I have a note in my phone called “affirmations” that I’ve been updating for a little more than four years now. Every time I hear or think of a phrase that challenges a negative core belief, I jot it down, intermittently returning to the note to allow those words to take a victory lap around my brain. Years of documentation has created an emotional timeline; scrolling through the note, I can see now how certain affirmations impacted different phases of my life—they pushed me to grow and expand, and helped me to recalibrate.
The science behind this practice traces back to neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to change and adapt due to experience and learning. When we do things like read, travel, practice mindfulness, and create art, our minds evolve, literally growing or reinforcing new neural pathways or structural changes. What feels passive—the equivalent of repinning a quote on a Pinterest board—is actually an intentional step in rewiring our thought processes. It’s an override.
There are so many times when neuroplasticity exercises like affirmations can be useful in our careers. For instance, imposter syndrome, that belief that our achievements aren’t equal to our current level of success, can be challenged by a simple statement like, “I belong here.” Focusing on the words, repeating them, and recalling examples of projects we’ve completed or milestones we’ve reached can, over time, help us rid ourselves of negative self-talk. It can also serve as armor in environments like male-dominated industries, where we might feel like outsiders by default.
For me, affirmations are less about my job and more about my mindset. The phrases I’m drawn to speak to self-worth, boundary setting, perfectionism, and understanding what makes me happy. (Okay, maybe that is still about work...)
Key phrases that have been meaningful over the years include:
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“Your ‘no’ protects your ‘yes.’”
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“Don’t be afraid to be seen trying.”
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“Trust your tiredness.”
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“Good people are everywhere.”
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“People who have courage know it.”
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“Let go or be dragged.” (This one makes me laugh every time I read it.)
That’s about as personal as I’m going to get in this newsletter, but I’m curious to know: What words of wisdom have helped you reframe in recent years? If you’re unsure, find inspiration in these short quotes. I personally like, “You are already everything.” What a wonderful sentiment to say to yourself a dozen times over.
