Why Saying 'I Can' Makes All the Difference: A Journey with Affirmations

Let’s talk about something that might sound a bit fluffy but has honestly made a world of difference in my life: positive affirmations. I know, you might be thinking, “Isn’t that just some self-help nonsense?” I used to think so too, but let me share my personal journey and how these simple phrases have reshaped my work-life balance.

A few months ago, I was drowning in deadlines, meetings, and endless to-do lists. The constant pressure to prove my self, and to work hard was taking a toll on my mood and productivity. I was stuck in a loop of negative self-talk: “I’m always failing and making mistakes”, “I’ll never get this done,” and “I’m always falling behind.” My work was suffering, and so did my self-esteem - it’s currently in re-construction.

Then I moved to a different environment and reconnected with one of my mentors, and she encouraged me to start practising positive affirmations. I mean, I had heard and know about positive affirmations, so I was skeptical about the impact and importance, but I decided to give it a shot. The concept was simple: repeat positive statements to yourself to build confidence and change your mindset. It felt a bit silly at first, but I needed to get out of that loop.

I started with a few basic affirmations: “I am capable,” “I am worthy of success,” and “I am able to come up with solutions.” Every time I got into a panic, or made a mistake and felt like the world was ending, I’d say them out loud. At first, it felt like talking to myself in the mirror, but gradually, something shifted. The more I said them, the more my mind started working, ideas started flowing, solutions started coming up.

One of the biggest shifts is in how I now handle stress. In the past, when a challenging project came my way, I would immediately feel overwhelmed, shut down and start thinking negatively. But with my new affirmations, I’ve started to frame these challenges as chances to grow rather than threats. I now tell myself, “I can handle this,” and it makes a real difference.

I find myself feeling more motivated and less stressed, and I am so grateful for this. because it has also improved how I communicate. When I believe in my own worth and abilities, it becomes easier to assert myself and communicate effectively.

Now, I’m not saying that positive affirmations are a magic fix for all your problems. They won’t instantly solve every work issue or make every day perfect. But they’ve been a game-changer for me in terms of shifting my mindset and boosting my confidence. It’s about creating a habit of positive thinking that gradually transforms your outlook and helps you tackle challenges with a more resilient attitude.

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, give positive affirmations a try. Find a few that resonate with you, repeat them daily, and watch how your perspective begins to shift. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect but about empowering yourself to face each day with a more positive and confident mindset.

So, take a deep breath, and start your day with a positive affirmation.