How to Create Affirmations You Actually Believe
Affirmations can be powerful tools for change, but only when they actually land.
If you’ve ever tried saying something like “I’m a millionaire” or “I love myself completely” and felt a huge inner eye-roll in response… you’re not alone.
That’s because your nervous system doesn’t respond to what sounds nice.
It responds to what feels safe and what feels believable, based on your experience of life so far.
So let’s talk about how to create affirmations that actually work, ones your mind and body can start to believe and build on over time.
Why most affirmations fall flat
A lot of popular affirmations are based on wishful thinking.
They sound good, aspirational, even, but if they feel totally disconnected from your current lived experience, your system will likely reject them immediately – which is counterproductive.
The goal isn’t to jump from “I feel stuck” to “I’m thriving in every way.”
It’s to gently bridge the gap with thoughts that feel accessible and encouraging.
That’s how you create real, lasting mindset shifts. Not through force, but through familiarity and emotional safety.
The key: creating believable, bridge-building affirmations
Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with a limiting belief
Think of an area of your life where you feel stuck, frustrated, or doubtful.
What’s the thought that often comes up there?
Example:
“It’s really difficult for me to earn good money.”
2. Find a gentler, more expansive truth
Now ask yourself:
“What would I love to believe instead?”
“What feels like a slightly more empowering version of that thought?”
You’re not aiming for perfection. You’re looking for plausible. Something your system can start to recognise as maybe a little bit true.
Example shift:
“I’m open to the idea that earning money could get easier.”
or
“It’s possible that money could come from unexpected places.”
3. Test it in your body
Say the new belief out loud.
Notice how it feels in your body; is there resistance? Does it feel calming? Neutral? Uncomfortable?
If it feels too far away, try softening it even more:
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Add “I’m open to…”
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Add “It’s possible that…”
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Add “More and more…”
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Or simply ask: “What if this could be true?”
These little tweaks help your nervous system stay receptive, instead of slamming the door.
4. Practise consistently
Once you’ve landed on a new belief that feels plausibly true, come back to it daily:
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✅ Read it silently
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✅ Say it out loud
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✅ Close your eyes and feel into its possibility
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💭 If doubt arises, try this:
“Is it safe for me to believe this, even just a little bit, today?”
Let it land gently. Over time, these small moments of repetition create powerful rewiring.
Bonus example:
Old belief:
“Financial freedom is unattainable for someone like me.”
Too big a leap:
“I am financially free and abundant.” 👈 (probably rejected)
Believable bridge:
“I’m learning to believe that financial freedom could be available to me too.”
Affirmations that work are affirmations that feel safe
You don’t need to “fake it till you make it.”
You just need to speak to the part of you that’s open to something new.
Every believable affirmation is like a breadcrumb leading you home to a more empowered, true version of you.
And it’s absolutely OK to take the scenic route.
Want help getting started?
If the idea of real, grounded, lasting change through reprogramming your old patterns of thinking is calling to you, but you’re not sure how to begin, you don’t need to figure it out all on your own.
This is exactly the kind of work I support people with. Whether it’s shifting unhelpful patterns, building nervous system resilience, or stepping into a new season of life or work, I’d love to help you make your next step feel safe, powerful and aligned.
✨ Book a free discovery call with me using the button below.
Or email me through my contact page.
You’re just at the edge of something new and I would love to help you break through.