Too many of us go about our days with negative thoughts bouncing around in our heads. Unfortunately, when we think like this, our mood, confidence, and outlook on life can become negative as well. The problems with negative thoughts are they can end up becoming self-fulfilling prophecies. They can end up talking us into believing we aren’t good enough, which ultimately results in our personal lives being dragged down. If we can deliberately use positive thoughts about ourselves instead, the effect can be just as powerful. Here are five steps to take to write your own positive affirmation statements.

Everyone has something in their life that they would like to change. Do you wish you could have more patience? Do you want to be more productive at work? Consider several areas or behaviors that you would like to work on in your life and write them down. You want to make sure that they are compatible with your core values and those things that matter to you. This will keep you motivated to achieve them.

Your affirmation must be based on a realistic assessment of the facts. You need to keep the feasible and realistic because affirmations aren’t magic spells. If you can’t believe that you will achieve what you are stating, then it is highly unlikely that it will make an impact on your life.

If you struggle with negative self-talk, take the time to write down the persistent thoughts and beliefs that are bothering you. Then write an affirmation that is the opposite of that belief. For example, if you always think that you aren’t talented enough to move ahead in your career, turn it around and write an affirmation like, “I am an experienced and skilled professional.”

For your affirmation to be effective, you have to write it in the present tense, as if it is already happening to you. Writing in the present tense helps your subconscious to believe that the statement is true.

When your affirmations carry the emotional weight, they will be more effective. You have to want this change to happen, so the statements that you choose to repeat should be something that is meaningful to you. For example, if you are worried about a new project that you have to complete, you can repeat to yourself, “I am incredibly excited to take on a new challenge.”

Repeating positive affirmations regularly can help you overcome negative thoughts and help you manifest all your desires. Follow these five simple steps, and you’ll have powerful statements that you can use daily.