The Science of "Self-Talk"
This term refers to the brain's ability to change and reorganize itself based on new experiences and repetitive thoughts.
What is neuroplasticity?
Instead of saying "I’m bad at math," a teen might say "I am getting better at math with every..." this.
What is practice (or effort)?
This NBA superstar and "King" is known for talking to himself on the court and using affirmations to maintain focus during high-pressure finals.
Who is LeBron James?
This is the most common place people stick a Post-it note with an affirmation so they see it while getting ready.
What is the bathroom mirror?
This 5-letter word describes the feeling of embarrassment some teens feel when saying affirmations, but it usually disappears with practice.
What is cringe?
Affirmations are designed to challenge these "automatic" negative thoughts, often abbreviated as ANTs.
What are Cognitive Distortions (or Negative Thought Patterns)?
To combat the fear of social judgment, one might affirm: "I do not need the ________ of others to know my worth."
What is approval (or validation)?
This "Cure For Me" singer and Gen Z icon often speaks about using self-love rituals to combat the pressures of the music industry.
Who is Aurora (or Billie Eilish/Selena Gomez are also acceptable answers)?
Many people set these on their phones to go off at a specific time with a positive message.
What are notifications (or reminders)?
Affirmations aren't about "Toxic Positivity"; they are about this "R-word," which means being able to bounce back from a tough situation.
What is Resilience?
This "Theory" suggests that affirmations work by protecting our sense of self-integrity when we feel threatened or judged.
What is Self-Affirmation Theory?
When a mistake feels like the end of the world, this affirmation reminds you that errors are just "Data": "I am not my mistakes; I am the person who ________ from them."
What is learns?
Long before he was famous, this actor wrote himself a check for $10 million for "acting services rendered" and visualized it every day.
Who is Jim Carrey?
This is the best time of day to practice affirmations because the brain is in a "theta" state, making it more suggestive to new ideas.
What is right after waking up (or right before sleep)?
This is the act of treating yourself with the same kindness you would show a best friend.
What is Self-Compassion?
Studies show that practicing affirmations can lower levels of this "stress hormone" in the body.
What is cortisol?
Instead of "I have to be perfect," a healthier affirmation is "I choose ________ over perfection."
What is progress?
This Olympic gymnast uses the affirmation "I’m a champion" to manage the "twisties" and prioritize her mental health.
Who is Simone Biles?
For an affirmation to feel "real," it helps to pair the words with this—a physical sensation or gut feeling.
What is emotion (or feeling)?
When your inner voice tells you that you’re a "fraud" despite your successes, you are experiencing this common "Syndrome."
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Brain scans show that affirmations activate the "Reward System" of the brain, specifically this area associated with positive valuation.
What is the Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex?
This short, powerful two-word phrase is the strongest way to start an affirmation because it claims the statement as a current reality.
What is "I am"?
This heavyweight boxing legend famously declared "I am the greatest!" long before he actually won his first world title.
Who is Muhammad Ali?
This is the "Magic Number" of days many psychologists say it takes to turn a new thought pattern into a consistent habit.
What is 21 days? (Note: modern science says 66, but 21 is the classic trivia answer!)
This term refers to the "internal narrator" in your head that can either be your biggest bully or your best coach.
What is Inner Monologue (or Self-Talk)?