

I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential. In Dare to Lead, Brené defines leadership broadly, without any association to role, title, seniority, or relationship: It is often used to evoke a caricature of leadership-cunning, bravado, strength, decisiveness, certainty-a caricature that is missing the depth, connection, purpose, authenticity, relatedness, and understanding of true leadership. The word leadership makes me uncomfortable. Dare to Lead covers much of the same subject matter-relationships, vulnerability, shame, being present-but I found the framing of these themes with a focus on leadership particularly valuable. I am very fond of her book Daring Greatly.

So, before those negative thoughts creep in, consider giving one of these 40 positive affirmations a try.Last year, I read Brené Brown's book Dare to Lead. While you can certainly dream up your own uniquely inspiring phrases to say every day, our list of hopeful quotes include the wise words of beloved authors such as Toni Morrison, Elizabeth Gilbert, Maya Angelou, and of course, Oprah. Other research found that saying or writing them down may foster a deeper sense of belonging in school for students, leading to improved grades. Studies support the idea that the words we choose matter: A good positive affirmation can help you combat stress and increase the neural pathways in your brain. What's more, it may help boost your overall health, too. If you're looking to form better mental health habits, this is a great-and free-place to start.

While affirmations are no substitute for professional help such as therapy when you're experiencing anxiety or depression, those who swear by the power of uplifting language do find that it increases their self-esteem and improves their mindset. Positive affirmations are statements that can help brighten your outlook on the world when you say them to yourself regularly or write them down in a journal. There’s value in patting yourself ( and your friends) on the back.
