Affirmations to Say When You’re Feeling Defeated

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Affirmations to Say When You’re Feeling Defeated

Summary: Affirmations are powerful mental tools that break negative thought patterns when you feel defeated. Use specific affirmations categorized for Self-Acceptance, Endurance, and Hope. To make them work, say them slowly, use the mirror technique, and write them down repeatedly to cement the new positive belief systems.

One of the worst feelings you have while recovering is feeling like you’ve lost. Your old mental script is telling you that things are hopeless and that the work isn’t worth it. Affirmations aren’t magic, but they are strong mental tools that can break that negative script. These are short, positive phrases that, when repeated, help your brain build new, healthy ways of thinking that replace the basic ideas that come from shame and poor self-worth. When you feel that shadow of defeat, choose one of these affirmations and say it again and over until the darkness goes away.

Affirmations for Changing Your Mind

The most important thing is to choose an affirmation that speaks directly to how you feel right now.

1. When You Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough

Defeat frequently hides a lot of shame about the past. Use these to love yourself just the way you are right now:
  • “I deserve peace and a good life, no matter what I’ve done in the past.”
  • “My past mistakes do not determine my current value.”
  • “I choose to be kind to myself instead of judging myself.”
Graphic representing the neuroplasticity and rewiring of negative thought patterns using affirmations.

2. When you feel tired or like giving up

Getting better takes a lot of practice. These things help you keep going when you’re tired and want to give up:

  • “I have the strength to deal with what today brings.”
  • “This emotion won’t last long. “I will make it through this.”
  • “My determination is a quiet strength.”

3. When You’re Afraid of the Future

Fear can stop you in your tracks. Use these to stay in the present and have faith in the process:

  • “I am in the right place at the right time.”
  • “I believe in the process of getting better.”
  • “The decisions I make today shape my future.”

How to Use Affirmations the Right Way

You have to actively use affirmations for them to function.

  • Take it easy. Don’t hurry. Say the statement carefully and on purpose, and attempt to understand what the words imply.
  • Look in the mirror: Saying an affirmation while staring into your own eyes makes it more powerful and helps you connect with the message.
  • Write It Down: Write the affirmation down over and over in a notebook. Writing out the new way of thinking helps your brain remember it.

Affirmations are a great approach to practice standing up for yourself. You are fighting the voice of addiction to protect your good self. Essence Recovery Center teaches you that your inner voice may help you be strong.