Do affirmations feel like empty words that don’t deliver results? I get it—saying things like “I am successful” or “I am confident” can feel fake, especially when you don’t believe them. That’s why I re-aired one of my most downloaded podcast episodes, Why Your Affirmations Aren’t Working (And How to Fix Them), to help you understand why affirmations often fail and how to make them work for you. I’ll share the science and spirit behind affirmations, along with a simple two-step method I’ve used to transform my mindset and achieve my goals.

Why Affirmations Often Fail

Let’s be honest: affirmations can feel like a lie. Saying “I am successful” when you’re struggling to pay the bills or “I am confident” when you’re full of self-doubt can actually make you feel worse. The problem isn’t affirmations themselves—it’s the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Affirmations aren’t just fluffy, woo-woo nonsense. They can rewire your brain and change your reality when done correctly. The key is to bridge the gap between your current reality and the belief you’re trying to build.

The Science Behind Affirmations

I love diving into the science of why things work, and affirmations are no exception. Here are six neuroscience-backed reasons affirmations are effective:

1. Neuroplasticity: Repeating affirmations strengthens neural pathways, making positive beliefs more automatic.
2. Positive Reinforcement: Affirmations trigger dopamine release, creating a reward loop that reinforces the behavior.
3. Reduction of Negative Self-Talk: They replace negative thoughts with positive ones, breaking the cycle of self-doubt.
4. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Believing in your affirmations increases the likelihood of taking actions aligned with them.
5. Placebo Effect: Simply believing affirmations will work can lead to positive changes.
6. Subconscious Programming: Present-tense affirmations influence the subconscious mind, shaping beliefs and behaviors.

The Spiritual Side of Affirmations

I also love exploring the spiritual side of things, and affirmations are no exception. Beyond the science, affirmations have a metaphysical dimension that makes them even more powerful. Here are five spiritual principles that explain why affirmations work:

1. Alignment with Quantum Potential: Affirmations align your intentions with the universe’s infinite possibilities.
2. Manifestation Through Observation: Focused affirmations influence the quantum fabric of your life.
3. Resonance with Vibrational Frequencies: Positive affirmations attract experiences that match your energy.
4. Merging with the Eternal: Affirmations transcend time, allowing you to manifest beyond linear constraints.
5. Co-Creation with the Divine: Affirmations invite universal intelligence to support your goals.

Affirmations aren’t just psychological abilities—they’re spiritual practices that harmonize your consciousness with the infinite possibilities of the universe.

How I Fixed My Affirmations

If affirmations feel like a lie, I’ve got a simple two-step method that I learned from my mentor, Dr. Jenn Chrisman, to make them more believable:

1. Start with a Bridge Statement: Instead of saying, “I am successful,” say, “I am the type of person who can become successful.”
2. Add Willingness: If the bridge statement still feels untrue, say, “I am willing to consider that I am the type of person who can become successful.”

This approach helps you build the “bridge of belief,” making affirmations feel authentic and achievable.

For example, one of my biggest dreams is to become a bestselling author. At first, saying “I am a bestselling author” felt like total BS. But when I shifted to “I am the type of person who can become a bestselling author” (or even “I am willing to consider that I am capable of becoming a bestselling author”), everything changed. I started to believe in myself and take actionable steps toward my goal.

Key Takeaways for Effective Affirmations

Here’s a quick recap of how to make affirmations work for you:

• Use present-tense statements to influence your subconscious mind.
• Repeat affirmations consistently to strengthen neural pathways.
• Pair affirmations with small, actionable steps to build self-trust.
• Practice affirmations in front of a mirror for greater impact.
• Focus on affirmations that align with your values and goals.
• Build a bridge of belief when needed.

My Personal Affirmation Journey

I’ve been using affirmations for years, and they’ve made a big impact. But it wasn’t always easy. At first, I struggled with self-doubt and felt like I was lying to myself. Sometimes, I still do. Once I started using bridge statements and focusing on what I was willing to believe, everything shifted.

Now, I see affirmations as a powerful ability for rewiring my brain, building self-confidence, and manifesting my goals. They’re not about instant results—they’re about building belief and taking consistent action.

Ready to Transform Your Mindset?

If you’re ready to stop calling BS on your affirmations and start seeing real results, try the two-step method I shared in this post. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a self-improvement enthusiast, or someone looking to break free from negative self-talk, affirmations can be a game-changer.

For more support, grab my book, Higher Self Habits: The Scientific, Strategic, and Spiritual Framework to Get Out of Your Own Way—For Good to build habits and beliefs that align with your highest potential.

Listen to INHABIT Episode 180: Why Your Affirmations Aren’t Working (And How to Fix Them) when it goes live on February 25. You can tune in on Apple or on Spotify, below.