The Power of Affirmations: Why They Really Work by Maram Barakat, M.A.

Woman in white shirt looking in mirror, hands together, with a calm expression. Background has blurred greenery and window frame. Bergen County Moms.

Affirmations are more than just positive statements—they’re a powerful tool for transforming your mindset and creating lasting change.

When practiced regularly, affirmations help rewire your brain, shift negative thinking, and build confidence. Whether you're aiming for personal growth, success, or peace of mind, the evidence is clear: affirmations really do work.

Let’s explore how these simple yet profound statements can make a real difference in your life.

How Do Affirmations work?

Rewiring Thought Patterns (Neuroplasticity)

Repeating positive statements can rewire the brain by creating new neural pathways. This can gradually shift negative self-talk to a more constructive mindset.

Boosting Self-Confidence and Motivation

Affirmations reinforce positive beliefs about oneself, helping to combat self-doubt. They can provide emotional support in challenging situations.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Saying reassuring statements can activate the relaxation response, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels.

Influencing Behavior

When affirmations are tied to specific goals or actions, they can increase motivation and help develop productive habits.

When Affirmations May Not Work

If they feel unrealistic, the brain may resist them (e.g. saying "I am completely confident" when feeling deeply insecure).
If there is no action to support them, affirmations alone won’t create change.
If negative self-talk is deeply ingrained, affirmations may need to be combined with therapy, mindfulness, or cognitive behavioral strategies.

How to Make Affirmations More Effective

Use present tense and specific language: Instead of "I will be happy," say "I am learning to find happiness in small moments."
Aligned with actions: If the goal is confidence, practice skills that build confidence.
Repeat consistently: Say them daily, preferably in front of a mirror.
Make them personal and meaningful: Choose words that resonate with you.
Pair them with visualization: Picture yourself living out the affirmation.

Maram Barakat, M.A., is pursuing her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She has a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a special focus on global mental health and research methods. She is primarily interested in providing access to quality mental health services in low-to-middle income countries and vulnerable populations. She is especially passionate about working with survivors of abuse and violence. In fact, she has integrated her passion with her academic interests by focusing her master's thesis on culturally adapting and implementing cognitive processing therapy to Syrian refugee women who have experienced sexual violence during and post-displacement. Maram has worked as a mental health professional and advocate in Lebanon, Uganda, and New York for the past six years. At the Lukin Center, Maram will be taking on the role of social media manager. Her main responsibilities entail managing and monitoring the center's social media platforms, creating content, increasing engagement, and more. Apart from her professional interests, she enjoys acting, karaoke, and extreme sports.