Fan Works / You Are Better Than You Think You Are

Times where somebody tells another that "You Are Better Than You Think You Are" in Fan Works.

Crossovers

All For Luz:
- All For One remembered his brother's Last Words to him was that there was some good in him and that he only needed to act on it to change the world for the better. He disagreed with that.
Yoichi: I’ve known, since the very beginning, that deep down there is a spark of good in you. It’s just buried deep within that hateful soul of yours. I know you’re better than this, Brother. We can both be better than this. So please, stop this! Stop doing what you’re doing. Stop hurting people, and help out! Don’t be cruel to the world just because it was cruel to us!
- Odalia gives this speech to Amity who is nervous about going to school with her magical peers.
Odalia: Amity. You need to have more faith in yourself. You might not be able to use Magic, but you have a Gift. A Gift that, while it was forced upon you by That Man, at the very least you’ll be stronger than all the rest. Magic can only take a Witch so far when they’re restricted to only one thing. You’re Unique. Don’t forget about that.
The Bridge (MLP): Godzilla Junior has a very low opinion of himself, despite all the good deeds he's done over the decades; seeing himself as a monster. His mother Azusa Gojo begs to differ. Turns out that routinely stopping kaiju attacks on major cities for years on end tends to result in millions of people still alive thanks to Junior.
In A Bridge Once Broken, Jahanna constantly reassures Loki every time he gets obsessed over his past sins.
Child of the Storm:
- Doctor Strange delivers a speech along these lines to Carol, who has struggled with self-worth issues all of her life, in chapter 75 as the short Rousing Speech he gives to each of the teens. Since he can't actually lie, it carries extra impact. This is underlined, and his words given a double meaning, when it's revealed that the enchanted ring he gives her is, in fact, the Green Lantern Ring of the late Alan Scott.
  Miss Danvers: Your courage is without doubt, your strength of will without equal. You are worth more than you think.
- And in chapter 78, when he reclaims the Ring and she assumes that it's because she did something wrong, he gently but firmly corrects her - something made especially notable since he's normally a Good Is Not Nice Magnificent Bastard, but this time he's actually being nice for the sake of it. Just this once, there's absolutely no angle to work and no manipulation in what he's saying.
  Strange: Quite the contrary. I could not have picked a better wielder if I had searched for years. The ring chose you, and if you were a few years older, we would not be having this conversation. However, the ring and I both feel that you will have quite enough to do getting the hang of your other abilities. ... The ring doesn't usually take teenage wielders.
- Strange also gives a speech along these lines to Jason Todd a.k.a. the Red Hood (who, here, had been taken in and trained by Baron Zemo rather than someone like Batman and is very conflicted after seeing just what HYDRA have done) when offering him the Sword of Faith for temporary use and remarking, "Faith can be something that someone has in you."
- Harry gives a speech along these lines to Maddie when she's doubting that anything she's doing that's apparently against Essex/Sinister's interests after all and that she's still his pawn, saying that he believes in her. When she says that he doesn't know what she's done, he replies that a lot of the people he knows have done terrible things. So has he, if you think about it. What matters is that she's trying to be better.
- Later, it's Harry's turn to get one of these, combined with You Are Not Alone. Having suffered physical and psychic assaults, including flat-out Mind Rape, and been completely and utterly broken, he snaps and becomes the Dark Phoenix - or a fledgling version thereof, which is still an Eldritch Abomination in the making, giving a Then Let Me Be Evil speech to those who're trying to talk him down. But he's reminded (in epic fashion) that he's not the only one who's suffered, he has loved ones who are there for him, know what he's going through, and will not give up on him, as well as the fact that while he's hurting, he is not truly a monster at heart.
