There’s a scene in The Help where Aibileen tells two-year-old Mae Mobley, “You is kind, you is smart, you is important.”
It’s the kind of encouragement many of us would love to hear on a daily basis. Unfortunately, not all of us have access to our own personal Aibileen.
So what’s the next best thing? Affirmation cards, little pockets of self-care that can pack a powerful punch.
These cards hold a promise of daily empowerment. And for those looking to integrate this practice, Mindvalley offers a complimentary digital deck, thoughtfully designed for the modern seeker.
What Are Affirmation Cards?
You might not think there’s power in positive statements, especially on small cards. However, that’s what affirmation cards do.
They’re essentially pep talks, recited or read silently, that remind you of your strengths and instill confidence and self-belief. Oftentimes, they address common anxieties, like self-doubt or fear of failure, with uplifting mantras that are meant to counter those negative thoughts.
The mind will believe everything you tell it. Tell it great things.
— Marisa Peer, trainer of Mindvalley’s Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapy for Abundance Quest
It’s a concept rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which basically says that our thoughts control how we feel and act.
The truth of the matter is, as Rapid Transformational Therapy® trainer Marisa Peer explains in her Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapy for Abundance Quest on Mindvalley, “the mind will believe everything you tell it.”
That’s exactly what Monika Aman, a holistic leadership and wellness advocate and the founder of Wholenessly, experienced when she started incorporating positive affirmation cards into her daily routine: a shift in her thinking.
“I found myself drawn to the positive messages on the cards,” she tells Mindvalley Pulse. “Over time, these affirmations began seeping into my subconscious, and I felt more confident, capable, and resilient.”
So by swapping negative self-talk for positive affirmations, you can train your brain to think more optimistically, making you more resilient and more motivated.
How to Use Affirmation Cards
Using affirmation cards is quite straightforward. One of the reasons Monika loves them is because they’re “a gentle reminder to focus on [her life’s] positive aspects and approach each day with a sense of purpose and intention.”
So when you’re ready to tap into the power of your own version of “You is kind, you is smart, you is important,” here are steps you can take:
- Find a deck that resonates with you. Are you looking for financial abundance? For self-care? For love? Whatever manifestation goal you have, there’s bound to be a deck for you.
- Start your day with a daily affirmation card. Shuffle the deck and pick a card first thing in the morning. Read the affirmation aloud or silently, letting the words sink in.
- Carry your chosen card with you. Throughout the day, whenever you feel a dip in motivation or a surge of negativity, revisit your chosen affirmation.
- Repeat your affirmation. Say it to yourself in the mirror, write it down in a journal, or simply visualize the positive message it conveys.
- Personalize it if a particular affirmation doesn’t quite click with your needs. Rewrite so that it does—the key is to find words that feel genuine and empowering.
“What I love about affirmation cards is their versatility,” Monika adds. “They can be used in meditation and mindfulness practices, incorporated into journaling or creative projects, or simply displayed in a prominent place as a visual reminder of your intentions.”
Oftentimes, you’ll find physical cards available for purchase. However, there’s also the option of printable affirmation cards—you can download them (usually for free), print them out, and take the same steps as above.
The thing to remember is, affirmation cards are a tool. And like any tool, they require you to consistently use them to see results. The more you expose yourself to these positive messages, the more they’ll start to reshape your inner dialogue.
8 Examples of Affirmation Cards
“Changing your words, using powerful affirmations is a fast, powerful, effective, proven way to start changing your reality,” explains Marisa.
Below are a few examples that you can check out. Feel free to tailor these abundance affirmations to your specific goals and aspirations. The most important thing is to choose words that resonate with you and make you feel empowered.
1. Affirmation cards for teens
These cards address the unique challenges and anxieties teenagers face. Some examples can look like this:
- “I am worthy of love and respect, just as I am.”
- “I have the strength to overcome any obstacle.”
- “My voice matters, and I will use it to stand up for what I believe in.”
Teenagers can use these affirmation cards to navigate social pressures, academic stress, and self-doubt.
2. Affirmation cards for women
These cards empower women and address issues like gender equality and self-acceptance. Here’s what you may find in a deck:
- “I am strong, capable, and deserving of success.”
- “My voice is powerful, and I will use it to create positive change.”
- “My body is beautiful and strong, just as it is.”
Affirmation cards for women can help combat societal pressures and cultivate self-worth.
