Feel free to share your own mantra in the comment section below. I’ll add my favorites to this post.

For example, if we repeat a thought like “I’m a smart and happy person” 20 times every morning, then we may begin to actually believe that about ourselves.

Reciting these beliefs is said to work because increased repetition of certain thought patterns (and neural pathways) is said to condition our brains to begin thinking in these new ways.

It’s kind of like working a muscle: the more repetitions you do, the stronger the thought will become.

Limitations of affirmations

I think there is some truth and usefulness to affirmations (I’ve shared some of my own affirmations with you guys before); however, I also think there are some limitations if we solely rely on affirmations to build new beliefs.

The reason I believe this is because our beliefs are very multi-faceted and dependent on a wide range of different factors – our moment-by-moment conscious thought is only the tip of the iceberg.

We can repeat a specific affirmation thousands of times inside our head, but if it doesn’t match up with our map of reality, then our unconscious mind will reject it.

Beliefs are not isolated thoughts that float through our head every now and then, they are embedded in a context of other information and mental processes.

Other factors that can influence our beliefs include:

• Reason: Many beliefs have some kind of logic or rationality behind them. So if you repeat an affirmation like, “I’m happy,” but deep-down you hold other beliefs like, “No one likes me” or “I’m not good at anything,” your critical mind is going to reject that affirmation – because it’s irrational in the context of your other core beliefs.

  No matter how many times you repeat that belief, your mind will rationalize it as untrue, because it doesn’t align with the deeper structure of your belief system.

  Solution: Ask deeper questions and uncover the core beliefs that contribute to your thinking. Only until you challenge your deepest assumptions can you really begin to make significant changes to your perspective and attitude.

• Emotional experience: Our beliefs are also greatly influenced by our emotional experience. For example, if we suffer from something taumatic, it is very unlikely that affirmations or reason alone can reverse our negative state of mind. This is because our beliefs resonate so strongly at an emotional level, that emotional experience triumphs logic reason. We may rationally understand that our beliefs don’t make sense, but we can’t let go of them because we have such a strong emotional attachment to them.

  Solution: Healthy emotional processing can be tricky. But as a general theory, I think we need to learn how to accept and express/”let go” of our emotions in healthy ways. Being more aware and attuned to our emotions is the first step, and the second step is learning how to channel this emotional energy in transformative ways (such as through open dialogue, creativity, meditation, prayer, etc.)

• Knowledge and facts: Beliefs should ultimately reflect how reality actually works. The better our beliefs model the world, the more effective they will be in helping us navigate throughout life. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to pay attention to the facts. Reciting affirmations that aren’t congruent with reality can be unhealthy and dangerous.

  Solution: Pay attention to the facts of reality, don’t dismiss science and empirical evidence, and be willing to let go of old assumptions if you find information that contradicts them.

• Social influence: Our culture and social traditions can also play a massive role in our belief system, especially during early stages of our development. We grow up learning certain beliefs and values from our parents, teachers, priests, and other role models throughout our life.

  Some of these beliefs may be useful, but some of it can also be out-dated and wrong.

  Solution: We have to at least be mindful of where our beliefs come from. If we merely choose a belief because it is popular and socially acceptable – but it doesn’t match up with our own reason, emotional experience, and knowledge – then it is very unlikely that belief will help guide your life in a positive direction.

These are important aspects of our beliefs that I think make the practice of affirmations a little more complex than some would like to believe.

The truth is that simply repeating an affirmation over and over again, without any context or meaning behind that affirmation, probably won’t be sufficient enough to implant that belief in our heads.

You should really only repeat affirmations if they hold some kind of truth or significance to you. An affirmation that is supported by your knowledge, experience, and reason is going to be vastly more powerful than an affirmation you just read about in a book or learned at church.

Ultimately, you should create affirmations that resonate with you, not something that someone told you is the correct affirmation to follow.

Questions.

• Do you use affirmations to aid your personal development?
• What affirmations work best for you?
• What tips have you found effective in making your affirmations stronger?

Feel free to answer these questions in the comment section below!

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Below are a list of beliefs that I find are conducive to healthy money-making. Some of them address our attitude toward money, while others are just useful tips or reminders on how to be a smarter producer and consumer of wealth.