Essentially applies to Hermione in The Confectionary Chronicles, as while she is confident in her abilities, she attributes most of her personal qualities to her training from Loki, who has been her patron god since she was seven years old. However, during her Sorting, the Hat reminds her that she was the one who did the research and pledged herself to Loki in the first place, reminding her of what she has accomplished even before Loki's influence in her life.
Fates Collide:
- Pyrrha Nikos tells Jaune Arc that though he cheated to get into Beacon Academy, he hasn't cheated since, and he got into Chaldea Academy fair and square.
- Gawain tells Jaune Arc that his history of failure stops him from being arrogant and gives him experience to avoid future mistakes.
The Fury of a Shattered Mirror: When Harry starts obsessing over all the harm he'd caused others before losing his memory, Flux Et Reflux reminds him that he not only can change, but has been changing from who he used to be, encouraging him to keep going.
One of Shepard's favorite social attacks in Glorious Shotgun Princess, where thanks to becoming a Solar Exalted, the already-charismatic hero can convert opponents to her side with a single phrase. Most often "You can be better."
Growth through Chaos has this given to Naruto after he suffers a severe mental breakdown after being forced to realize how horrible his life truly was. Sanji and Nami reassure him that despite feeling weak for breaking down crying, he's incredibly strong in their eyes for being so hardworking and altruistic despite all the mistreatment he's undergone and for being willing to take on challenges no one else would do and succeeding through pure will.
Hell Sweet Hell: The Untouched:
- Lucifer gives one along with the other demon girls when Izuku nearly hits the Despair Event Horizon after he discovers the sakura tree that had been growing in the Suicide Forest within Violence from his hidden despair, listing out the ways that his arrival in Hell had affected the lives of everyone in it for the better and reassuring him that he is not worthless.
  Lucifer: Izuku Midoriya. Do not be afraid.
  Izuku: ...Lucifer-san?
  Lucifer: Izuku Midoriya, you are not useless. You have proven that in the short time you have spent here in Hell.
  Izuku: You’re lying.
  Lucifer: The Lord of Lies was Belial, not me. What reason would I have to lie to you?
  Izuku: Because I’m a Deku.
  Lucifer: Midoriya. Look at me. (Beat) I said look at me, Izuku Midoriya! You believe you are useless? If you were truly useless, none of us would be here. I would not be having this conversation with you right now. Pande would be passed out on her desk, Modeus would still be forever wandering the circle of Lust, Cerberus would not have a Master, Malina would be testing the limits of demonic alcohol resistance and burying herself in her games, Zdrada would be testing the patience of everyone in the same circle as her, and Justice would still be tending to the forest with no one to talk to. You have touched so many lives, Midoriya. And if the human world despises you, well, know that you are welcomed here in Hell.
  Justice: Lucy’s right, Midoriya. I can tell you myself that you seem pretty awesome, even if you have some self-esteem issues. Everyone has flaws, but they also have really good qualities too! And if the people on Earth can’t see the good you bring to the world? Their loss.
  Cerberus: Master is good! We would miss Master a lot if you died! Please don’t leave us!
  Zdraza: Heh. You’ve got me all emotional, kid. I’m not really good at this kinda stuff, but you’ve really grown on me in the short time we’ve been together.
  Malina: I need someone besides my sister to be around and to play games with. Plus, when I’m around you, I don’t want to drink.
  Modeus: Who’s going to hold my hand and give me hugs and genuinely compliment me if you’re gone?
  Azazel: I’d still like to compare notes with you, Midoriya.
  Pandemonica: Your coffee is the best I’ve ever had. It’d be a shame to lose it to a tree.
  Izuku: Girls...
