“Affirmations are not just words—they’re bridges to your inner strength. When you connect them to your personal experiences, they become the foundation for real growth and lasting confidence.”

– Alex Hristov

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of quick fixes and fleeting moments of happiness. Many of us turn to affirmations for a boost, hoping they will inspire confidence and bring meaningful change. But why do affirmations often fall short? And how can we harness their true power to create a lasting impact? Wellness and confidence coach Alex Hristov has dedicated his life to answering these questions. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming adversity, Alex offers practical strategies to transform affirmations into powerful tools for personal growth.

In this exclusive interview, Alex shares how connecting affirmations to real-life experiences can rewire the brain, build resilience, and foster genuine happiness. From breaking down overwhelming goals to creating a “deathbed perspective” that clarifies life’s priorities, Alex provides actionable insights that empower readers to take control of their lives. Whether you’re looking to overcome fear, build confidence, or create lasting habits, this conversation is filled with wisdom and practical advice to guide you toward a more fulfilling future.


Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

My journey began as a software engineer in Atlanta, Georgia. However, life took a drastic turn when I faced a significant health ordeal that left me bedridden for five years. That challenging period pushed me to confront the depths of both physical and emotional struggles. Rebuilding my life became a transformative journey of resilience, requiring me to rediscover my purpose and redefine my goals. Through that process, I realized the importance of guidance and encouragement, which inspired me to help others navigate their challenges. This newfound calling ultimately led me to become a wellness and confidence coach, where I strive to empower individuals to reclaim their strength and achieve personal growth.

Today, we’re diving into affirmations and how they can bring real change. Why do you think affirmations are so popular yet often ineffective?

Affirmations are everywhere because they’re simple and uplifting. However, their true effectiveness comes from how they are used. Most people repeat affirmations mechanically without connecting them to personal truths, which limits their impact. The real power of affirmations lies in rooting them in your own experiences and achievements. For instance, instead of vaguely stating, “I am strong,” say, “I am strong because I overcame that health ordeal.” This connection provides your brain with concrete evidence, making the affirmation more believable and impactful, which fosters genuine self-confidence.

Many people chase happiness through external dopamine hits. How can affirmations lead to lasting happiness?

Affirmations, when done right, act as reminders of our inner strengths and accomplishments, creating a foundation for lasting contentment. Unlike temporary dopamine hits that provide fleeting satisfaction, affirmations allow us to build a deeper sense of self-worth by connecting to real-life achievements. When you pair affirmations with actionable steps, like learning a new skill or achieving small, measurable goals, they help create a sustainable cycle of growth and happiness. This process rewires your brain to seek fulfillment in progress and resilience, rather than relying on external sources of temporary gratification. It’s a shift from chasing quick fixes to nurturing long-term emotional and mental stability.

Actions are crucial to making affirmations work. Can you explain how the two connect?

Affirmations are most effective when they inspire you to take tangible steps toward your goals. Instead of simply stating an affirmation, use it as a motivator to act. For example, if you say, “I am resilient because I overcame past struggles,” let that serve as the fuel to tackle a current challenge. Taking even small, consistent actions reinforces the truth behind the affirmation. This creates a positive feedback loop: the more you act on your affirmations, the more confidence you build. Over time, affirmations evolve from being just words to powerful tools that drive real growth and success.

What’s your take on people feeling overwhelmed by big goals?

Break them down into manageable pieces. Instead of focusing on the entire mountain, shift your attention to the first hurdle in front of you. For example, if your goal is to earn a degree, start by addressing the immediate, actionable steps such as fixing financial issues or researching schools to apply to. By tackling smaller, achievable tasks, you create a series of small victories that build momentum and confidence. This incremental progress not only makes big goals feel less daunting but also reinforces your belief in your ability to achieve them, one step at a time.

The idea of the “deathbed perspective” is intriguing. Can you explain what it entails?