3. Law of Attraction affirmation cards
These cards focus on the idea that positive thoughts attract positive experiences. Here are some examples:
- “I am surrounded by abundance and opportunity.”
- “I am worthy of receiving all that I desire.”
- “The Universe is conspiring to support my dreams.”
The great thing about it? The Law of Attraction affirmations can help you cultivate optimism and a belief in your ability to achieve your goals.
4. Gratitude affirmation cards
A deck of gratitude affirmations focuses on appreciating the good things in your life. Here are a few examples:
- “I am grateful for my health and loved ones.”
- “I am thankful for the opportunities that come my way.”
- “Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.”
Gratitude affirmations can cultivate a sense of contentment and optimism, even during difficult times.
5. Relationship affirmation cards
Healthy relationships are essential for well-being. Relationship affirmations promote positive communication and connection with messages like:
- “I communicate openly and honestly.”
- “I practice empathy and understanding.”
- “I am worthy of healthy and fulfilling relationships.”
These affirmations can encourage you to cultivate strong and fulfilling relationships.
6. Career affirmations cards
Career-oriented affirmations can motivate individuals and help them achieve their professional goals. Here’s what you may find on these cards:
- “I am confident in my skills and abilities.”
- “I am open to new opportunities and challenges.”
- “I am worthy of success and advancement.”
Whether you’re looking to navigate career challenges or pursue professional goals, these affirmations can help you do so with a positive mindset.
7. Self-care affirmation cards
Self-care affirmations can encourage healthy habits and promote a balanced lifestyle. Here are some examples:
- “I prioritize my physical and mental health.”
- “I set boundaries and say no when I need to.”
- “I am worthy of rest and relaxation.”
These affirmation cards are particularly useful when you want to prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
8. Lofty questions cards
Lofty questions aren’t really affirmations; rather, they’re thought-provoking questions designed to spark self-reflection and growth. As Christie Marie Sheldon, a renowned energy healer and trainer of Mindvalley’s Unlimited Abundance Quest, points out, “The Universe loves you so much that it always responds to your questions.”
Oftentimes, these questions start with “Why…” For example:
- “Why am I able to live the fulfilling life that I always dreamed of?”
- “Why am I so good at making, keeping, and multiplying money?”
- “Why does the Universe always have my back?”
By asking yourself lofty questions repeatedly (as you would with affirmations), you rewire your subconscious beliefs and solicit positive insights and solutions.
3 Science-Backed Benefits of Using Affirmation Cards
Can repeating phrases on a card really bring in the benefits? Science says yes.
Here’s how daily affirmation cards can have a significant impact on your life:
1. Boost your confidence and self-belief
“The biggest block in your abundance is not what you do; it’s what you believe,” says Christie.
And there’s no doubt that self-doubt creeps in for everyone, even the most confident of us all. However, using positive reinforcements can hush up that Negative Nancy in your head.
In fact, a 2016 study exploring the impact of self-affirmation on the brain found that it can activate regions associated with self-processing and reward.
What does that mean? Simply that repeatedly telling yourself positive things can strengthen your sense of self-worth and boost your confidence when you’re facing challenges.
2. Reduce your stress and anxiety
Promoting feelings of self-worth, especially with affirmation cards, can act as a buffer against stress and anxiety.
Research, like a 2021 study involving pregnant women, suggests that using this technique, particularly when combined with calming practices like deep breathing, can significantly lower stress levels.
Marisa explains, “Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” So use these affirmation cards as a tool to promote your emotional well-being.
3. Improve your performance and goal achievement
Affirmation cards can also translate that confidence into action.
“Belief without talent can take you further than talent without belief,” Marisa says. “But when you have both, you’re unstoppable.”
A 2021 study explored the link between self-affirmation and academic performance. It comes as no surprise that the research found that students who used these exercises improved their academic performance compared to those who did not.
This is the power of positive affirmation cards—they remind you of your capabilities so you can achieve your full potential.
Unlock Your Brilliance Within
“Your words make your reality,” as Marisa says. “If you don’t like your reality, change your words.”
Affirmation cards can be your first step. The wonderful thing is, Mindvalley offers a downloadable deck of digital affirmation cards to jumpstart your positive transformation—for free.
The journey to “You is kind, you is smart, you is important” starts with a click.
Welcome in.