  Lucifer: You see? There are people that care about you. So don’t throw your life away because you have been wrongly told that you are worthless. You are worth so much more than you realize, and even if you don’t believe in yourself, believe in those that believe in you.
- Izuku returns the favor when Lucifer holes herself up in her office in despair by citing how she validated his dream when no one else would and helping him in his journey through Hell even though she could have chosen not to
  Izuku: I’m not leaving without you, Lucifer-san.
  Lucifer: Why would you want to leave with me? I’m the Devil. Satan, the Arch-Traitor, the Beast. Believe me, you are much better off forgetting about me and the others. Just take the girl and the key and go.
  Izuku: Not without the person who believed in me when no one else would. In the Purgatory Forest, it may have been Pandemonica-san who held my hand, but it was your voice that guided me through. It was you who listened to what I had to say without a word of complaint, it was you who challenged me to prove to you that I could be a hero. In the Hall of Pheromones too! It was not Pandemonica-san or Modeus-san who talked to me as I walked among the gas, it was you. It was you that entrusted me with finding Cerberus, and it was because of you that I found them. It was you who entrusted me with finding Malina-san, and Zdrada-san. In the Catacombs of Heresy, it was you who brought me out of my panic, who reassured me and calmed me. And in the Suicide Forest of Violence, it was you who saved me.
  Lucifer: Midoriya...
  Izuku: You’re hurting, Lucifer-san, and I’m sorry that I was the cause of that, but I’m not going to let you suffer in silence like I did. You helped me when I was at my lowest, and believed in me when even I didn’t believe in myself. So Lucifer, I’m asking you to take your own advice and believe in those who believe in you! I believe in you, Lucifer-san! A-And I’m not leaving Hell until you’re by my side! I have so much I want to show you back home, and I’m sure my mother will love you as much as I do!
In the Infinity Crisis sequel Salvation Run, after Team Arrow learn that Felicity Smoak and Laurel Lance were replaced by Skrulls years ago, John Diggle assures Oliver Queen that him not realising that the women were replaced isn't his fault as neither of them could have predicted such an event. Laurel and Felicity later express their agreement with this sentiment, Laurel in particular assuring Oliver that the frat boy he was before the island is practically a different person to the hero he has become.
In Infinity Train: Blossoming Trail, Lexi gives one to Chloe when she starts having a panic attack on having to read a story on stage, as it's just reminding her of how her classmates mocked her for her last book report. What's not helping is that she's a Nightmare Fetishist and she was specifically picked on for those interests. Lexi doesn't care and is quick to hug her to snap her out of those thoughts.
Lexi: Chloe, listen to me very carefully. Those sharks are not insensitive classmates. You’re not in that classroom where no one listens to a single word you say. You are in a land of ice cream and penguins and these pups are not going to laugh at you. And you want to know why? Because they’ll be too engrossed with your tale to even consider laughing at it. You’re going to wow them.
J-WITCH Series:
- In "Facades of Evil", when Cornelia is berating herself for her selfishness and narcissism after Caleb is kidnapped before she could reconcile with him, Jackie admits that those are problems, but reminds her of all her positive attributes as well, such as her passion for her ideals and loyalty to her friends.
- In "Clash of the Titanics", Alchemy gives Elyon a hug and pep talk after the former sees her brother in the cells of the Infinite City, torn over believing him when he says that he didn't kill their parents.
Kara of Rokyn: When Kara is disheartened and discouraged after her defeat at a rival wrestler's hands, her parents help her get her fighting spirit back.
Kara: I guess Jasmine is the broken tooth. But I failed, Daddy.
Zor-El: You did not fail! You got beaten. The only way you fail is if you let this beat you. Kara, life is a lot tougher than some wrestling match. And you're old enough now that I shouldn't have to be doing this. So what next? Do you want to get back in that ring?
