An affirmation is emotional support or encouragement, so a positive affirmation is affirming something positive and encouraging. When do you use positive affirmations? Maybe someone at work did a presentation and you let them know that they are a great presenter. Did you give yourself any positive affirmations today? Many people start their days with a positive affirmation to themselves. This can help boost self-esteem and it may cause you to feel more positive throughout your day. Try it for a few days! Write down a few positive statements and tape them to your mirror. Read them to yourself each morning and see if it causes a change for you.