The deathbed perspective is a mental exercise that encourages deep reflection on your life’s priorities. Imagine yourself at the end of your journey, looking back. Ask: What do I want to see? Which moments, contributions, or relationships will I hold most dear? This practice helps clarify what truly matters and aligns your actions with those values. By identifying what will bring you pride and joy in retrospect, you can ensure your daily decisions and long-term goals are meaningful. It’s about living intentionally and creating a legacy that resonates with your core beliefs.

Fear often holds people back. How can they overcome it?

Fear of failure, change, and the unknown are common barriers that can paralyze even the most determined individuals. The secret to overcoming these fears lies in breaking them down into smaller, more approachable challenges. Confronting fear incrementally allows you to build confidence step by step. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, start by speaking in front of a small, supportive group. Over time, these small victories accumulate, making once-daunting tasks feel much more manageable. This method not only diminishes fear but also builds resilience and courage.

What role does consistency play in self-improvement?

Consistency is everything when it comes to self-improvement. It’s not about being perfect every day—we’re all human, and setbacks are inevitable. The key is to develop the discipline to get back on track after those setbacks. This persistence, rather than striving for perfection, creates long-term change. Think of it as building a habit muscle; every small, consistent effort strengthens your resolve and brings you closer to your goals.

Can you share a practical example of turning affirmations into action?

Sure. Let’s say you’re starting a new business. Rather than vaguely affirming, “I’ll be successful,” you could say, “I’ll be successful because I’m committed to learning and adapting.” This approach ties your affirmation to actionable qualities that you already possess. Then, identify the initial steps required to achieve your goal, such as creating a detailed business plan or researching your market. By pairing affirmations with concrete actions, you create a roadmap for success while reinforcing your belief in your abilities.

How do affirmations help with confidence?

They remind you of your strengths and past successes, serving as a powerful tool to counteract self-doubt. For instance, affirming, “I can handle tough situations because I’ve done it before,” not only reinforces your ability to face challenges but also provides your brain with concrete evidence of your resilience. By focusing on specific examples from your past, affirmations help shift your mindset from fear and uncertainty to self-assurance and empowerment. Over time, this practice builds a reservoir of confidence, enabling you to approach new challenges with greater trust in your abilities.

What services do you offer to help people with these challenges?

I provide a holistic coaching program designed to address the unique needs of every individual. We focus on three core areas: physical health, mental health, and problem-solving. In physical health, we tailor fitness and wellness routines that align with each person’s capabilities and goals. For mental health, we dive deep into mindset techniques, including the proper use of affirmations, helping clients reshape their thought patterns and boost self-confidence. Lastly, we tackle problem-solving by breaking down challenges into manageable steps, creating actionable roadmaps, and ensuring clients have the tools they need to overcome obstacles and achieve sustained growth.

Do you offer any free resources for those interested in your methods?

Absolutely! My website, superself.me, is a treasure trove of free resources. It includes a blog where I share detailed insights and strategies on wellness, confidence, and personal growth. Visitors can also subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates, tools, and exclusive methods designed to help them take actionable steps toward their goals. My goal is to make impactful resources accessible to everyone, so they can start their transformation journey without any barriers.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Readers can explore my website at superself.me, which serves as the central hub for everything I offer. From there, they can access my blog, sign up for my newsletter, and discover free resources to jumpstart their personal growth. Additionally, my site provides easy ways to contact me directly—whether it’s to book a coaching session, ask a question, or just share their story. I love connecting with people and supporting them on their journeys.

Thank you, Alex, for sharing such valuable insights. Your perspective is incredibly inspiring and empowering.

Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share and connect with your readers.

Alex Hristov is a wellness and confidence coach dedicated to helping individuals overcome personal challenges and achieve their best lives. Drawing from his own transformative journey of resilience, Alex provides actionable strategies that empower his clients to build confidence, develop lasting habits, and embrace their full potential. You can learn more about Alex and his work at superself.me, where he shares valuable resources, insights, and opportunities to connect directly.

Author(s)

  • Stacey Chillemi

    A renowned 20 Times Best-Selling Author, Speaker, Coach & Podcaster

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