Success mantras can help us through tough times and give us a boost of energy to carry on. They can empower us to have the confidence to work toward our dreams.
However, many seemingly positive mantras are actually sabotaging us.
So before we jump into the list of mantras you can adopt to uplift your spirit daily, let’s clear the air.
Here’s how Mindvalley Coach co-founder Ajit Nawalkha breaks down three popularized mantras for success that may secretly sabotage your growth and progress.
3 Daily mantras for success that may be secretly sabotaging you
Though they seem to have a positive premise, these affirmations can limit your potential. Here’s why you should use them with caution.
1. Don’t quit
On the surface, this appears to be one of the most powerful mantras for success. To stay in the game and see things through is often associated with great qualities like perseverance and hard work.
But here’s something not many people talk about; not knowing when to quit leads to one of the biggest problems of the 21st century. And more often than not, it leads to burnout.
When you’re determined to stick to something no matter what, you’re blind to the signs that show you when you need to slow down. You could be sacrificing your health or time with your kids just so you can make a million dollars in 12 months instead of 24.
A much smarter and more effective approach is to create multiple milestones when you chart your plan for success.
Do this, and you’ll be able to reflect on how far you’ve come and whether you’re on the right track every time you hit a milestone.
You’ll also be able to change direction and choose a different goal that truly makes you fulfilled.
2. Never blow your own horn
Think back to when you were growing up. Did your well-meaning parents tell you to never talk about your own achievements? Did they tell you your work would speak for itself?
Maybe it was your aunt or a godparent who told you that “good girls” or “good boys” never bragged about themselves.
The truth is, the world we live in now is very different from the world inhabited by previous generations.
Inventions and innovations we take for granted today could only have been found on the pages of science fiction magazines a few decades ago.
While there is more opportunity now to achieve success and happiness than at any other time in history, these same opportunities have also created a highly competitive marketplace.
In the 20th century, it was the norm to go to work for the same company from the time you joined the workforce to the day you retired.
Now, jobs come and go in a flash. Entire technologies become redundant overnight (remember the typewriter?)
The only way to stand out in this noisy, ever-changing world is to talk about yourself. You need to speak up about your achievements, wins, and abilities; otherwise, you run the risk of getting lost in the crowd.
It’s not about bragging. It’s about legitimately sharing what you can do and how you can serve others in your own, unique way.
3. Always do your best
There’s nothing wrong with trying your best. However, things can go wrong when motivational mantras like this turn into perfectionism. It’s a habit that’s hard to overcome because it appears to be a success mindset.
Why not try your best and get everything perfect before you hit publish, stand up in front of a crowd, or sell your art?
The problem is, perfection doesn’t exist in the real world.
You may end up spending years—maybe even decades—looking for it, but it will never come. You’ll remain an undiscovered genius with hidden talents.
The world will never know countless works of art and life-changing inventions because the people behind them are waiting for the day they finally achieve that elusive thing called “perfection.”
Sometimes, it’s better to listen to positive affirmations like “Done is better than perfect”—so long as you find the right balance between being meticulous and getting things done.
18 daily mantras for success
Following certain mantras for success and wealth without truly understanding them can lead to falling into the wrong mindset.
Instead, try adopting these affirmations that will move you toward the life you want.
Mantras to cultivate a growth mindset
- I am capable and deserving of success.
- Challenges are opportunities for growth.
- Every step forward takes me closer to my goals.
- I learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward.
- Fear is temporary, but my potential to grow is unlimited.
- Gratitude fuels my drive and joy in the journey.
- I release negativity and embrace positive possibilities.
- My thoughts shape my reality. I choose empowering thoughts.
Mantras for taking action
- I take daily action, no matter how small, towards my goals.
- I prioritize tasks and focus on what truly matters.
- I break down large goals into manageable steps.
- I seek support and collaboration when needed.
- I celebrate my achievements, big and small.
- I listen to my intuition and make decisions with confidence.
Mantras for challenging times
- I embrace discomfort and step outside my comfort zone.
- Today is a new day, filled with new possibilities.
- I breathe deeply and find calm amid challenges.
- I trust the process and surrender to the flow of life.
Remember, success is subjective, and finding the best mantras for success is individual. Choose the ones that resonate with your unique goals and values.
Turn your mantras into a game plan
If your life isn’t where you want it to be, take a close look at the beliefs and ideas that are driving your everyday decisions and behavior.
Reflect on whether the mantras you use make you feel empowered or trapped, and remember to be selective.
Affirmations are great for overcoming doubts, but there’s something even more effective: a clear roadmap.
Learn an actionable and future-proof game plan for building a fulfilling and transformative coaching career in the free Become a Mindvalley Certified Life Coach masterclass.