20 affirmations for courage

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.

Whether you're starting something new, speaking up in a meeting, making a big life change, or just facing a tough day - we all need a reminder of our courage sometimes. 

These affirmations will help you find your inner strength, even when things feel scary.

What courage really means

Many of us think being courageous means never feeling afraid or worried. But true courage is different.

As meditation teacher Joan Halifax explains, it's like having "a strong back and a soft front" - this means being brave enough to face challenges while still allowing yourself to feel your emotions. 

'you can be both strong and gentle at the same time'

Like a tree that bends with the wind but doesn't break, you can be both strong and gentle at the same time. Courage can exist alongside fear.

'courage can exist alongside fear'

Let's explore 20 gentle yet powerful affirmations to help you find your courage.

20 courage affirmations for different moments

For trying something new

• My courage is stronger than my fear
• I can try, even when I don't feel 100% ready
• I remind myself that no one was an expert before they were a beginner
• I can try something new, make mistakes and grow
• The challenges I face today make me stronger for tomorrow

'it's normal to feel nervous when trying something new'

These affirmations remind us that it's normal to feel nervous when trying something new.

For speaking up

• My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter
• I can be open and honest with others, even when it makes me feel vulnerable
• I can ask for help and know that this is not a weakness, but a strength
• I am always worthy of respect
• I bring unique skills and perspectives to what I do

Use these when you need to find your voice, whether in a meeting, with friends, or in any situation where speaking up feels scary.

For handling setbacks

• My setbacks are setups for stronger comebacks
• I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism
• I have dealt with challenges before, I can deal with challenges again
• I can't be perfect and I don't need to be
• I forgive myself for what I did when I was learning

Remember these when things don't go as planned or when you're being hard on yourself.

For facing uncertainty

• I can embrace uncertainty. It's okay not to know
• I can embrace change whilst reassuring myself that change is challenging
• I choose to embrace the journey instead of being fixed on a destination
• I can feel both nervous AND excited, scared AND brave
• I recognize that some things take time - patience is not inactivity

These help when the path ahead isn't clear, and you need to take one step at a time.

When to use these affirmations

Before doing something that scares you

When facing a challenge, try "My courage is stronger than my fear" or "I can try, even when I don't feel 100% ready."

After a setback

Try "My setbacks are setups for stronger comebacks" or "I can make mistakes and learn from them, without self-criticism." 

During moments of doubt

Try "My voice matters. My opinions matter. I matter" or "I am always worthy of respect." 

When facing big changes

Try "I can embrace uncertainty. It's okay not to know" and "I can embrace change whilst reassuring myself that change is challenging".

Making these affirmations work for you

Start small. Choose one or two affirmations that really speak to you and build them into your day:

• Say them in the morning as you get ready
• Write them on sticky notes for your desk or mirror
• Set them as reminders on your phone
• Repeat them when you feel scared or uncertain
  

Courage grows with practice

Remember, courage isn't about being fearless - it's about being both brave and gentle with yourself.

'courage isn't about being fearless'

Every time you repeat these affirmations, you're building your courage muscle. Some days will be easier than others, and that's perfectly normal. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself.

Want to make affirmations easy? Our therapist-backed affirmation cards offer gentle reminders you can carry with you, making it easy to make affirmations a powerful daily habit.