50 Empowering Thoughts That Elevate Yourself and Light Up Your Life

To live a life that is truly satisfying requires a deliberate effort. Psychologists agree that in order to live a fulfilled live, an integrative approach is necessary where there is balance in growth among all categories of life.

Affirmations and our own thoughts are extremely powerful. Often, empowering words can provide the greatest form of encouragement and growth as our mindset drives our behavior.

“Integrating the mind is the essence of life. Decide you will always say and do only what you feel is right. Then, you will come to tremendous clarity and conviction in the inner and outer worlds.” ~ Paramhamsa Nithyananda

The small thoughts provided below are meant to offer you a sense of empowerment and to further your personal growth efforts. Implement these mini gems into your daily life, and you will begin to see the fruits of your labor!

50 Empowering Thoughts

1| I am confident in myself, I believe in myself

Developing a healthy self-confidence will enhance your ability to present yourself to the outside world. You won’t easily be intimidated by the insecurities of others. In addition, self-confidence is the first step towards showing others how to treat you. If you lack the ability to love yourself, it is especially difficult for someone else to do the same. 

2| I am limitless, I can do anything

We can achieve anything we set our minds to. However, we often grow timid in our own capabilities. Do not allow your preconceived notion of your abilities to limit your from pursuing your goals. 

3| My values show the world who I really am

Which qualities do you hold at a high esteem? Likely, those are the values you wish to live by. Certain values like loyalty, dignity, integrity, and honesty, will mold your behavior. Determine what’s important to your reputation and seek to display those qualities daily. By doing so, you will live with a clean conscious.

4| Productivity keeps me focused, mentally engaged and builds self-worth

Productivity is not an imaginary theme of popular blog posts. Productivity requires focus, motivation, and the burning desire to achieve success. Write down your goals, hold yourself accountable, and surround yourself with inspiration.

5| Mindfulness keeps me grounded, I live for the moment, I don’t fear the future or dwell on the past

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz 

Allow yourself the opportunity to sit in the midst of chaos. Focus on what you can control-your attitude. Being grateful for the moment you have and all that’s surrounding you will help you to stay grounded. This eliminates any cause for unnecessary worry or anxiety.

6| When I challenge myself, I am constantly pushing the limits of my potential

 “Push yourself. Don’t Settle. Just live well. Just LIVE.” – Jojo Moyes 

Push yourself out of your comfort zone so that you can experience growth. Challenge yourself daily so you can continue to improve.

7| Empathy is the greatest gift I can give to others

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” – Harper Lee

Being empathetic involves imagining how you would feel in the shoes of someone else. Empathy is an emotion that connect humans together. Express gratitude for your lot in life and seek to display empathy to those in need.

8| I seek out that which brings me inner peace

 “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung 

Make peace with the turmoil that may exist inside your mind. Search for ways to eliminate anxiety by practicing gratitude. Be grateful for your experiences as they helped to shape you for the better. Do not find this peace within the approval of others as you will never reach balance. Seek peace and everything else will fall into place. 

9| Changes are opportunities for growth

The best way to deal with change is to embrace it. There is much beauty that results from change and it can only be achieved through shifting actions. Acknowledge your fear of change and look for the positive. 

10| Regret promotes powerlessness, learning from that which I regret is empowerment

One of the primary ways to enjoy life is to remove all guilt associated with seeking pleasure. Live in the moment and appreciate what is currently happening. However, be sure to keep recreation in its proper place. Over-indulgence could lead to unwanted anxiety and possible regret. Avoid this by remaining balanced, true to yourself, and open to new experiences.

11| Living well means living for me

One of the primary ways to live well is to be aware of what you are feeding your mind and body. Be cognizant of the foods you consume as well as your daily activities. Are you engaging in weekly exercise or eating nutritious foods? By doing so, you will have mental clarity along with great health.

12| I deserve to speak my mind and stand up for myself

Being assertive does not equate to rude behavior. Rather, it is being confident in what you want without being afraid to go out and get it. There will be many opportunities where others won’t believe in your expressions. Do not allow that to stop you from reaching for greatness. Speak with boldness and take action towards getting what you deserve!

13| I respect myself, my own respect for me is most important

Developing a solid sense of self-respect will save you from encountering hurtful experiences. Self-respect involves placing your dignity above monetary gain. It’s the belief that your reputation is worth more than what someone else has to offer. 

14| I give my very best in my work every day

Developing a strong worth ethic is valuable. Sure, no job is inevitably perfect. There will be highs and lows on the way towards defining your career. However, if you continue to endure despite overwhelming challenges, you will build your overall endurance. In addition, highlight your skills and push yourself to become indispensable. 

15| Setting goals and developing plans to achieve them moves me forward in life

Without setting goals there is no forward movement. Set goals that challenge you to reach beyond your current state. By keeping consistent with your goals, you will surely achieve what you set out to accomplish.

16| I cannot change what I am unwilling to see and deal with 

In order to change anything within yourself or your life, you must be willing to see it, confront it, and deal with it.

17| Every failure is a stepping stone to success

“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”-Winston Churchill 

Failure is inevitable. Instead of trying to control it, why not embrace setbacks? Minor failed attempts at success have tiny lessons hidden within them. Failing could also spark your greatest innovation. Deal with failure by looking for ways to improve your thinking and reinvent yourself. 

18| By finding my purpose, seeking understanding, and never stopping learning, I unlock my full potential

“What a man can be, he must be. This need we call self-actualization.”-Abraham Maslow

Abraham Maslow inspired the term self-actualization through his hierarchy of needs. He believed that when a person reaches their full potential, they are self-aware and actualized. This can be achieved through searching within yourself for meaning. 

19| By allowing myself to be free from negative experiences, I begin to live my best life

“The time has come to lay that baggage down and leave behind all the struggling and striving. You can be set free as you journey forward into a balanced healthy and rewarding future.” – Sue Augustine

To make peace with your past, you must confront the unpleasant memories and deal with them. Perhaps this involves speaking with a trained professional or seeking closure. However, the means, the act is imperative to your current success. 

20| I fail because I am human, it does not mean that I am bad

You are in imperfect being attempting to create perfection. When you are easy on yourself, you understand that one setback doesn’t equate total failure. Continue to take care of yourself and turn your failures into opportunities. 

21| I am worthy of only the best, I will not engage in self-sabotage 

It is counterproductive to speak negatively about yourself. Instead, build yourself up with positive affirmations that help to boost your esteem. Emphasize your strengths, personality traits, and talents. Develop the habit of speaking highly of yourself despite feelings of inadequacy. 

22| Conviction is confidence in myself

Conviction of your values and beliefs grounds you and keeps you real.

23| Learning to properly process my emotions is the greatest gift I can give to myself

Our emotions can sometimes get the best of us. They may even cloud our ability to make wise decisions When this occurs, you have to learn how to properly process your emotions, so they don’t become overwhelming. When your emotions are elevated, stop and breathe. Refocus your energy into something calming. Then, once you’ve centered yourself, approach the situation with a clear mind. 

24| My time is one of the most valuable assets I have 

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin 

When it comes to managing your time, prioritize your most important tasks first and then move on to less important matters. In addition, plan ahead so you can give the task at hand your full attention. If it helps, write down your process and set reminders. This will keep your organized and on track.

25| Every problem I solve is a great success

Solving problems requires objective thinking and the elimination of emotions. To solve problems with diligence, you must first approach them with a possible solution in mind. Solution-based thinking involves looking for possible ways to solve the problem without unnecessary conflict. When you re-shift your focus from the problem itself towards how to deal with it, you will see great success.

26| I welcome adversity, it builds my inner strength and resilience

All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” – Walt Disney 

One of the best ways to deal with adversity is to look for that glimmer of wisdom in the midst of it. Adversity, in the moment, seems insurmountable. However, you are stronger than your circumstances. By remaining resilient and strong, you will be able to endure through your struggles and find a valuable lesson. 

27| Self-Reliance means I trust myself fully to take care of me

Although having loved ones around you, there is no guarantee that they will be around forever. The importance of being self-reliant is vital especially during times of extreme loneliness. Learn how to build your mental and physical strength so you can rely on yourself for solace. 

28| When I understand myself deeply, I gain great control over my own destiny

“If your emotional abilities aren’t in hand, if you don’t have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can’t have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far”-Daniel Goleman 

Emotional intelligence involves understanding yourself on a complex level. It means making your needs a priority while attempting to maintain purposeful relationships. While being aware of your emotions, you are able to understand yourself deeply. This comes in handy when solving problems, developing interpersonal relationships, and demonstrating empathy. 

29| I am in control of my own happiness, emotions and choices

“When our emotional health is in a bad state, so is our level of self-esteem. We have to slow down and deal with what is troubling us, so that we can enjoy the simple joy of being happy and at peace with ourselves.”-Jess C. Scott

It’s important that you develop a sense of identity separate from those around you. You can do this by allowing your own emotions to dictate your behavior as opposed to the opinions of others. You are in control of your happiness; therefore, you should be in control of your emotions. Do not become so co-dependent that standing alone becomes fearful. Embrace the qualities you have and find what makes you special.

30| When I stimulate my mind, I grow on all levels

There is an entire world of information available at our fingertips. Take some extra time and research an unknown topic when you are feeling bored. Engage in a new hobby or go outside for a walk. Have a talk with nature and try to learn from the trees. Our society has placed a taboo around being bored. When you find ways to stimulate your mind, you will always be intrigued.

31| Managing my stress is a great act of self-care

We cannot control situational occurrences, but we can control how we react to it. If we allow stress to overwhelm us, likely we are not getting anything done. Practice slowing down your reaction process when unfortunate situations occur. Try to control worry by journaling your thoughts. By purging them on paper, you are releasing them from your mind. 

32| Feel the fear and do it anyway

Anxiety is a result of fear. Often it is a repressed fear hidden in surface level distractions. When you feel anxious feelings happening, sit in them. Allow your body to build a tolerance to the feeling. By doing so, you are telling your body that despite feelings of discomfort, you are still okay. Anxiety takes work, but the results are worthwhile. By staying consistent and taking care of yourself, you will regain control of your life. 

33| Learning is a life long journey 

“You must read, you must persevere, you must sit up nights, you must inquire, and exert the utmost power of your mind. If one way does not lead to the desired meaning, take another; if obstacles arise, then still another; until, if your strength holds out, you will find that clear which at first looked dark.”-Giovanni Boccaccio

When you continue to learn, you will have a broader perspective that can assist you with relating to others. Learning continuously challenges the mind by keeping it alert. Indulge in books, podcasts, and documentaries that enhance your perception. 

34| Self-care is the manifestation of self-love

To care for yourself, it is vital that you practice three principles:

  • Detox your mind and body through relaxation
  • Engage in pleasurable activities
  • Speak positively of yourself

35| Motivation is the outgoing outcome of remaining excited

“We see in order to move; we move in order to see.” – William Gibson

Look for ways to find innovation in your tasks. Even if the road seems long, that initial excitement will help you to endure. Motivation also relies heavily on consistency. Make it a practice to do something small towards your goal daily. 

36| Communication is the key to expressing my emotions and getting my needs met

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” Roy T. Bennett

One way to manage your communication is to become in tuned with your emotions. When expressing yourself, are you aware of the words you are saying? Are you allowing outside forces to regulate your mood? Are you projected inward feelings of distress on your partner? Learn how to get your message across without succumbing to anger or aggression. When you speak with tact and kindness, you will be able to get your message across.

