Hypnotic suggestions are like little mindset shifts that help change negative thinking. A hypnotherapist might use stories or metaphors while you're in a relaxed state to guide your mind toward positive change. But you don’t need a therapist to use them—just repeat them to yourself while meditating, walking, or drifting off to sleep. It’s like planting seeds of confidence and self-esteem, especially when you’re struggling. [26.2.25]

Hypnotic suggestions for confidence and high self-esteem

Recently my self-talk has been quite negative and low. Sometimes our inner voice can be our number one critic. We notice the flaws, mistakes and missteps and forget the bigger picture.

Remember that time you climbed a mountain? Or the time you ran the marathon? Or the other time you failed an exam but sat it again only to ace it?

So, why are we so quick to forget our wins and highlight our so-called “failures”?

Hypnotherapy often uses hypnotic suggestions to help us step beyond our familiar habits.

The hypnotherapist invites you to explore new ways of thinking and feeling, expanding possibilities.

Hypnotic suggestions examples

For example:

“You really enjoy learning new things don’t you?”
“With each new breath, you can feel more grounded and confident.”
“It’s so easy to act decisively; you easily pick one thing and focus on it until finished.”

Notice that hypnotic suggestions aren’t affirmations (strong positive statements like “I’m so confident”).

Hypnotic suggestions are gentle invitations to go with the flow, easing into new behaviours (e.g. “What would it feel like to move confidently? Do you notice how effortless it is?”). They give space to experiment, learn and grow.

We begin to see ourselves in a kinder light, enhancing our self-belief that we can take a step forward (and if we fail, that’s also ok, too, because we’re patient enough to try again).

As well as for confidence and self-esteem, hypnotic suggestions can be used for anxious or negative thinking, social anxiety, fear of change, perfectionism, impostor syndrome and a variety of mental health issues.

Sprinkling seeds of positivity and possibility

In hypnotherapy, a hypnotherapist guides your subconscious when you’re in a trance (you are not asleep and you’re still in control and can wake up) getting clear on your limiting beliefs.

You’ll then be guided to be aware of your fears and explore new thought patterns based on trust and self-belief. You may be asked, “What does it feel like to move more energetically?”

However, you don’t have to wait until therapy sessions. You can begin to add hypnotic suggestions to your days if you want to support self-growth.

Find a quiet, calm and relaxing space with no distractions.

Try these hypnotic suggestions and notice how you feel:

Laws of Suggestion: to rewire the subconscious mind

There are certain rules that hypnotic suggestions follow. These are the law of concentrated attention (what you focus on expands), the law of reverse effect (what you resist persists), and the law of dominant effect (strong emotions override weaker ones).

Knowing the laws of suggestion in hypnosis is useful because these rules can be integrated, working on the subconscious mind more naturally.

Each day, we can help reshape our thoughts, feelings, habits and beliefs in a way that works with the mind (rather than against it).

Hypnotic suggestions can act as seeds of positive change, inviting us to play big (in a progress-over-perfection way).

The three laws of suggestion

Law of Concentrated Attention – Whatever you focus on grows stronger in your mind. The more you think about success and confidence, the more your brain reinforces those beliefs. Example: If you keep telling yourself, “I am capable,” your mind starts seeking proof that it’s true.
Law of Reversed Effect – The harder you try to force something, the more difficult it becomes. Relaxation and trust make things easier. Example: If you overthink falling asleep, you stay awake, but if you relax and let go, sleep comes naturally.
Law of Dominant Effect – Strong emotions override weaker ones, so a powerful positive feeling can replace fear or doubt. Example: If you imagine the excitement of achieving a goal, it can overpower the fear of failure.

Challenging negative self-talk for high self-esteem

I’ve struggled with self-esteem and confidence my whole life. I was taught to give 100% every day, but that mindset doesn’t leave room for mistakes and setbacks. And let’s be real. Life is full of them.

Also, having a perfectionistic attitude that we should always be productive and never fail is unrealistic. There will be times in life when we have to pause, stop, unlearn, rethink, regroup and heal from what isn’t working to take a new path.

Understanding where these perfectionistic standards come from (family, school, society, or the media) can let us challenge unrealistic expectations the next time we unconsciously begin to compare ourselves to others’ success.

When negative self-talk strikes, we can ask, “Is this true? Is this kind?”

Building confidence is about being open to small daily challenges and not expecting 100% perfection. Stepping outside our comfort zone, even a little, means we’re growing.

I have to constantly challenge my black-and-white thoughts and remind myself I’m human (not a productivity machine).

To improve, I must practice.

“Practice makes progress”, as they say. I just need to be patient and keep going.

Grow daily confidence in a supportive way. Book a free 30-minute therapy consult.