Confidence can be a fickle thing, and even the strongest among us have moments of doubt.

But here’s the difference between mentally strong individuals and the rest of us – they have a secret arsenal of phrases they tell themselves when their confidence wavers.

These phrases, rooted in psychological principles, help them recalibrate, regain their footing, and face challenges head-on.

In this article, I’ll share seven of these power-packed phrases with you. Let’s get your confidence back on track, shall we?

1) “I am capable”

When confidence takes a hit, mentally strong people don’t wallow in self-pity. Instead, they remind themselves of their capabilities.

“I am capable” is a simple affirmation that can work wonders. It’s a gentle reminder of your strengths and abilities, despite the situation at hand.

Renowned psychologist Albert Bandura once said, “People who believe they have the power to exercise some measure of control over their lives are healthier, more effective and more successful than those who lack faith in their ability to effect changes in their lives.”

This phrase helps you tap into that power, strengthening your belief in your capabilities and helping you navigate through challenges.

Remember, acknowledging your capabilities doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your flaws or setbacks. It simply means you’re choosing to focus on your strengths and use them as stepping stones to overcome obstacles.

2) “This too shall pass”

This is a phrase I have found particularly useful in moments of self-doubt. It’s a reminder that nothing, good or bad, lasts forever.

I remember a time when I had to give a presentation to a room full of industry leaders. My anxiety levels were through the roof and my confidence was nowhere to be found.

In those moments, repeating “this too shall pass” helped me keep things in perspective and push through my nerves.

As the famous psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word ‘happy’ would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.”

This phrase doesn’t just apply to negative situations. It’s also a reminder that periods of great success and happiness are fleeting too. It helps keep you grounded, reminding you to make the most of the good times and hang tight during the tough ones.

3) “I have overcome challenges before”

Ever find yourself in a situation that feels insurmountable?

In such moments, mentally strong people remind themselves, “I have overcome challenges before.” This phrase is a powerful testament to their resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity.

Reflecting on past victories, no matter how small they may seem, can help restore your confidence. It serves as a reminder that you’ve faced tough times before and emerged stronger. You did it then; you can do it now.

It’s not about denying the difficulty of your current situation. Instead, it’s acknowledging that you have the strength and resilience to overcome it, just as you’ve done before.

4) “Failure is just an opportunity to grow”

When our confidence is low, failure can feel like the end of the world. But mentally strong individuals see it differently. They tell themselves, “Failure is just an opportunity to grow.”

This perspective is supported by various psychological studies. One such study conducted by Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck highlights the concept of a “growth mindset.”

In her research, Dweck found that individuals who view failure as an opportunity for growth, rather than a reflection of their abilities, are more likely to succeed in the future.

These individuals view challenges as opportunities to improve and learn, rather than obstacles.

Next time you experience a setback or failure, remember that it’s not a dead-end. It’s a stepping stone on your path to growth and self-improvement.

5) “I am enough”

In a world that constantly tells us we need to be more, do more, and have more, it’s easy to feel like you’re not enough. But mentally strong individuals remind themselves that this isn’t the case. They affirm, “I am enough.”

I have personally found this phrase to be a game-changer. There were times when I felt I was falling short in some areas of my life. But reminding myself that ‘I am enough’ helped me regain my confidence and self-esteem.

Accepting ourselves as we are doesn’t mean we stop striving for improvement. It simply means we acknowledge our inherent worth and stop beating ourselves up for our perceived shortcomings.

Remember, you are enough just as you are. You don’t need to prove your worth to anyone, including yourself.

6) “I welcome discomfort”

Here’s a phrase that might seem counterintuitive – “I welcome discomfort.” But mentally strong individuals understand that stepping out of their comfort zone is crucial for growth.

This principle is backed up by the work of renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow. He once said, “In any given moment, we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety.”

Discomfort is often a sign that you’re challenging yourself, that you’re pushing past your limits. By welcoming discomfort, you’re choosing to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat.

When you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don’t shy away. Embrace the discomfort and see it as a stepping stone towards becoming a stronger version of yourself.

7) “I choose positive thoughts”

Lastly, mentally strong individuals make a conscious choice to think positively. They tell themselves, “I choose positive thoughts.”

As psychologist William James once said, “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”

Choosing positivity isn’t about ignoring reality or glossing over problems. It’s about maintaining a hopeful outlook and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

It’s a reminder that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control how we react to them.

Final thoughts

The power of our thoughts and the words we tell ourselves cannot be overstated.

These seven phrases are more than just affirmations. They’re a testament to the resilience, courage, and mental strength that lies within us all.

They are reminders that we have the power to choose our reactions, to embrace growth, and to maintain a positive outlook, even when our confidence takes a hit.

The next time you find yourself doubting your abilities or feeling low, remember these phrases. They might just be the mental boost you need to navigate through the storm.

Every challenging situation is an opportunity for growth and every setback a prelude to a comeback. Remember, strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.

So, tell yourself these phrases, believe in them, and watch how they transform your mindset and your life.