A recent report suggests that self-affirmation can boost your mental wellbeing. According to the American Psychological Association study, recognising and believing in your own worth can make you happier… for two weeks, at least. (The effects begin to wear off after that point!)
Not only does this indicate that self-belief can have real-world benefits, but it also suggests that too much modesty or humility could actually be damaging to your wellbeing.
In Britain, we’re often wary of self-promotion – or “blowing our own trumpets” – but could 2026 be the year to change that?
Keep reading to find out.
Positive affirmation and a certain amount of modesty could reduce stress and even improve your relationships
Back in autumn 2025, Stylist magazine asked 400 women what they loved about themselves and shared the answers of 120 respondents. This kind of public self-affirmation is rare.
We’re conditioned to understand that “no one likes a show-off” and “pride comes before a fall”. This can make admitting that you’re a “good listener” or that you think you have a “nice smile” awkward and even cringeworthy. For many interviewees, the hardest question a prospective employer can ask is, “What are your greatest strengths?”
Even when we know that certain statements are true – “I am very organised”, “I am a good cook”, “I do make time for my friends” – saying it aloud can feel embarrassing and certainly immodest.
And yet, the benefits of positive affirmation have been understood for some time.
A BBC Bitesize article from 2023 cites a 2013 study that shows positive affirmations can help:
- Reduce stress
- Promote healthy habits
- Improve relationships.
So-called “toxic humility”, on the other hand – characterised by modesty, self-deprecation, and downplaying your own achievements and skills – could have the opposite effect.
How to be your own loudest cheerleader in 2026
1. Keep a journal
Writing down your thoughts, feelings, and goals can be a useful way to gain clarity and take stock. You might find that problems and obstacles feel less daunting, and it could be a useful way to solve them.
If you haven’t tried journaling before, remember that you needn’t use pen and paper (although you certainly can!). You could type or record your thoughts and either email them to yourself or simply delete them. Taking time to articulate your thoughts and feelings is what matters most.
Be sure to journal regularly and include at least one thing each day that you are thankful for and that you did well.
2. Practise self-affirmation
If you find that you’re too hard on yourself or that you revert to self-deprecation rather than acknowledging your own strengths, self-affirmation could help.
Begin by identifying the areas where you could be more positive. Then, you can use your journal to record present-tense positive statements that you return to daily.
You might opt to repeat these set phrases aloud or in front of a mirror, especially first thing in the morning or last thing at night. This might feel odd at first, but as with all habit-building, small steps are key to building a lasting change.
3. Celebrate your achievements
In order to avoid toxic humility, it’s no good simply telling yourself you are capable and worthy of praise. You need to get that message out there.
Don’t be shy to challenge yourself and be sure to celebrate your accomplishments as loudly as possible. The start of a new year is a good time for this. Begin small to keep your challenges achievable and avoid the kind of early disappointments that could derail your plans.
Start each day by noting down a few positive words that sum up the previous day and practise positive affirmations aloud each night. If you set yourself a challenge to exercise more, eat a healthier diet, or be available for friends and family, for example, tell people about it. This provides accountability but also means you’ve got a group of people to share the good news with when you succeed.
This can help you stay on track to your goals and encourage you to share your achievements.
Get in touch
You might not want to shout about your financial achievements, but you will want to know that your finances are in good shape, and we can help here. Please email hello@globeifa.co.uk or call us on 020 8891 0711 to discuss how Globe IFA’s expert financial advisors can help you manage your long-term financial plans.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
