Alisanne Steele | TheSoftwareConsultant | Rabbit Hole Technology
I’ve been recommending pass-phrases to clients for years. One of the first questions I usually hear is:
“What should I use?”
My go-to advice used to be:
“Something random but memorable—and make sure to throw in a few numbers and special characters.”
For example:
H!s Dog $p0t
That approach still works—and it’s far more secure than using names, birthdays, or the infamous “123456.” But during a recent round of personal password updates, I decided to try something new—one that’s not only secure but surprisingly uplifting.
Positive Affirmation Pass-Phrases
We’ve all heard about the power of repetition and suggestion. So if you’re typing the same 10–20 characters multiple times a day, why not make them words that boost your mindset?
Instead of stressful or meaningless strings of characters, I started using positive affirmations as pass-phrases—statements that affirm my goals, values, and sense of purpose.
Here are some examples:
- @ll i$ G00d!
- @im for the T@rg3t
- ! b3lieve !n [insert goal here]
- ! n3v3r g!ve Up!
- I @m K!nd!
The emotional and psychological boost you get from seeing a motivational phrase every time you log in? It’s real—and it adds up.
Why You Need Strong Passwords More Than Ever
Using strong, unique pass-phrases is no longer optional.
According to the 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report:
- Over 74% of breaches involved the human element, including social engineering, stolen credentials, and phishing attacks.
- Phishing attacks rose by 47% in 2023, and many succeeded due to weak or reused passwords.
- The average person has over 100 passwords, yet only 45% use a different password for each account.
- And yes, “123456” and “password” still top the list of most commonly used—and most hacked—passwords.
Ignoring password hygiene isn’t just risky—it can be devastating.
Breaches can lead to:
- Identity theft
- Financial loss
- Long-term privacy issues
For businesses, the stakes are even higher. A single compromised password can expose customer data, damage brand trust, and invite regulatory penalties.
A Better Way Forward
It’s time to get serious about your password strategy—and make it work for you on every level.
Positive Affirmation Pass-Phrases offer a dual benefit:
They keep you secure and centered.
Instead of sighing at a login screen, you’re reinforcing values like:
- Confidence
- Gratitude
- Persistence
All day long.
Your Challenge: Try It for a Week
So, why not turn your login routines into moments of daily motivation?
Use this as your excuse to update your passwords—which you should be doing regularly anyway—and bring a little joy and purpose to the process.
Try it for a few days.
You might be surprised how much better you feel every time you log in.
Stay strong, stay secure, and stay positive,
~Sanne
