Healthy Mind

5 minutes for you: Motivating mantras to build workplace confidence

Try these motivating mantras to build resilience and self-confidence.

30 April 2025 5 minute read

Dark haired lady wearing glasses sitting on coach gazing out of window with a smile

Keeping a smile on your dial and staying positive can be tough during a busy or challenging workday. Even the most confident of us can use some strategies to help us navigate tricky moments and it’s good to have access to some quick and simple techniques that you can do almost anywhere.

Mantras are one way to build resilience and self-confidence quickly by reminding us of our skills, qualities and values.

Do your five-minute motivating mantra exercise now.

What is a mantra?

Mantras are sounds, words, or phrases that are repeated. Traditionally used in religions including Hinduism and Buddhism, opens in a new tab to aid concentration during meditation, mantras have evolved over time and are now part of many mindfulness practices. Mantras can help shift our thoughts to be more positive and present. A chosen mantra can be spoken out loud, silently in our heads and even written down.

Commonly used in yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices, mantras , opens in a new tabhelp improve health and focus, decrease stress and assist us in staying positive during tough or challenging times.

Mantras can give us a feeling of control over a busy work day and even help us to react more calmly when stressful situations arise, opens in a new tab at the office. 

How do mantras work?

Like other mindfulness practice, mantras can take time to feel natural and part of your routine. It’s important that you choose a mantra that relates specifically to you and something you want or need so that it makes sense and resonates with your values.  

One of the best things about mantras is that they can be quick and simple. Best-selling author of Tiny Habits, opens in a new tab, B.J. Fogg, starts each day by getting out of bed, putting his feet on the floor and saying aloud, “It’s going to be a great day”. A mantra to inspire optimism and positivity, this quick exercise has been one of the tiny habits Fogg claims has changed and improved his health and his life. 

If you are struggling with self-doubt, need to build confidence for a big meeting or presentation, or simply want to project a positive persona at work, the right mantra could be a step in the right direction. 

5 minutes for you: Motivating mantras for added confidence

Step 1: Find your mantra

The first and most important step is creating a mantra that resonates with you. As well as honing in on what you want to achieve, it needs to be something you can remember easily. There are books and online resources to help you find the perfect phrase for you.

Mantras can be as simple as a single sound – think the ‘Om’ sound that is often used during yoga or meditation – or a short phrase designed to refocus your brain or put you in a positive state of mind.

If you want to develop a mantra to assist you with a work challenge or simply to project positivity in the office some examples might include: 

“I am capable, I am useful, I am skilled.” 

“I believe in my potential” 

“Great achievements start with small tasks” 

Step 2: Schedule your mantra

Like any other physical or mental exercise, mantras will have greatest impact if repeated regularly, opens in a new tab. Select a time in the day where you can repeat your mantra without interruption. Many people do this as they are getting up in the morning or while looking in the mirror as they leave the house. 

If you want to be able to easily access your mantra during your workday, consider writing it down and keeping it in your pocket or desk. You could even create a screen saver on your phone with your mantra displayed so you see it every time you check your messages.

Step 3: Make your mantra stick

Similarly to what Fogg calls a self-prompt, have a signal that reminds you to take the time to repeat your mantra. It could be the phrase itself, written on a bright post-it note on your mirror, or even a reminder on your smartwatch or phone. Mantras have their most impact when repeated regularly over time., opens in a new tab

Step 4: Commit to your mantra

At your chosen time every day, find a quiet space and repeat your mantra aloud. It can help to look at yourself in the mirror. Focus not only on the words but on how you feel when you say them. Believe them. Connect with them. 

If you’d like to access your mantra at work and can’t say the words out loud, take a moment to repeat them in your head as you breathe and focus on the meaning. If you like to express yourself in a journal, consider writing your mantra down at least once a day to cement its impact.

Step 5: Use your mantra at stressful times

It’s easy to get caught up in office politics or let work stress take over and ruin a perfectly good day. Having a mantra that reminds you how capable and committed you are can help in stressful situations. Use your mantra to help you refocus during moments of tension at work. It can also be useful to access your mantra on your evening commute or when you get home as you start to leave the workday behind and unwind.

Mantras are just one way to access some inner calm and energy during a busy workday. Doing a five minute back and neck stretch, opens in a new tab can also help relieve mental and physical stress, while visualisations can ease worry and anxiety, opens in a new tab.

The information contained in this article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalised medical advice, always consult your qualified healthcare professional.