirmations work though?

Answer: Yes, but they are not an instant fix, it will not happen instantly.

Science does back benefits and research has shown that brain pattern can change over time(Zhang, et al, 2025) .

What makes me believe in affirmations?

Throughout my life, I have had constant struggles with bullying, growing up, into my school years, into relationships and further into my adult life, experiencing put downs, manipulation, lack of self-worth, all effecting my mindset, a constant in the negative.

In 2020, when I began writing, phrases started to form from jumbled words, becoming affirmations. I wrote affirmation after affirmation, so many that in 2022, I published my first book of affirmations “Reflection in the Mirror – You Are Enough, topics of affirmations all relatable to mindset, positivity, self-worth, belief in yourself and speaking out and having a voice.

Affirmations helped me to heal and to be the person I am today, confident, strong, and empowered.

Do affirmations work – 100% yes.

I have affirmations displayed all around my office in frames and when I need a boost, I take a look and repeat those affirmations throughout my day.

It straight away shifts my negative into the positive, changing my inner thoughts to have a more positive and uplifting day.

Due to the challenges, I have faced throughout my life with bullying, manipulation and control, this affirmation is the one I look at the most: -

“I can do anything,

I control my own life,

I believe in myself,

This is my life”

This affirmation sits on my desk as a constant reminder, giving me strength, belief, and confidence within myself.

Have I changed your mind about affirmations, will you try them?

For more on my affirmations and book, visit @oneoffcarddesigns

Kristen MacDonald- Writer/Author/Card Designer

References

Zhang, Y.,  Chen, B., and  Wang,M. (2025). The Impact of Self-Affirmation Interventions on Well-Being: A Meta-Analysis.  American Psychologist, published online Oct. 27, 2025.

 [PS1]Do you have a reference for this claim?