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How to start the new year with a positive mindset
An affirmations chart is a simple way to remind yourself of your potential
What stories do you tell yourself?
Maybe your inner voice often reminds you that you are a kind person who is loved by your friends. Or maybe the little voice in your head seems to always be worrying or criticizing.
No one’s inner voice is perfect. But with practice, you can make your inner thoughts more positive. Repeating good things about yourself — like “I will try at everything I do,” “I’m in charge of my thoughts and feelings,” or “I am a valuable, important person” — can help you create and foster a positive mindset.
The start of a new year is all about setting goals and intentions. What better time to try retraining your brain to boost your self-esteem? Here’s how.
What you need:
- Note cards
- Velcro tabs
- Stickers
- A piece of construction paper
1. Write (or type, print and a glue) a set of positive self-affirmations on your note cards. Personalize these to you! They should be true (if aspirational) and easy to remember. Some examples are at the end of this story to help you get started.
1. Write (or type and print) a set of positive self-affirmations. Personalize these to you! They should be true (if aspirational) and easy to remember. Some examples are at the end of this story to help you get started.
2. Decorate your cards with colorful stickers. Try to use images that represent the words in the affirmation.
2. Decorate your cards with colorful stickers. Try to use images that represent the words in the affirmation.
3. Stick the fuzzy side of a Velcro tab to the back of each note card.
3. Stick the fuzzy side of a Velcro tab to the back of each note card.
4. Stick the rough side of a Velcro tab on the construction paper. Then decorate it. Add your name and a label for your daily affirmation, leaving a space for a note card.
4. Stick the rough side of a Velcro tab on the construction paper. Then decorate it. Add your name and a label for your daily affirmation, leaving a space for a note card.
5. Find a spot for your affirmation chart. Choose somewhere you’ll see it every day, like on the fridge, by your bed or in your locker at school. Keep the note cards nearby and choose a new one every day! Repeat the statement to yourself throughout the day.
5. Find a spot for your affirmation chart. Choose somewhere you’ll see it every day, like on the fridge, by your bed or in your locker at school. Keep the note cards nearby and choose a new one every day! Repeat the statement to yourself throughout the day. (Molly Duffy/For The Gazette)
Sample affirmations:
- I am smart and capable.
- I am in charge of myself — my feelings and my actions.
- I am kind and nice to others.
- I have valuable things to say.
- I respect myself and others.
Comments: molly.duffy@thegazette.com
1. Write (or type and print) a set of positive self-affirmations. Personalize these to you! They should be true (if aspirational) and easy to remember. Some examples are at the end of this story to help you get started.
2. Decorate your cards with colorful stickers. Try to use images that represent the words in the affirmation.
3. Stick the fuzzy side of a Velcro tab to the back of each note card.
4. Stick the rough side of a Velcro tab on the construction paper. Then decorate it. Add your name and a label for your daily affirmation, leaving a space for a note card.
5. Find a spot for your affirmation chart. Choose somewhere you’ll see it every day, like on the fridge, by your bed or in your locker at school. Keep the note cards nearby and choose a new one every day! Repeat the statement to yourself throughout the day. (Molly Duffy/For The Gazette)
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