Have a panic attack.

You’ve earned it.

From the wildly popular Instagram account, Disappointing Affirmations hilariously counters the culture of relentless toxic positivity with a realistic take on a disappointing world where failure is always an option, but that’s okay.

Ocean waves crashing on a dark, cloudy sky background with an inspirational quote about survival and luck over the water.

Desert landscape with red rock formations, green shrubs, and a blue sky with white clouds. Text overlay: 'You can fuck up anything you put your mind to.'

A motivational message about the inevitability of death and the presence of advertisements before funerals, ending with a wish for a Happy Monday.

A motivational quote displayed over a sky with clouds at sunset, reading: "Today is a fresh start filled with endless potential. Or tomorrow is. Yeah, tomorrow works better for me."

Quote on a sky background: 'Your only limit is your mind. And lack of talent. Poor decision-making skills. Terrible impulse control. Zero charisma. Never mind, you're f***ed.'

Your daily
dose of disappointment.

Disappointing Affirmations is a humor brand built around one simple idea: Maybe you don't need another person telling you that everything is going to be great. The account takes the familiar language of motivational quotes, positive affirmations, and self-help and gives it a more honest interpretation. What started as a small Instagram account grew into a community of millions of people who apparently find comfort in being told that things probably won't work out exactly as planned. Honestly, same.

Nearly 3 MILLION people have decided optimism isn't for them.

Follow Along on Instagram

As Seen In

“I take strange comfort in Dave Tarnowski’s new book, Disappointing Affirmations.”

The Washington Post

A USA Today bestseller.

Disappointing Affirmations: Unfollow Your Dreams!

Featured on CNN and ABC News.

Talking toxic positivity and mental health

Meet Dave.
The person responsible.

Behind Disappointing Affirmations is author and creator Dave, who somehow turned a collection of depressing little quotes into a bestselling book, a massive online following, and a career.

A man with light-colored hair, glasses, and a beard smiling outdoors near a house with windows and flowers.

Dave Tarnowski is the creator of @disappointingaffirmations —the Instagram page with nearly three million followers and a publishing line including a bestselling book and calendars, all of which promote realism and support and boost those fighting mental health battles every single day. He is currently working on his debut novel which revolves around love and loss and grief and ghosts.
He lives in New York with his neuroses.

Connect with Dave