Today, we’re diving into the power of affirmations and exploring how to use them! While focusing on the difference between good affirmations vs bad affirmations and how to avoid slipping into the territory of compulsive reassurance. If you’re navigating recovery or simply looking to add some grounded positivity to your day, this is for you!

Okay, Let’s dive into these affirmations together!

Here’s a little preview of what we’ll cover:

• How affirmations can be powerful tools, but only if used correctly
• What makes a “good affirmation”
• What makes a “bad affirmation”
• The key to using affirmations in an empowering way

The Truth About Affirmations

Affirmations—people either love them or hate them. A lot of myths and misunderstandings surround their effectiveness. While some swear by affirmations, others feel they’re just too cheesy. But here’s the truth: not all affirmations are created equal, which is why understanding good affirmations vs bad affirmations is essential to making progress. Affirmations can be genuinely powerful tools if used the RIGHT way. If you’ve found them unhelpful in the past or have avoided them altogether, it might simply be because you weren’t using them correctly. 

There’s a big difference between affirmations that support progress and those that can actually keep you stuck in a cycle of fear or compulsions. Today, we’re breaking down how to tell the difference, so you can choose affirmations that truly support your journey without reinforcing unhelpful habits.

What Makes a “Good Affirmation”?

So let’s start with what makes a good affirmation! When it comes to good affirmations vs bad affirmations, a good affirmation isn’t about denying fears or reassuring yourself that nothing bad will happen. Instead, it’s all about empowerment—affirmations that remind you of your own resilience and strength. Effective affirmations focus on your abilities, efforts, and the work you’re putting in to handle tough situations. 

For example, saying “I can handle hard things” doesn’t try to convince you that feared events won’t happen or that everything will be perfect; instead, it reminds you of your inner strength and ability to handle whatever comes your way. Essentially, good affirmations are about being your own cheerleader—recognizing your resilience and reinforcing your trust in yourself.

What Makes a “Bad Affirmation”?

Now on the flip side, let’s talk about some bad affirmations or some things that I would not be okay with my students or clients doing. Some affirmations can actually work against you, especially those rooted in reassurance. While phrases like “everything is okay” may feel soothing in the moment, they often provide only temporary relief. 

In reality, these types of affirmations can become a form of compulsion. Understanding good affirmations vs bad affirmations helps you avoid those rooted in reassurance, which can reinforce anxiety and OCD. They offer certainty—the very thing OCD and anxiety crave—but giving into this craving only strengthens the hold of these thoughts. Just because your mind seeks reassurance doesn’t mean that’s what it needs. Avoiding these “quick fix” affirmations can help you break the cycle and truly support your long-term resilience.

Using Affirmations to Build Inner Strength, Not Reassurance

The key to using affirmations in an empowering way—and avoiding them becoming compulsive—is to focus on your strength, resilience, and ability to handle challenges. When affirmations target outcomes, like “nothing bad will happen” or “everything will be fine,” they become forms of reassurance, which only reinforce anxiety and OCD in the long run. 

Instead, affirmations like “I can handle uncertainty” or “I’m capable of getting through this challenge” build genuine self-trust, grounded in your inner resilience. Focus on the process and your own capabilities, rather than trying to control uncertain outcomes; while you may not control what happens, you can 100% control how you show up to face those tough moments.

Join The Waitlist For My Break Free Action Cards

So, speaking of good affirmations vs bad affirmations, I’m so excited to introduce my Break Free Action Cards, launching mid-November! This deck features 35 specially crafted affirmations designed to ground you, keep you focused, and support your recovery journey through even the toughest days. Each card comes with a beautifully branded wooden stand, so you can keep your affirmation visible on your desk. Or use it as a bookmark or carry them around with you in your bag!

These aren’t your typical “everything will be okay” affirmations; instead, they’re powerful reminders like, “I can handle hard things,” “I’m stronger than my fear,” and “I don’t need certainty to move forward.” Each card is specifically designed to support you in breaking free from compulsive cycles, helping you stay committed to your work and resilience without feeding into reassurance.

We’re only launching 2000 decks to start, and if you’re anything like me, you’re going to want to get first dibs. Trust me, they’re going to go so fast. I do not anticipate having them for very long. So if you want to make sure that you have access and get first dibs on these cards, head over here to join the waitlist. 

Sign Up For My Break Free Power Hour

Mark your calendar (November 21st) for an exciting live event I’ve got coming up! the Break Free Power Hour. This is a totally free, power-packed 60-minute masterclass with Q&A, where I’ll be sharing some actionable strategies for managing anxiety and intrusive thoughts. You’ll leave with concrete tools to create impactful changes right away. Plus, if you attend, you’ll get an exclusive sneak peek at my Black Friday offers. Those of you who’ve been with me know I rarely offer discounts because I stand firmly behind my OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint, but come Black Friday, I go all out! Sign up now for early access!

Wrapping Up: You’ve Got This!

To sum it up, knowing the difference between good affirmations vs bad affirmations is key to using affirmations to reinforce your strength, resilience, and ability to handle hard things. Rather than simply offering reassurance about outcomes. If you’re looking for a daily, beautiful reminder of your power, be sure to join the waitlist for the Break Free Action Cards! And grab your spot in the Break Free Power Hour on November 21st!

As we close, remember: you’re so much stronger than you know, and you have the power to overcome any obstacle in your path. Head over to my website for the OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint—the ultimate roadmap to freedom.

Keep doing all the hard things. Bye for now.

💥 Join the WAITLIST for my affirmation Break Free Action Cards, launching mid-November!: http://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/deck

⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: ⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power

👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on “5 Must-Know Strategies for Handling Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts”: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/strategies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🧠 Start your transformation today with the Mental Compulsion Mini Course referenced in this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/mental-compulsions⁠

💪 Ready to conquer OCD/anxiety? Explore The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint – with or without a therapist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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