This description provides an overview of the practice of positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are statements that are designed to help you focus on the positive aspects of yourself and your life. They can be used to help you build self-confidence, reduce stress, and improve your overall outlook on life.
Affirmations in New Thought and New Age terminology refer primarily to the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment—fostering a belief that "a positive mental attitude supported by affirmations will achieve success in anything." More specifically, an affirmation is a carefully formatted statement that should be repeated to one's self and written down frequently. For affirmations to be effective, it is said that they need to be present tense, positive, personal, and specific.