The Power of Positive Self-Talk: A Guided Activity for Girls & Young Women

Self-talk is one of the most powerful tools we have—it shapes how we see ourselves, influences our confidence, and affects the way we approach challenges. Unfortunately, many girls and young women struggle with negative self-talk, internalizing doubts and fears that hold them back from reaching their full potential. This International Women’s Day (IWD), let’s change that by leading a Positive Self-Talk Guided Activity to help girls and young women reframe their thoughts and build unshakable confidence.

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Why Positive Self-Talk Matters

• Girls’ confidence drops by 30% between ages 8 and 14 due to increased self-criticism.

• Over 70% of girls believe they are not good enough in at least one area of their lives.

• Positive self-talk rewires the brain, helping girls approach challenges with resilience instead of fear.

• Confident girls become fearless women who take bold action in leadership, education, and careers.

Empowering girls to shift their self-talk starts with awareness and intentional practice—and that’s exactly what this guided activity will do.

How to Lead a Positive Self-Talk Activity

This interactive activity is designed to help girls recognize negative thoughts, reframe them into empowering beliefs, and create a daily habit of positive self-talk.

1. Start with Awareness: Identifying Negative Self-Talk

Ask participants:

• What does your inner voice sound like when you’re nervous, stressed, or trying something new?

• Do you ever tell yourself you’re not smart enough, good enough, or talented enough?

• Where do these negative thoughts come from (comparison, past failures, media messages)?

Hand out worksheets and have participants write down 3-5 common negative thoughts they have about themselves.

2. Reframe the Narrative: Creating Empowering Affirmations

Now, guide participants through rewriting their negative self-talk into positive affirmations. Example:

• Negative: "I always mess up."

• Reframed: "I am learning and improving every day."

• Negative: "I’m not good enough."

• Reframed: "I am capable, strong, and worthy."

Encourage girls to write their new empowering affirmations on an index card or decorate them as posters to keep as daily reminders.

3. Power Pose & Mirror Affirmations

Confidence is not just about words—it’s about body language too.

• Teach the Power Pose (standing tall, hands on hips, shoulders back).

• Have participants say their affirmations while looking in a mirror.

• Discuss how their posture and words impact their feelings and energy.

4. Daily Self-Talk Challenge

Encourage participants to commit to a 7-day Positive Self-Talk Challenge, where they:

• Say their affirmations every morning.

• Write one positive thing about themselves each night.

• Stop negative thoughts in their tracks and reframe them immediately.

Real Impact: How Girls Feel After Practicing Positive Self-Talk

Participants from past workshops have shared:

• “I never realized how mean I was to myself until I did this. Now I catch those thoughts and change them.”

• “Saying affirmations in the mirror felt weird at first, but now I actually believe them.”

• “I used to doubt myself before tests and tryouts. Now I remind myself that I am capable, and it makes such a difference!”

Make This IWD a Celebration of Confidence

Leading a Positive Self-Talk Activity this International Women’s Day is a powerful way to help girls recognize their worth and step into their power. Want a done-for-you guide with worksheets, affirmations, and group discussion prompts?

Get the International Women’s Day Celebration Kit—packed with confidence-building activities to make your event truly transformational!

Let’s raise the next generation of bold, fearless, and self-assured young women—one affirmation at a time.

Want a done-for-you toolkit to make planning your IWD event effortless? Check out the International Women’s Day Activity Kit—packed with workshops, activities, and resources to help you host an impactful and empowering event!