An affirmation is a strong and positive statement(陈述) of something that is said as a fact. Statements you make to yourself, such as, "I'm a good dancer" or "I can't draw", are self-affirmations. They matter because you hear your own voice all the time. So if you tell yourself you're good at something, you're more likely to have a go.
Affirmations can help you or they can hold you back. Maria Evans, a coach for young people, says everyone has a voice inside their head that tries to protect them from risks. "It can stop us from doing things that feel big but exciting, like trying out for the school play or the basketball team. You don't try so you never know what you are able to do, making you feel regret, " Instead, using positive self-affirmations builds your confidence. Evans says, "The sooner you can start telling yourself positive things, the more enjoyable your life will be. "
To make your affirmation, think about the positive way you want to be or feel. For example, you may want to be brave or feel you can improve at Math. Now put that in a sentence and say "I am brave" or "I can get better at Math". Avoid using negative(消极的) words, because if you say "I don't feel scared" your brain hears the word "scared". By focusing(聚焦) on the positive, your brain hears what you want to feel. Also, if the affirmation is short and snappy it will be easier to remember.
Grace, 15, shares her self-affirmation, "When I'm feeling down and I have to do something like a test, I know that it's useful to try and turn that around by saying to myself, ‘I am filled with energy, I can do anything I put my mind to, I am capable. '"
