Incomplete Positive Affirmations Activity

If youve tried repeating canned affirmations and felt they sounded hollow or hard to believe, an incomplete positive affirmations activity might be the missing piece. Its a simple, gentle exercise where you start with partial affirmation stems and complete them in a way that feels true to you. That small changemaking the affirmation your ownmakes it stick.

What is the activity?

The activity gives people short, open-ended affirmation beginnings (called stems) and asks them to finish each sentence. Instead of copying a ready-made line like I am worthy, you might complete a stem like I deserve, I am learning to, or I trust myself to. That freedom lets you invent more believable, specific statements that connect to your current reality and goals.

Why try incomplete affirmations?

• Personalized: You produce phrasing that reflects your life, making the words feel authentic.
• Manageable: You can choose small, believable steps instead of grand claims that trigger resistance.
• Creative: The activity invites reflection and discoverysometimes you reveal hidden needs or values.
• Action-oriented: Completed stems often suggest a next step, so the practice can move from thought to behavior.

How to run the activity (1030 minutes)

1. Set the space: Quiet spot, paper or journal, pen, 1020 minutes. In groups, sit in a circle and invite openness without pressure.
2. Warm up: Take a few deep breaths. Optionally, jot three things you notice about your mood right now.
3. Offer stems: Provide 815 incomplete affirmation stems (see examples below).
4. Complete 35: Pick a few stems that catch you and finish them in present tense. Keep them believable and specific.
5. Reflect: Read them aloud to yourself (or to the group if comfortable). Notice how each line landslight, heavy, hopeful?
6. Choose one action: For at least one affirmation, write one tiny, concrete step you can take this week to support it.
7. Close: End with gratitudeone thing you appreciate about yourself today.

Sample stems

• I am learning to
• I deserve
• Today I will make space for
• I notice that I am good at
• Its okay for me to
• I choose to let go of
• I trust myself to
• My body needs
• I feel proud when I
• I am moving toward

Examples of completed affirmations

(These are small and believablefeel free to model this tone.)

• I am learning to take short pauses during the day to calm my nervous system.
• I deserve rest on the days Ive worked hard, even if the laundry is still there.
• Today I will make space for a 10minute walk and a single work-free cup of tea.
• I notice that I am good at listening to people and offering practical help.
• Its okay for me to say no to plans when I need solitude.

Variations

• Journaling: Use the stems for a 5-minute free-write each morning.
• Pairs or groups: Share one completed affirmation and one action step with a partner.
• Mirror work: Speak your completed affirmations to your reflection. Keep sentences short and kind.
• Sticky-note sprint: Write one completed affirmation per sticky note and place it where youll see it.
• Creative: Turn completed stems into a short poem, collage, or set of voice memos.

Tips for effectiveness

• Keep it present tense (I am, I choose) so the mind treats it as happening now.
• Make it believablesmall wins build trust with yourself.
• Use I statements and concrete language: replace vague praise with specific behaviors or feelings.
• Attach an action: one tiny, doable step helps your brain map words to real change.
• Repeat consistently: short daily recaps (even 23 minutes) deepen the effect.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Dont force grand proclamations that feel falsethis creates resistance.
• Avoid should language. The aim is self-support, not self-judgment.
• Dont compare your affirmations to others. These are personal.
• Dont use affirmations as a replacement for needed professional help if youre struggling deeplysee a therapist when required.

Follow-up ideas

• Record your favorite completed affirmation on your phone and listen to it in the mornings.
• Revisit your completed stems weeklyedit them as you grow more confident.
• Combine the activity with breathing, movement, or a grounding ritual to anchor changes.

Quick FAQ

Q: How often should I do this?
A: Start with 35 minutes daily or a short weekly sessionconsistency matters more than length.

Q: Will this actually change how I feel?
A: When affirmations are believable and tied to action, they can shift self-talk and motivation. Expect gradual change, not overnight miracles.

Q: Can kids do it?
A: Yes. Use simple stems and keep the tone playfulturn it into a drawing or sticker activity for younger children.

Closing thought

Incomplete positive affirmations give you permission to start where you are. They bridge the gap between wishful thinking and realistic self-support. Start small, be gentle, and notice what changes when you make the words yours.