Kara: (hesitating) I'm scared of her.
Zor-El: I didn't ask if you were scared of her. Do you want to get back in that ring and get back at her? Say it, Kara. I won't say it for you. Do you want to get back in the ring?
Kara: Yes! Yes, yes, yes, I do! I want to get back at her and show her up and get that stupid belt back, and then give it up. That's what I want, Daddy. That's what I want. But how do I do it? How... do... I...
Allura: With our help, honey. That's how you do it. With both of us by your side, all the way. But most of all, with you on your side. Are you ready to start facing life, instead of just making right turns to it?
Kara: I guess so. Yes.
Zor-El: Say it again. Yes, what?
Kara: Yes, I'm ready to face up to life. (pause) It's going to be hard, Daddy.
Zor-El: It always is, Karaish.
Kara: You really think I can do this thing?
Zor-El: Do you think you can do it?
Kara: I really think I can tr—
Zor-El: Stop it! (Covering her mouth) Now, I'm going to let you repeat the first part of that sentence. If you say the wrong thing, this hand is going over that mouth again. Now what?
Kara: I really think I can.
Zor-El: (smiling) I really know you can. But you have to face up to her. And I can't do that for you.
In Kyon: Big Damn Hero, Haruhi learns about her powers, meaning she also learns that the world is in constant threat of destruction because of closed spaces and how hard times Kyon has lived because of her. All of this makes her worry if she's forcing Kyon against her will if not outright breaking him. Kyon counters by mentioning her own growth and whatever trouble she's causing, it isn't intentional on her part.
Last Child of Krypton: Shinji gives two such speeches:
- To Ritsuko in chapter 8 of the rewrite:
  Ritsuko: If you knew the things I mean... I'm a horrible, horrible person.
  Shinji: You may have done something wrong, but you're still a human being, and there is good in you. I can see it, even if you can't.
  Ritsuko: Bullshit, [...] Get out, I don't want to hear this. I told you, if you knew half of what I've done, you'd want to kill me yourself.
  Shinji: That's not true.
  Ritsuko: I'm scum. I deserve everything Gendo does to me and more.
  Shinji: You're better than you think you are.
- And to Asuka in chapter 9:
  Asuka: D-don't, [...] D-d-don't you like me?
  Shinji: I do, [...] You're the bravest person I know. You're smart and talented and kinder than you think you are.
In The Lightning Strike, when Harry Potter talks with Wanda Maximoff after the fall of Hydra, he assures her that her willingness to face her mistakes shows she's better than the naïve girl who joined Hydra's augmentation program in the first place.
The Power Rangers in Space/Mighty Ducks: The Animated Series crossover Lost and Found sees the Space Rangers manage to rescue Canard from dimensional limbo and reunite him with the other Ducks. However, when Wildwing tries to return the Mask to Canard, Canard refuses, stating that he was only team captain of the original mission because he had military experience. While Wildwing initially resists this idea, Canard points out that Wildwing's managed to make the other Ducks into something more than just a strike team, bringing them together in a manner that Canard doubts he could have accomplished himself, convincing Wildwing to keep the Mask.
Lost in Camelot;
- After Arthur learns about Uther's role in his mother's death, Bo and Merlin each basically use this to convince Arthur that killing Uther because of his role in Ygraine's death isn't worth the guilt he'd feel afterwards, asking Arthur to be better than how Uther let himself be consumed by his vendetta.
- When Kenzi feels guilty over being angry at Morgana for Bo taking on the sleeping curse herself even though she knows Morgana didn't do any of that on purpose, Lancelot assures Kenzi that her emotions are natural and the fact that she's actively trying to avoid attacking someone she recognises as innocent shows that Kenzi is a good person.
- As Merlin prepares to leave Camelot to help Bo, he and Arthur assure each other that they have faith Camelot will be safe while Merlin is absent, as Merlin has helped Arthur become a more compassionate and understanding future king.
