Achieving any type of goal requires focus, positivity, and self-confidence. You can train your mind and body for months, or even years, and still need that extra push or internal reminder that you’ve got this. Whether you’re training for a marathon, in a final-round interview for your dream job, or looking to get back into your exercise routine, there are tons of affirmations for self-esteem you can recite to remind yourself of your power. 

Repeating these uplifting statements to yourself can have lasting effects on your self-worth and your stress response. Plus, you can recite them whenever you need a boost, whether that’s at the start of your morning or in the middle of a tough workout. For example, “I use affirmations in Peloton classes when we are in a steady state or before a hard effort, and I encourage Members to say kind things about themselves,” says Peloton instructor Ash Pryor.

Below, Ash and two mental health experts share their favorite self-esteem affirmations and explain how just a few words can fuel your next challenge. 

What Are Affirmations?

“Affirmations are short, intentional self-statements that people repeat aloud or read regularly with the goal of internalizing the message and reinforcing a desired belief about themselves,” says Francyne Zeltser, PsyD, a child and family psychologist and the senior director of mental health and testing services at Manhattan Psychology Group. “At their core, affirmations are statements that reflect the qualities, strengths, or mindset that a person wants to embody.” 

Adding affirmations to your daily routine is a simple change that can yield powerful results, shifting your narrative from self-doubt to self-empowerment. “They can be statements or gentle questions to help affirm where you need to go,” Ash says.

80 Affirmations for Self-Esteem

Love the idea of reciting positive affirmations for self-esteem, but not sure where to begin? We collected the following list, including some of our experts’ favorite affirmations. Select one or more that speak to you, and repeat them frequently.

Benefits of Affirmations for Self-Esteem

When self-sabotage creeps in or a wrench gets thrown in your plans, it can challenge your sense of worth. That’s where repeating self-esteem affirmations comes in, and experts say it can rewire your brain to focus on positivity.

“When we recite affirmations, we strengthen the positive, go-to responses in our brains—our brains literally change when we choose to say positive things to ourselves,” says Michele Kerulis, a certified mental performance consultant and associate professor at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. “By strengthening these positive automatic thoughts, we are also wiring our brains to improve how we respond to stress and disappointment.”

Kerulis cites an example of training and falling short of your goals—for instance, maybe you tried to run your fastest 5K yet and finished a few minutes short. In cases like these, it’s best to affirm yourself with messages such as “I will try again” or “I will learn from this” to continue working toward your goal.

Growing accustomed to saying and believing these affirmations is also crucial when you’re feeling particularly challenged. “Over time, repeating a positive statement helps the brain become more familiar with that message, making it easier to lean on during moments of stress or self-doubt,” Zeltser explains. 

How to Write Your Own Affirmations for Self-Esteem

You can strengthen your efforts by writing your own self-esteem affirmations. After all, it’s best to hold onto affirmations that directly apply to your situation. “When the statements feel personal and aligned with someone’s goals or values, affirmations can strengthen their sense of identity, highlight their strengths, and support a more confident and resilient internal dialogue,” Zeltser says.

Here are a few tips on creating your own affirmations for self-esteem:

Once you have a few go-to messages, recite them regularly. “Repeat your affirmations often, share them with others, write them down, and say them out loud,” Kerulis says. Cover your bathroom mirror with sticky notes, add each new affirmation to a notes app on your phone, or jot them down in a journal. 

Ash adds you can share your positive affirmations for self-esteem with others to hold yourself accountable and allow your community to celebrate you and your achievements. Chances are, it’ll create a ripple effect, motivating your loved ones to recite their own affirmations too.

Looking for more positive encouragement? When you take a Peloton class, you’ll hear plenty of empowering and motivating messages from instructors that’ll keep you pushing.