23 affirmations for patience

written by Rachel Smith the founder of Give Yourself Kindness, who has worked with clinical psychologists, therapists and leading self-compassion experts from around the world to bring you the best tools to support self-compassion - helping you feel and sleep better.

You're not failing when things take time

Do you ever feel like you're the only one struggling with patience? You're not alone. We all have those moments when we're:

• Waiting for something important that feels like it's taking forever
• Dealing with frustrating situations that test our limits
• Working on goals where progress seems painfully slow

Before I share these affirmations with you, I want you to hear something: You're not failing when things take time. You're not doing anything wrong when progress feels slow.

'you're not doing it wrong when progress feels slow'

Sometimes we need simple tools to quiet that voice in our head that keeps saying "this should be happening faster!" That's exactly what these affirmations are - quick phrases you can use when impatience starts creeping in.

They help you trust the process and remind you that good things really do take time.

Let's look at some affirmations that might help you right now:

23 affirmations for patience

Affirmations for when you're waiting for results

• I choose to embrace the journey instead of being fixed on a destination.
• I recognize that some things take time - patience is not inactivity.
• I can find peace in this moment while I wait.
• The challenges I face today make me stronger for tomorrow.
• I trust myself to keep going even when I can't see immediate results.

Affirmations for dealing with challenges

• I have dealt with challenges before, I can deal with challenges again.
• I can use my breath as a tool to find calm, taking deep, slow breaths.
• I can step outside my comfort zone, and no matter what happens, give myself kindness.
• My courage is stronger than my fear.
• I remind myself that feelings come, and feelings go.

Affirmations for when progress feels slow

1. My setbacks are setups for stronger comebacks.
2. I celebrate each tiny milestone along the way.
3. I honour that my path in life will be different to others, I don't need to compare or compete.
4. I can do things I cannot do yet.
5. I remind myself that there is always a new way to the same outcome.

Affirmations for when you're learning something new

• I forgive myself for what I did when I was learning.
• I remind myself that no one was an expert before they were a beginner.
• I can try something new, make mistakes and grow.
• I recognise that sometimes the only way forward is to use trial and error and that is okay.

Affirmations for being patient with yourself

• I can't be perfect and I don't need to be.
• I release the pressure to make the perfect decision - a perfect decision doesn't exist.
• We all deserve kindness, and 'all' includes me.
• I choose to give myself the same kindness I would give to a friend.

A note about using these affirmations

These affirmations are designed to work in small moments - when you're stuck in a long line, feeling frustrated with slow progress, or about to respond to something that's triggering you.

As Dr. Willem Kuyken, Professor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science at the University of Oxford explains, "Patience works at different levels... much of what you really value takes patience because it takes time to evolve and develop: the development of deep love, real expertise, aging gracefully."

Try this 30-second practice

1. Take a deep breath
2. Choose the affirmation that most speaks to your current impatience (it's okay if it feels a little awkward at first)
3. As you exhale, say it silently to yourself
4. Notice how your shoulders feel - can you let them drop just a little?

That's it. No special time needed. No perfect moment required.

3 more ways to weave affirmations into your day

1. Morning routine: Say your chosen affirmation while brushing your teeth or waiting for your shower to warm up
2. Trigger moments: Keep your patience affirmation ready for when you feel that familiar rush of impatience
3. Transition moments: Have an affirmation card on a stand where you naturally see it as you go throughout your day (my favourite place is by my computer).

Will these patience affirmations actually work?

I care about sharing tools with you that work. If you're wondering whether affirmations really help (I've asked myself the same question!), you're not alone.

That's why I went to the experts and asked 5 Clinical Psychologists this exact question. You can read their answers in this article 'Do Affirmations Really Work? I Asked 5 Psychologists'.

Here's a sneak peek of what they shared:

Dr. Annabelle Kyle Dortch advises: "Choose a statement that isn't a far departure from your current reality." This is why our affirmations include practical phrases like "I recognize that sometimes the only way forward is to use trial and error and that is okay." rather than unrealistic promises.

Dr. Michelle Chung explains: "When affirmations are combined with small, real actions, they can help shift your mindset over time." This science-backed approach is why our 30-second practice combines affirmations with breathing and awareness.

These affirmations are designed with these expert principles in mind - realistic, actionable, and integrated with simple practices you can use right away.

Patience is not inactivity

Remember - you're not failing when things take time. You're human, and the best things in life unfold at their own pace. Take a deep breath. You've got this.

Want to make using affirmations easier? Let our affirmation cards support you throughout your day, giving you gentle reminders exactly when you need them. Each card is designed to meet you where you are, making self-compassion feel natural and accessible.