How to Develop a Personal Mantra

Take a second to imagine what comes to mind when you hear the word “mantra.” Some may picture shouting your favorite slogan from the rooftops, while others envision a quiet meditation session. All of these scenarios are accurate for the right individuals, but the truth is that finding your own personal mantra is more simple than you think. While meditation dates back centuries to spiritual practices in Buddhism and Hinduism, the modern mantra is often a pep talk. It’s a repetitive word or phrase used to aid concentration and build up self-affirmation for greater everyday purpose. How does a mantra come to life in 2022, besides mystical mantras like mala beads? In a variety of ways. Your “Live. Love. Laugh” wall poster, and uplifting Instagram quotes are both mantras. A mantra is also telling yourself “you’ve got this!” ten times in a row before your job interview. Hint: you definitely do. Mantras are what you make them, and you can create your own custom mantras with these tips.

Assess your goals

Mantras are a very personal part of your journey, and can be expressed in a multitude of ways. More extroverted types may get T-shirts made with their favorite phrase as they recite it during meditation, write in their journal, and share it with all their loved ones. That’s excellent for those who desire this treatment, but shyer types can also be a bit more low key. You don’t even have to say your mantra out loud unless you’re in private. And while we’d recommend sharing your plans with a few friends (more on that later,) the way you manifest your mantra is entirely up to you and your list of goals.

How you express your mantras is also dependent on what you’re hoping to achieve. Do you want to receive your highest marks yet in order to get accepted into the grad school of your choice? Meditation and the 5×5 journaling method may be your friend. Are you hoping to take more ownership over a certain area of your life? You can consider investing in a pair of tarot cards or mala beads to represent control and personal care. Your goals go hand-in-hand with your mantras and manifestation methods, and this is the first step in the process.

Review your achievements

First things first, you need a reminder of why you can and will attain all the things you’re manifesting. Trusting yourself is crucial in finding your mantra, and writing down your biggest achievements will provide both clarity and confidence. Grab your favorite pen and notepad, which may even be your gratitude journal, and jot down the things that make you proud. These can include your loving family and friendships, career growth, or even your impressive plant collection!

As you make your way down the list, rate each event on a 1-10 scale of achievement. This number is based on how proud it made you feel, plus the lasting impact it had on your life. Those with higher digits help you plan your mantras for more major milestones, such as building new relationships or getting that promotion. The best part? You can physically cross it off your list as soon as you complete your goals, and start again with a new mantra on the same page!

Create more than one mantra

As we mentioned above, it’s perfectly normal to have a list of goals with equal importance in your life. And while certain mantras can apply to any situation, it’s also acceptable to personalize your phrases. When it comes to body positivity and self-worth, “I will not listen to the negative voices in my head” will work wonders. Want to prep yourself before a big exam or job interview? “I am worthy of success.” There are many life situations that are perfectly paired with classic quotes and mantras, and you can adopt as many of them as you’d like.

One of our personal favorites at Spafinder? “I will have a good day, because it’s my choice.” This sets the mood for a healthy mindset and positive affirmations throughout the day, and can help ward off feelings of sadness or fear when you need them most. Just repeat your mantra(s) each morning, and you’ll be all set!

Tell your friends

Remember how you told your friends that your New Year’s resolutions were cutting back on carbs or using fewer filler words when speaking, so they could hold you to your goals? The same standard applies to your mantras. Your best friends, mother, or romantic partner should be aware of the set of words that serves as a catalyst to your deepest desires, as they’re a part of your journey.

For example, say you’ve chosen the phrase “difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations” as an aspirational vehicle after turmoil in your career or personal life. Your loved ones can gently remind you to repeat your mantra on the worst of days, which manifests the positive changes ahead. Are you trying to become more at peace with your body? Let them interrupt you whenever you speak poorly of your self-image, which keeps you from falling back into destructive patterns. Even the most personal journeys need support, and you and your mantras will get some much-needed love after you clue in your friends and family.

For more on mantras, check out some of our favorite meditation apps. And find meditation classes near you.