Speak It Into Existence: How Positive Affirmations Shape Your Health and Reality

Words Hold Power!

Whether we realize it or not, the things we repeatedly tell ourselves shape our reality.

If you constantly think, “I’ll never be good enough,” or “I’m not fit enough to be a coach,” your mind will find ways to make that belief come true. This is the self-fulfilling prophecy in action—when we expect something (good or bad), we subconsciously adjust our actions to match that expectation.

But here’s the good news: just as negative self-talk can hold us back, positive affirmations can propel us forward. By reprogramming our thoughts, we can shift our mindset, build confidence, and take control of our narrative.

I know this firsthand because I had to overcome my own imposter syndrome as a body-positive fitness instructor and coach. For years, I struggled with the idea that I didn’t “look” the part. I’d compare myself to trainers with sculpted abs and zero cellulite, wondering if anyone would take me seriously. But through affirmations and mindset work, I changed my story. Now, I help other women do the same.

Let’s dive into how you can use affirmations to rewrite your own story and thwart negative self-talk.

The Power of Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Self-fulfilling prophecy is the idea that our beliefs influence our actions, which in turn shape our outcomes. If you believe you’re not good enough, you’ll subconsciously act in ways that reinforce that belief—whether that’s avoiding opportunities, sabotaging your own success, or never even trying in the first place.

But if you shift your thoughts to "I am capable," "I belong here," and "I have value", you start acting accordingly. You take up space. You walk into rooms with confidence. You make decisions from a place of empowerment rather than fear.

This isn’t just “wishful thinking.” Science backs it up—our brains have something called neuroplasticity, meaning they can literally be rewired. The more we repeat a thought, the stronger the neural pathways become, making it easier for that belief to shape our actions.

There is a line from Alice in Wonderland between the titular character and the Cheshire Cat where Alice while at a fork in the road asks what road to take. The Chesire Cat asks, "Where do you want to go?" Alice answers, "I don't know." He then responds "Then, it doesn't matter."

Having no goal or vision can often lead to confusion. The key takeaway here is to vision it and claim it. If you don’t know where you’re going it’s going to be difficult to get anywhere. This confusion can also come in the form of self-doubt. No matter how equipped you think you may be, you still must plan and execute that plan... But more importantly, have confidence in said plan.

How Negative Self-Talk Held Me Back

For the longest time, I felt like a fraud.

Despite my knowledge, experience, and passion for wellness, I couldn’t shake the idea that I wasn’t “fit enough” to be a coach. I had cellulite. I had stretch marks. I didn’t have six-pack abs. Society had conditioned me to believe that only a certain body type could be seen as an authority in fitness.

So, even though I was helping women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident, I secretly doubted myself. I’d tell myself:

• “Who am I to be giving advice?”

• “What if people judge me for not looking like a fitness model?”

• “Maybe I need to lose weight before I can be taken seriously.”

Those thoughts weren’t just in my head—they were affecting my actions. I hesitated to post content. I undercharged for my services. I downplayed my expertise.

Then one day, I asked myself: Would I talk to a friend this way?

The answer was hell no.

I would encourage her, remind her of her worth, and tell her she didn’t need to shrink herself to fit someone else’s mold. So why wasn’t I giving myself that same grace?

That’s when I turned to affirmations.

How to Use Positive Affirmations to Rewire Your Mind

Affirmations aren’t just cute quotes you write on sticky notes (though that helps!). They are intentional statements that challenge and replace negative beliefs. Here’s how to make them work for you:

1. Identify Negative Thought Patterns

Pay attention to the limiting beliefs that creep into your mind. What do you tell yourself when you’re struggling? What fears hold you back?

For me, it was: “I’m not fit enough to be a fitness instructor.”

2. Flip the Script

Once you pinpoint the negative thought, rewrite it into an empowering affirmation. Make sure it’s positive, present tense, and believable.

Instead of: “I’m not fit enough to be a fitness instructor,”I started saying: “I am a strong, knowledgeable coach who empowers women of all sizes to move their bodies with confidence.”

3. Repeat with Conviction

It’s not just about saying it—it’s about believing it. Even if you don’t fully believe it at first, keep repeating it until it feels real. Say it out loud in the mirror. Write it in your journal. Record it and listen to it daily.

4. Pair Affirmations with Action

Affirmations work best when paired with intentional effort. If you say, “I am confident,” but still avoid opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone, the words won’t stick. Take small steps that align with your new mindset.

For me, that meant:

• Posting content without overanalyzing my body

• Charging what I was worth

• Owning my space in the wellness industry

The more I acted in alignment with my affirmations, the more my confidence grew.

Daily Affirmation Practice

Want to make affirmations part of your routine? Try this simple practice:

📝 Morning: Write or say 3 affirmations to set the tone for your day. Example: “I am capable. I am worthy. I deserve success.”

🔄 Midday Check-in: If negative thoughts creep in, pause and reframe them with an affirmation.

🌙 Evening: Reflect on your wins. Even small victories count! End your day with affirmations like “I am proud of myself” or “I trust my journey.”

✨ Bonus Tip: Use mirror affirmations—say them while looking at yourself in the mirror. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s powerful.

Conclusion: Your Words Shape Your World

I won’t lie—imposter syndrome still tries to creep in sometimes. But now, I have the tools to fight back. I no longer let self-doubt dictate my actions. And neither should you.

Your words hold weight. Your mind listens to what you tell it. So why not tell it something powerful?

You are capable. You are worthy. You belong here.

Speak it into existence—and watch how your world changes. I challenge you to write down and speak out loud your affirmations, goals and that which you are grateful for.

Disclaimer:

The tips provided in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical diagnosis before starting any new exercise or nutrition program, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or injuries.