A great quote about affirmations came from boxing great Muhammad Ali. He stated:
"It's the repetition of affirmations that leads to belief. And once that belief becomes a deep conviction, things begin to happen"
Another boxing great of today, Floyd Mayweather, has a great mantra/affirmation that has become a part of his reality: "I always find a way to win"
And it's true. 44-0 in his career, Mayweather, finds a way to win every time. It's a great philosophy to have. Even if you have losses on your record, starting now, you can change your mind and begin to believe: "I always find a way to win"
A great discourse on the topic of affirmations and mantras comes from Rashad Evans in this video below. Click to 5:38 into the video in order to see what he has to say on how affirmations can be powerful tools to programming your subconscious mind. And since many feel we are operating 90-95% of the time on our subconscious minds, affirmations can become the software of your mind. The subconscious believes whatever you tell it, so feed it lines that direct you towards you goals, dreams, and aspirations.