• Money is a tool that can be used for either good or evil.
• I can make money and still be a moral person.
• Some money and material well-being are necessities of life.
• I need not feel envious of those who make more money than me.
• I need not feel guilty when I make more money than others.
• I can get paid for doing things that I love.
• I understand that there are other values in life than just material well-being.
• I have the physical and mental resources to be financially abundant.
• Raising my expectations about money can motivate me toward better behaviors.
• I can be a smart shopper by avoiding spending biases and not buying things I can’t afford.
• I’m open and willing to give charity to the less fortunate.
• I am capable of providing for my family.
• I’m always open to new job opportunities and income streams.
• Imagining myself in the future is a great way to curb wasteful spending in the present.
• I will stop buying over-priced main brands and choose cheaper substitutes.
• If I know what I want, I’ll shop around online for the best offer. For example, I’ll search “[Product] price comparisons” on Google to see what is available.
• When appropriate I will also check for used prices on craigslist, Ebay, or Amazon.
• I will avoid growing debt like the plague by making small changes in my budget immediately.
• I’m willing to invest in products that may save me more in the long-run, such as energy efficient appliances.
• I will shop more often at thrift stores, garage sales, and flea markets.
• I will buy large quantities of products I use a lot.
• I will maintain a separate savings account for vacations or luxury spending.
• I will also maintain an emergency fund for unpredictable and unfortunate times.
• I won’t be a hoarder. I’ll sell stuff I no longer use or value.
• I can walk or ride my bike to save on rising gas prices.
• I can talk to and learn from a friend, family, or coworker who I look up to financially.
• I can learn how to negotiate and strike bargains.
• If I have a skill or hobby, I can try to turn it into freelance work on the side.
• I reject consumerist philosophy. I don’t buy things just to show off to my friends or neighbors.
• I deserve a financially successful life.
• What I accomplish with my money is more important than how much I make.
• Being busy is not the same as being productive.
• Savings are the key to financial growth and stability.
• I won’t necessarily limit myself to just one career or job.
• Exchanging value with others is a great way to create more wealth for everyone.
• I’m not afraid to take some financial risks every now and then.
• I’m open to financial opportunities that I haven’t even yet thought of.
• It is healthy to enjoy luxurious expenditures every now and then.
• I can save money through Do-It-Yourself projects.
• I’m more valuable than my net income.
• I’m always looking for new ways to be productive and creative.
• I have friends and family to support me during times when I need financial help.
• I can get paid for being me. I’m incalculably abundant.
• Difficult financial times will always be temporary. I will learn from my mistakes.
• I reap what I sow. When I create value for others, I get value back in return.
• I surround myself with a rich network of successful people.
• I will stay focused on what drives income and build off of those experiences.
• I will not let money run my life. I will maintain a healthy balance.
• I will not settle for a monotonous job that doesn’t fulfill my interests or passion.
• Financial wellness is a constant work-in-progress.
• When I recognize value in myself, I allow myself to make the world a more abundant place.

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Affirmations are one way to develop new beliefs that can eventually become second-nature. Every morning or evening we can repeat these affirmations with a clear and focused mind, and with practice these beliefs can take hold inside our brains.

One caveat, however, is to make sure that the affirmations you repeat to yourself are congruent with reality, and aligned with your core values. I’ve seen many people come up with delusional affirmations and then attempt to ingrain them into their minds. Even when they do succeed, those beliefs can be detrimental.

Please be aware of the meaning and intention behind the affirmation before you decide to “program it” into your mind.

The following is just a list of suggestions on some of the affirmations you may want to practice. Feel free to use the ones you think will benefit you, and disregard the ones you disagree with. Hopefully this list can also motivate you to think of some unique affirmations of your own.

I recommend only practicing 1 or 2 affirmations at a time. And the affirmations you choose to practice should largely depend on your current goals in personal development.

75 Affirmations for Personal Development

1. Everyday, in every way, I am getting better and better.

2. Every failure is a learning experience.

3. Live in the present moment.

4. I create value in other peoples’ lives.

5. I am always changing.

6. I am worthy of positive relationships in my life.

7. I wish the best for everyone.

8. I learn something new everyday.

9. am genuinely interested in other people.

10. I have many strengths.

11. I don’t worry about the things I can’t control.

12. Listening to my emotions can help guide me to make better decisions.

13. My anxiety is motivation to change or improve.

14. I can overcome obstacles in my life.

15. I am a positive role model to others.

16. I will try something different today.

17. Stepping outside of my comfort zone is necessary for growth.

18. People are generally good.

19. I forgive anyone who has hurt me in the past.

20. I have a rich and supportive social circle.

21. What doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger.

22. My past is one big learning experience.

23. I must be the change I wish to see in the world.

24. I will try to be more understanding of others.

25. Depression is just a stepping stone.

26. This too shall pass.

27. I can find happiness in every moment.

28. I’m a proactive problem-solver.

29. When I open my mind and senses, I’m much more creative.

30. I can create my own positive energy.

31. When people get to know me, they really like me.

32. Just do it.

33. I can see the bigger picture.

34. I see money as a useful tool for helping myself and others.

35. I take small steps everyday to be more healthy.

36. I’m dedicated to my passions in life.

37. I have the resources to take care of my family.

38. My negative emotions can serve a positive function.

39. I determine the meaning of my life.

40. Every decision I make helps shape my destiny.

41. No risk, no reward.

42. I remain focused on what matters.

43. I participate in life, I don’t wait for it to happen.

44. I will be more conscious when acting and making decisions.

45. I can think rationally and intelligently.

46. I’m dedicated to self improvement.

47. I treat others with kindness and respect.

48. If I want something I’ve never had, I must do something I’ve never done.

49. I know when to relax and not take life so seriously.

50. Nature doesn’t hurry, yet all is accomplished.

51. I can accept criticism without taking it personally.

52. I love and accept my body.

53. When I love myself, I allow others to love me too.

54. Most of the limitations in my life are fictional.

55. I narrate the story of my life.

56. I exude purpose and joy.

57. All is well, right here, right now.

58. Today, I open my mind to the endless opportunities surrounding me.

59. I am grateful for the people in my life.

60. I am my own best friend.

61. I can find balance in my life.

62. I am mindful of my health and well-being.

63. I exercise freedom in all aspects of my life.

64. I know when to trust my intuition.

65. I can gain knowledge in anything if I’m willing to learn.

66. strive to achieve my goals and values in life.

67. I can only give happiness to others once I have found happiness in myself.

68. I’m optimistic about the future.

69. I have all the material luxury I need.

70. I’m thankful for everything in my life.

71. I’m interconnected with everything in the universe.

72. I’m productive in achieving what I want in life.

73. Small changes on a daily basis lead to big changes over time.

74. of the time there is nothing to fear.

75. When life gets tough, I can persist.

Question

What are your favorite affirmations? Share them in the comments section!