- In the sequel, The Lost Kingdom, after Bo and her lovers travel to the Fae kingdom, when Bo learns that she is essentially the kingdom's princess as the granddaughter of the Blood King, she expresses concern about her ability to be a Queen. However, Trick consoles her by pointing out that the fact that she's this concerned about the responsibilities of the role is proof that she will be a good ruler as she cares about the well-being of her potential future subjects.
In the Once Upon a Time/Mr. Right fanfic Love at First Sight (Once Upon a Time), Emma falls for Regina right away because she sees potential in her to be able to do great things. Emma even teaches Regina how to catch knives using Bullet Time like she can despite Regina thinking it is impossible.
The Many Dates of Danny Fenton:
- A sure sign that the girls grow to like Danny is when he says or does something to help convince them of their own self-worth should they be upset over something.
- Despite being afraid of her, Danny does appreciate Katie Kaboom telling him that the girls from his school are morons for rejecting him since he's such a great person.
The BlazBlue/Persona fanfic Shadows Of The Azure has the purpose of doing this to the BlazBlue characters, who were mired with tons of issues with no one to care for those issues, by getting them to a Midnight Channel-esque place called 'Shadow Labyrinth', face their Shadows, and the Persona characters, with some other BlazBlue characters, came in and remind them that they're better than what they think about their flaws.
Shadows over Meridian: When Caroline confides to Tinsley in Chapter 23 that she feels like a failure for not being naturally skilled in the art of sewing her noble family is famous for, Tinsley gives her a pep talk by saying that joining them on their dangerous mission and being the best potion maker in Meridian gives her family a reason to be proud of her.
In Tangled Fate, Kodachi Kuno is forced to acknowledge how much of a Rich Bitch, Spoiled Brat she has been and suffers a breakdown only for Ranma to comfort her, pointing she was deemed worthy to be Exalted by the Unconquered Sun — the Embodiment of perfect Virtue in Creation — so it means she genuinely has the potential to be pure and good, she just needs to live up to it.
In Teal'c's Wish, Xander still thinks he's the The Team Normal after nearly a decade of fighting demons but Faith insists that he's a Badass Normal and outright tells him this trope verbatim.
Steven invokes this trope very often, all to Bill, in A Triangle in the Stars. The most major one (of two) is the one in Chapter Forty-Four, where this particular snippet ultimately talks and shocks the demon down from suicide, because he never actually thought he was a good person, much less better than a human being.
Steven:' Because you're a good person, Bill. You try. That's more than someone like Lars can say. So please... don't do anything. Prove that you really have changed...
- The first major one is in Chapter Thirty-Two:
  Steven: Then you're not worse. You're awesome, you know? you might have made some mistakes but just by making an effort to get better you're fixing them. And that's awesome.
In Unity, Bob of all people gives this speech to Megamind when the latter admits he feels guilty for all the deaths Titan caused; while Bob was previously angry at Megamind for killing Metro Man, after confirming that Metro Man faked his death to retire, Bob assures Megamind that his only role in Titan's rampage was giving Titan powers and Titan himself is the one who chose to attack Metro City.
Wonderful (Mazinja): Taylor gives her best friend Emma the speech after she was attacked by several thugs.
"Taylor... I..." Emma gulped, and looked straight at her. "I don't want to ever feel like that anymore. I... I want to be strong... I can't—"
"You ARE strong!" Taylor's voice rang loud and clear. Emma's mouth closed as Taylor moved past Sophia and towards her. "Emma... if you hadn't been there for me when dad died, I'd... I wouldn't be here now."
Her friend's gaze fell, and Taylor stopped. "...Somebody can be another person's strength." She whipped around and pointed to the interloper. "There is NOTHING wrong with helping others when they are down! And in FACT..." She slowly grinned. "...I'm going to demonstrate it to you."

