Why did I stop using affirmation and focusing on aspirations for self-growth?

We’ve all heard the classic affirmations: “I am enough,”, “I am beautiful”, “I’m confident”, and so on. But let’s be honest; sometimes, these words don’t resonate and could create conflict within oneself. Repeating them can feel forced, especially on days when we struggle to believe them. 

I want to be honest: I used to practice affirmations frequently, but inside, I felt stressed because I was pretending to be someone I wasn’t. It felt like I was compressing and pushing my true self away. Over time, this negative energy led to burnout.

After years of heart-centred practice and being more compassionate with myself, I have shifted from using affirmations to focusing on aspirations. As a result, I now feel more at peace with who I am, more confident, and still open to self-growth in physical, mental, and spiritual aspects.

That’s where aspirations come in. Unlike affirmations, which state something as already true, aspirations gently invite growth. They give us space to evolve without pressure, fostering self-compassion along the way.

Affirmations vs. Aspirations: What’s the Difference?

 Affirmations are declarative statements (“I am strong”), which can sometimes feel disconnected from our reality.

Aspirations are intentions (“May I find strength in myself today”), allowing room for imperfection and self-acceptance.

With aspirations, we acknowledge where we are while moving toward where we want to be without judgment.

 Many years ago, when I started practising yoga, I joined one of the yoga classes where the instructor cued “Headstand pose”, and said you are strong. Believe in yourself!

As a beginner, I had never practised it before, and it was hard to believe that I was strong enough to do it. I tried but failed. I  sat and watched others who could, I felt weak and useless!

If I understood “aspiration” on that day, I would say, “May I find strength in myself today”, and “May I be strong enough to try my best”. Even though I failed in “Headstand”, I knew I’d tried my best and would be proud of myself. 

How to Create Your Aspiration Ritual

Aspirations can become a beautiful daily ritual. It is beneficial to enhance your mind and gently invite growth in everyday. Here’s how to create one that feels grounding and authentic:

Affirmations tell us who we should be. Aspirations remind us to embrace who we are at the current stage, allowing the transformation, an that we are always becoming the best version of ourselves. They invite self-compassion, patience, and a deeper connection with ourselves.

Now it’s your turn!

This week, try swapping affirmations for aspirations and see how it shifts your energy. What aspiration will you carry with you today? Please share, I’d love to hear!

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