Affirmations for Self-Authorship

In case you are new to self-authorship (also known as design your life) it is the act of designing and living your life on your terms. But even when you know you want to live differently, it is easy to slip back into old scripts. That’s where affirmations can help.

Why Affirmations Work for Self-Authorship
Affirmations aren’t magic spells. They work because they:

• Interrupt old patterns - replacing inherited “rules” with self-chosen truths
• Reinforce your values - keeping what matters to you front of mind
• Build self-trust - reminding you that you can choose, act, and course-correct

When you repeat affirmations regularly, they start to influence the choices you make  and that’s where self-authorship really comes alive.

How to Use These Affirmations
Choose 3–5 that feel most relevant right now

Say them out loud in the morning, or write them in your journal

Pair them with a small action that proves the statement true

20 Affirmations for Self-Authorship
Claiming Your Life

• I am the author of my own story.
• I get to choose what matters to me now.
• My life belongs to me — and that is enough reason to live it my way.

Releasing Old Scripts

• I am no longer available for rules I didn’t choose.
• I release timelines that were never mine to follow.
• I do not need to earn permission to live how I choose.

Redefining Success

• My definition of success is valid, even if it looks different to others.
• I choose goals that feel aligned, not just impressive.
• Having peace, energy, and joy is something to show for my life.

Building Self-Trust

• I can handle what comes next, even if I can’t see it yet.
• I trust myself to make decisions in my own best interest.
• Every small, self-authored choice strengthens me.

Protecting Your Energy

• I say no without apology when something isn’t right for me.
• I protect my time as if it is the most valuable thing I own — because it is.
• I will not trade my peace for someone else’s comfort.

Choosing Growth

• I am allowed to change my mind as I grow.
• I welcome the discomfort that comes with building a life that’s mine.
• I choose actions today that my future self will thank me for.

Living On Your Terms

• I am not behind — I am right where my story turns.
• From here on, my life is mine to design.

Apply the Learning in Small Ways

Pick one affirmation that feels slightly uncomfortable — the kind that challenges the old script you’ve been living. For the next week:

Repeat it daily (out loud or in writing)

Pair it with one action that backs it up

If your affirmation is “I protect my time,” you might decline a non-essential meeting

If it’s “I am allowed to change my mind,” you might update a decision that no longer feels right

By the end of the week, notice how it feels to not just say the words, but live them.

Why This Works

Self-authorship is built in the moments you make a choice for yourself.

Affirmations prime you to make those choices more often — and with less guilt. Over time, the words you repeat start to become the life you live.

Your Next Step
Pair these affirmations with:
Journal Prompts for Self-Authorship - to uncover what you want to write into your life.