How to Stay Motivated Using Affirmations That Don’t Sound Like BS
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The Affirmation Crisis: Why “You’ve Got This” Makes You Want to Scream
Let’s be real—most traditional affirmations feel like they were written by a robot life coach who’s never paid a bill or cried in a Target parking lot. “I am calm. I am at peace.” Babe, I’m neither. I’m three coffees deep and one email away from spontaneous combustion.
We need affirmations that meet us where we are: slightly unhinged but trying. Enter: the Dual Threads approach to motivation.
What Actually Is an Affirmation (And Why You Should Care)
Not Just Woo-Woo Nonsense
Affirmations are basically brain hacks. When done right, they rewire your internal monologue—which, let’s be honest, is often a mix of overthinking and imposter syndrome with a dash of random 3 a.m. shame spirals.
Science-Backed Sass
Studies have shown that self-affirmation activates the brain’s reward centers. So yes, yelling “I am a force of chaotic good!” in your car actually does something. It’s not just emotionally satisfying.
Motivation Affirmations That Don’t Sound Like a Generic Pinterest Board
1. “Done is better than perfect. Also, I’m tired.”
Permission to half-ass it today? Granted. Because showing up in your mismatched socks still counts.
2. “I can do hard things… but I’d rather not, so let’s do them fast.”
Motivation meets brutal honesty. A great one for knocking out that overdue to-do list.
3. “Today, I will hydrate, tolerate, and maybe even dominate.”
Because sometimes you just need water, patience, and mild delusions of grandeur.
4. “My chaos is productive. Sort of.”
For when your brain is a pinball machine but you still manage to make magic.
Make It a Ritual—Without Making It a Production
You don’t need a candle-lit altar and a full moon. You just need a minute of silence (or semi-silence, if kids/pets/the neighbor’s leaf blower are involved).
Try this:
- Sip from your sarcastic coffee mug.
- Read your affirmation aloud like you’re narrating a dramatic monologue.
- Then put on a graphic tee that matches the vibe.
Where to Put These Affirmations So You Actually Remember Them
- Post-it notes on your mirror (bonus if your reflection looks like it’s seen things)
- Dry-erase marker on your fridge (next to last week’s “clean me” guilt)
- Write them in your emotional support journal so you can pretend you’ve got it all together
- Screenshot and set as your phone lock screen (aesthetic chaos, incoming)
Need a Few More Affirmations With Bite?
Check out our other musings on emotional survival:
FAQ: Motivation, Affirmations, and Sanity (Kinda)
Do affirmations really work, or is it placebo with glitter?
Yes—and also yes. But if placebo glitter gets you out of bed, we say lean in.
What if I feel ridiculous saying affirmations out loud?
Good. That means you’re doing it right. If you don’t cringe a little, is it even self-help?
Can I write my own affirmations?
Absolutely. We recommend doing it while wearing your sassiest tee and sipping something caffeinated.
Do I need to believe the affirmation for it to work?
Nope! You just need to say it enough times until your brain gives up and believes you out of sheer exhaustion.
Is there an affirmation for avoiding awkward small talk?
“I radiate ‘don’t talk to me’ energy… and it’s beautiful.” You’re welcome.
Motivation Isn’t Magic—It’s Merch (Kind Of)
Need a little help channeling that chaos into productivity? Shop our journals collection and mugs that match your inner monologue. Because nothing says “I’m thriving” like writing “Help” in cursive on a page titled “Daily Goals.”