The Power of Positive Affirmations

For many Columbia students, you’re at that point in the semester where it feels like you’re crawling to the finish line. Of course, the frigid New York City weather, the fact that finals are quickly creeping up, and the pitch darkness at 5 PM certainly don’t make things any easier. These factors, and more, are a recipe for the classic burnt out college student, struggling to make it through the semester. Although it may be tempting to jump those hurdles with the help of yet another latte from Liz’s place, you might still find yourself in need of a little push, pick-me-up, or burst of motivation to get you through the day. Affirmations are the perfect solution for this: they’re a quick and easy way to energize, motivate, and focus yourself—quite simply, they’re a fun way to hype yourself up! 

Most people find affirmations especially helpful first thing in the morning. After waking up, you can stand in the mirror and speak your affirmations with intention and meaning. However, affirmations don’t always have to be used like this! If you find yourself feeling burnt out during a study session in Butler, (quietly) whisper some affirmations to yourself! While you’re on your way to a final exam, use affirmations to calm and center yourself! Some people even write out their affirmations by hand out as opposed to speaking them! The important thing to know is that affirmations can be used however, whenever, and wherever is most helpful to you. It’s just a matter of figuring out what you prefer!

Furthermore, affirmations can be personalized to fit your goals. Whether it’s academics, your social life, mental health, or anything else—you can purposely create affirmations (or find them online) to focus on whatever it is you’d like to work on. Affirmations usually start with phrases like “I am” or “I can,” but you can really use any sort of positive statement about yourself, your situation, or your environment.

If you’re feeling particularly worried about a class, project, or exam, focus your affirmations on your academic and intellectual capabilities, as well as your capacity to learn. For academic affirmations, try statements like the following: I am a gifted student. I can accomplish anything. I am gaining new knowledge and advancing everyday. I am excited to learn something new today. It is okay to ask for help. 

If you feel like your social battery is drained or you want to affirm your communication skills, focus your affirmations on the individual aspects of good communication and your own strengths. For social affirmations, try the following: I am a clear and confident communicator. I always speak with intention. I make strong eye contact. I feel comfortable speaking in front of groups and to people that I don’t know. I am an interesting person.

If you want simple affirmations that you can use everyday to improve your confidence and determination, focus on asserting your self-worth. For general everyday affirmations, try these statements: I am enough. I am doing my best. I am ready for a great day. I am in the right place at the right time. I am going to achieve my goals. I am getting stronger and better every day. I am healthy. I deserve everything I have and I am worthy of what I desire. There is no one better to be than myself. 

It’s important to keep in touch with your mental health, especially throughout stressful periods like finals. Though your friends may be experts at hyping you up when you need it, it’s the little moments of self-love that make all the difference. After all, it’s impossible to succeed if you don’t believe in yourself. Here’s your push to get started: I challenge you to think about what you want to accomplish and focus on with your affirmations, make a list of affirmations to try out, try them out and figure out what works for you, and then stick to your new routine! Although it may be tough right now to find the motivation to push through with your best efforts and finish out the semester, it’s more than possible with the help of simple affirmations. If you make the effort and believe in yourself, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish!