100 Affirmations for Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

Have you ever felt nervous before a big test, worried about fitting in, or unsure if you’re good enough? These are moments when your confidence might feel low, and that’s totally normal. That’s where affirmations for confidence and self-esteem can help. They’re a simple way to remind yourself of your strengths and feel better.

In this list, you’ll find 100 affirmations to help you feel proud, brave, and ready to be your best self, especially when life feels challenging.

How Do Affirmations Work?

Affirmations work by helping you think more positively about yourself. When you say kind, encouraging things like “I am strong” or “I can do this,” your brain hears those words and starts to believe them. The more you repeat them, the more confident you can feel.

Brain studies show that affirmations activate areas involved in reward, self-reflection, and emotion regulation, such as the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum. These brain areas help people feel good and stay calm under pressure [*].

Because of these benefits, confidence-boosting affirmations are incorporated in therapy to help both kids and adults handle difficult situations with a stronger mindset.

100 Affirmations for Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem

If you’re facing a big test, about to speak in front of others, or simply having a rough day, the right affirmation for self-confidence can give you the strength to push through.

Let’s look at some powerful examples you can start using today:

1. I can do hard things.
2. I am worthy of all the good things that happen in my life.
3. I love, respect, and believe in myself.
4. I can handle whatever comes my way.
5. I welcome new opportunities with courage.
6. I believe I can succeed.
7. I am in charge of my own happiness.
8. I am proud of my progress.
9. I deserve love and respect.
10. I don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.
11. I matter.
12. I am a work in progress, and that's okay.
13. I value myself.
14. I give myself permission to grow.
15. My worth isn’t based on other people’s opinions.
16. Mistakes help me grow.
17. I accept 100% responsibility for my own life.
18. I can treat myself gently.
19. There’s nothing I need to change about myself to be accepted and loved.
20. Each setback is a setup for a comeback.
21. I learn from every experience.
22. I forgive myself for past mistakes.
23. I take care of myself with love.
24. I treat myself like someone I love.
25. I make time for what makes me happy.
26. I am my own biggest cheerleader.
27. I deserve to feel good about myself.
28. I treat myself with compassion.
29. I can solve problems.
30. I believe in my ability to learn.
31. I can figure things out step by step.
32. I don’t have to know everything to be successful.
33. I learn from feedback.
34. I prepare and succeed.
35. I focus and do my best work.
36. I am proud of how far I’ve come.
37. I celebrate progress over perfection.
38. I have a kind heart.
39. I express myself clearly.
40. My voice matters.
41. I have the power to create change in my life.
42. When things are hard, I keep trying.
43. I stay true to who I am.
44. I don’t need to compare myself to others.
45. I deserve rest and peace.
46. I sleep deeply and wake refreshed.
47. Tomorrow is a fresh start.
48. I’m proud of myself for showing up.
49. I am a strong individual who attracts success and happiness.
50. I trust that things will work out.
51. I’ve done enough for today.
52. I look forward to tomorrow.
53. I can make a difference in the world.
54. I am here for a reason.
55. I trust my journey.
56. I believe in who I am becoming.
57. I have everything I need within me.
58. I trust that big things are ahead.
59. I follow my dreams with courage.
60. I stay calm when things get hard.
61. I choose peace over pressure.
62. I care about others.
63. I am stronger than my fears.
64. I am determined.
65. I let go of my worries.
66. I treat others fairly and with love.
67. I have all the tools I need to succeed.
68. I am a lifelong learner, always striving to be better.
69. I surround myself with people who lift me up.
70. I trust in the kindness and goodness of others.
71. I am deserving of fulfilling relationships.
72. I replace fearful thoughts with positive ones.
73. I am allowed to take up space.
74. I bring value to every room I enter.
75. I give myself credit for my efforts.
76. I trust myself to make wise choices.
77. I am grounded, calm, and confident.
78. I am grateful for how far I’ve come.
79. I am becoming the best version of myself.
80. My feelings are valid and worth expressing.
81. I honor my pace and my path.
82. I shine by being authentically me.
83. I listen to what my body and mind need.
84. I choose to rise above negative thoughts.
85. I am not defined by my past.
86. I choose to believe in my ability to grow.
87. Positivity is a choice. I choose to be positive.
88. My inner critic doesn’t get the final say.
89. I release fear and embrace faith in myself.
90. I am a likeable person.
91. I am determined.
92. I can reach out when I need to.
93. I am allowed to say “no” to others and “yes” to myself.
94. I am grateful to be alive in this beautiful world.
95. I am assertive.
96. I look for the good even in bad situations.
97. I release harsh self-judgment and embrace understanding.
98. I am not my negative thoughts.
99. I choose to nourish my self-esteem every day.
100. I trust myself to make the right decisions.

How to Use Affirmations for Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem Effectively

Here are some simple ways to integrate self-esteem and confidence affirmations into your everyday life:

• Write your affirmations by hand each morning or evening to help them sink in more deeply. Keep a dedicated affirmation journal.
• Choose 1–3 affirmations and place them where you’ll see them while getting ready for the day.
• Set them as phone wallpapers or lock screen reminders.
• Use visual tools to stay inspired. Character education posters and growth mindset posters can also serve as powerful daily reminders for children of their inner strength.
• You can pair these affirmations with movement. Say affirmations during a walk or while stretching to associate them with strength and calm.
• Create a “confidence jar” by writing affirmations on slips of paper and pulling one out whenever you need a boost.
• Make affirmations part of your goal setting. Choose affirmations that support the mindset you need.

The Bottom Line

Building self-esteem takes time and practice. Keep in mind that every small step matters. Whenever you’re using a self-affirmation for confidence, you’re opening the door to personal growth.

If you’re looking for resources to boost your child’s mental health, we invite you to check out our full collection of mental health worksheets. Our printable materials will help them gain tools to thrive emotionally.

References:

1. Cascio, C. N., Tinney, F. J., Lieberman, M. D., Taylor, S. E., Strecher, V. J., & Falk, E. B. (2015). Self-affirmation activates brain systems associated with self-related processing and reward and is reinforced by future orientation. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 11(4), 621. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv136