Mentally strong people weren’t born that way. They probably used to doubt themselves just like you. To develop confidence in yourself, remember these affirmations that will help you be mentally strong.

1. “Nothing can break me.”

People with strong mental faculties resist being emotionally destroyed by any traumatic experience. While it’s acceptable to feel angry, it’s not acceptable to allow your problems to rule over your happiness. Finding a role model who overcame a challenge much bigger than anything you have ever encountered could be useful. Despite being blind, Stevie Wonder achieved greatness as a musician; Thomas Edison created the light bulb despite numerous failures; and Buffy the Vampire Slayer averted the end of the world despite experiencing intense emotional distress to the point where she wished she would pass away.

2. “I am the CEO of my life.”

People with strong minds don’t place the blame for their failure on other people. Making mistakes is acceptable since everyone learns and develops at their own rate (think of them as “learning opportunities in disguise”)… But refusing to take accountability for your actions is NOT acceptable. Many people don’t see themselves as the strong CEO they are, but rather as an unwelcome janitor who only cleans up messes when they have to. A life without direction and where you meander through each day with no clear goal in mind will be the outcome of this self-defeating mentality.

3. “I have the power to choose.”

People with good mental faculties don’t agonise over every choice. Planning is frequently just a cover for procrastination. Making plans for major decisions that involve factors that must be taken into account is acceptable, but it is not acceptable to approach unimportant decisions (such as what to dress today) as though they will have a lasting impact. Success is reserved for those with the guts to make quick, decisive decisions without worrying excessively about uncontrollable future events.

4. “If I don’t believe in myself, why should anyone else?”

People with strong mental faculties don’t doubt their capacities. It is certainly OK to seek knowledge that will help you grow as a person, but it is not acceptable to believe that every issue can be resolved using a standard approach. Doubting yourself will only prevent you from working towards the challenging (but important) goals that would make you feel content and joyful. You’ll be more likely to trust your instincts and explore more options if you have confidence in yourself.

5. “To take care of others, I must first take care of myself.”

People with high mental faculties don’t prioritise others’ needs over their own. While taking care of your friends and family is acceptable, it is NOT acceptable to let your health suffer as a result. Do you think it would be reasonable to expect your children to take their health seriously if you don’t set a good example for them to follow? I know it can be challenging to find the time to eat healthily and exercise if you’re a busy parent. If your actions and words are not in sync, nothing you say will matter.

6. “My goal is important to me, because ___________.”

People with powerful minds don’t pursue a goal unless they have a strong motivation for doing so. Sometimes being unsure of what you want is acceptable, but failing to pause and think about it is not. For instance, it could be beneficial to think about how being healthy might make you feel better emotionally if you wanted to reduce weight. Imagine how powerful you would feel when you could carry your grocery bags with ease, how pleased you would be when you could keep up with your kids at the park, or how seductive you would feel when you put on a new skirt for the first time.

7. “Life is like a video-game. I can push ‘Continue’ as many times as I need to.”

Mentally strong people don’t give up on their dreams just because of temporary defeat. Not all ideas are good ones, so it’s okay to change your mind (even dramatically!) about what you desire from life; but it’s NOT okay to kid yourself into thinking you are a failure. No one ever achieved anything worth doing without first falling on their face a few times. I know some people might look like they experienced a sudden rise to stardom, but I can promise that’s not the case. They probably faced a long list of struggles and hardships that you don’t know about. Your success is not determined by the actions you take initially, but rather your ability to react to unexpected situations in a positive fashion.