37| My strengths provide me with a sense of fulfillment

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” – George R.R. Martin

What gives you a genuine sense of fulfillment and excitement? What separates you from everyone else? These questions will help to determine your strengths. When you uncover them, make sure you implement them into your daily life to reach fulfillment.

38| My greatest weaknesses can turn into valuable strengths

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” –  Eleanor Roosevelt 

What drains you of your energy and leaves you feeling distressed? Pay attention to those activities and either avoid them or work towards enhancing them. 

39| Compassion is the best way to deal with difficult people

“People are more difficult to work with than machines. And when you break a person, he can’t be fixed.” – Rick Riordan 

Difficult individuals experience pain and stress on different levels. Deal with them in a manner of compassion. Seek to understand their behavior without giving into their insecurities. Never stoop to their level as it only limits your abilities. 

40| Never put off till tomorrow, the things I need to do today

“Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.” – Mark Twain

One valuable way to beat procrastination is to set up a personal reward system. Grant yourself a treat or indulge in an enjoyable activity once you’ve accomplished your goals. If you fall short, withhold an enjoyable activity until you finish your work. This will keep you engaged and motivated.

41| A great leader listens to and meets the needs of his followers

“Success is not how high you have climbed, but how you make a positive difference to the world.” – Roy T. Bennett

A great leader listens to the opinions of others while maintaining humility and respect. You can lead by example when you perform at an elevated level. Through your topics of conversation, dress, and interests, you can silently lead an entire generation.

42| Mental clarity opens the door to all possibilities

You are able to achieve mental clarity by ridding yourself of negative thinking and ensuring that your needs are taken care of. Avoid situations that drain you of your energy. Focus on activities that only rejuvenate your spirit. 

43| I shoot higher than the stars because that is where my potential lies

“Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Do not bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.” – William Faulkner

Constantly challenge yourself to reach beyond your means. By doing so, you will reach your full potential, which is one of the greatest gifts that you can give yourself. 

44| Optimism and positive thinking are my greatest assets in life 

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo F. Buscaglia

One way to remain optimistic is to look for positivity in every negative situation. There is always something hidden that can make you laugh or grant you with gratitude.

45| Self-improvement is a journey to the best me possible  

Exploring who you are and working towards personal growth opens up a world of possibilities that make you the best you can be.

46| Building lasting relationships empowers me on all levels

“Death ends a life, not a relationship” – Mitch Albom

Building lasting relationships involve following up with your friends, celebrating successes, and putting values ahead of your friendship. By doing so, you will be trustworthy, reliable, and a valuable asset to each other’s lives.

47| Living my passions provides me with the greatest gifts, value, purpose and fulfillment

“I have no special talents, I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein 

When you engage in an activity that brings you joy, look deeper into your actions. There, you will find where your true happiness lies. Passions can come in the form of helping others, creating something, or making a change. Whatever gives you a sense of value or purpose is your passion. Always allow that to guide you. 

48| Achieving fulfillment means seeking purpose and meaning in everything I do 

“The easiest thing to be in the world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what other people want you to be. Don’t let them put you in that position.”  – Leo F. Buscaglia

Sometimes, our mundane activities may seem tedious repetitive. This attitude can inhibit you from finding happiness in your life. Engage in the moment by giving it your all. Analyze why your actions are important and this well help you to find purpose.

49| My attitude shows the world who I really am

“Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” – Theodore Roosevelt 

Your attitude towards a matter can be the difference between a civil interaction and out right war. You have the ability to control your demeanor and words when feeling provoked. 

Although you may be steaming with anger on the inside, displaying a positive attitude on the outside will work wonders for your reputation. Others will view you with respect, and you will save yourself from countless apologies. 

50| Loving someone else never means I should lose myself

Healthy relationships support your wellbeing, unhealthy relationships compromise it. In a relationship 2 halves never make a whole. Bring yourself completely into the relationship, but never lose even a small piece of yourself.