The Amazing World of Gumball

Teri × Gumball: In Between Worlds: Gumball gives this to Teri telling her how much she helped him throughout the story.
Gumball: Of course you've done a lot, Teri! You've done so much for me in the past month: you've managed to pull me out of a depression that has been plaguing me for three months (although I still have some issues to settle.), you've helped me fight the Nephilim by making sure that I can keep up with them, I have been saved by you on many different occasions, you took down Toxic Pill's shield all on your own, your second plan succeeded in defeating Concretin, and you're really smart and observant. You're awesome Teri and if it weren't for you, I probably wouldn't be here to say these things.

Amphibia

The Plantar Family Pet:
- After realizing that Anne was more sentient than he'd first thought, Sprig is guilt-ridden over how he treated her like a Pet Baby Wild Animal, and convinced that Anne secretly hates him. When he confides his feelings to Maddie, she reassures him that he did the best with what he knew at the time, and that his actions still saved Anne's life.
- Anne is also shaken to learn that Sprig believes she's only pretending to enjoy his company, and the first thing she does upon temporarily regaining her voice is tell him how grateful she is for how he saved her and how much he means to her.
Sasha and the Frogs:
- This exchange between Sprig and Sasha in Chapter 2, the latter fully believing she'd be awful enough to live him for dead if their positions were swapped. The conversation serves both as Sasha's first Heel Realization and the beginning of her redemption arc.
  Sasha: (ashamed) I wouldn't put myself into danger like this. I'd run away and never look back. That's what I'd do.
  (Beat)
  Sprig: I don’t believe you!
  Sasha: (surprised) It's the truth, Sprig! I would've run away and left you to get digested.
  Sprig: And I'm saying that you're LYING! The first time we met, you saved my life from a frog-eating mantis. Then just after, we worked together and, pardon my language, beat the creek out of it! I may not know you that long, but I do know you never run away from a fight! Ever! You're smart, brave and super cool and weird! If I ever get in trouble, I know you'd be there to get me out of it. And if you ever get in trouble, you can always count on me to help you out! Because THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS DOOOOO!
- Done again in Chapter 26, where Sprig gives one by proxy when countering a brutal "The Reason You Suck" Speech Anne gave Sasha just moments prior:
  Sprig: For someone who's Sasha's best friend, you sure don't know her very well!
  Anne: I don't know her well? You've only known her for 3 months! I've known her for years and let me tell you, she’s not everything she tells you she is.
  Sprig: (rolls eyes) She's not selfish, vulgar and manipulative, and has an ego the size of a Toad-O-War battleship? Oh, I know. She also lies a lot and does her own thing whenever she wants, all while dragging everyone else with her. She even got us in trouble a few times, got herself in trouble way more, and never ever listens to us.
  Anne: If you knew all of that, then why follow her around?!
  Sprig: Because she’s more than that. She's kind when there's nothing to prove and cares for those around her. She'll always make up for her mistakes and never cheats on a deal. She keeps trying to make us better and help us up, even when we don't care. She always had my back, through thick and thin. And you're right; I don't know her like you do. And you know what? I'm glad. Because if I know all the good stuff and you don't, then that means I know a side of her that she never showed anyone and that she's a better person than I thought.
Trade Us for the World:
- After Marcy inadvertently endangers Maddie and Wartwood by stealing some Love Dove eggs right out of their nest, she laments the notion that she's not a very good friend. Maddie notes that yes, she nearly got them killed... but she also did everything she could to fix the problem, risking her own life in the process.
- Later on, Ms. Croaker surprises Marcy by telling her that she's a bright girl who doesn't need to engage in Engineered Heroics in order to prove herself, as she could help out Wartwood in plenty of other ways.

Arrowverse

In To Hell and Back, Oliver, with Barry's help, gives a speech to Kara along these lines after she gets a Heroic BSoD over killing her uncle.

Avatar: The Last Airbender/The Legend of Korra

Fragmented: When Bolin started losing faith in himself, Opal, Mako and Prince Wu each help reassure him that he is still a good person. It doesn't matter if he's made mistakes by working with Kuvira, he's also learned from them. This bolsters his confidence and Bolin decides to take up Korra on her offer to tutor the next generation of Earthbenders at the end of the story.

Buffyverse

Xander gives an inadvertent one to Cordelia in The Cat Came Back while he spars with Angel, not knowing the girls are listening in. According to him, she's everything he saw in Buffy with one major difference: Cordelia never tried to run away from the fight despite not having any powers, whereas Buffy tried to leave a few times and constantly complained about being the Slayer.
In To See Once More the Light of the Stars, while Angel and Buffy are trapped in Hell, Angel is taken aback when Charon the ferryman and Minos, one of the judges of Hell, each affirm that he doesn't belong in Hell. Minos in particular observes that Angel has spent the last century blaming himself for the sins of Angelus rather than his own sins, and while he did disappoint his family he's paid for that a hundred times over, and Buffy joining him in Hell was her own choice rather than his.
In Worlds Apart, Buffy cuts off Angel's latest period of self-loathing brooding by arguing that if Angel was as bad as he thinks he is, she and Wesley wouldn't have so much faith in him, forcing Angel to privately concede that if a Slayer and a Watcher can think he's worth saving, he should start to consider that idea himself.

Danganronpa

Blackened Skies:
- Kaede does her best to reassure Mikan and Gonta when both of them are having breakdowns over the notion that they were pulled into this killing game because they'd murdered others in their original games.
- When Kaede is dealing with most of the other students having lost faith in her after her questionable choices throughout the first trial, Chiaki pays her a visit and comforts her.
- Mondo reassures Kaede after learning that she seriously considered killing him after he attacked her in a mutual Moment of Weakness, pointing out that she ultimately didn't go through with it.
Makoto Naegi is pretty much a master of this trope in Class 78th Watches the Future, as while other class members struggle with their self-image after seeing what happens to them in the future, he works to try and help them and prove they are better people than they think. The two biggest examples, though, are as seen below:
- The first happens in chapter 24, dealing with the aftermath of watching the first trial. Mukuro Ikusaba finds out that Junko Enoshima, her younger sister, simply sees her as another disposable pawn in her despair-spreading schemes, and her confrontation afterwards leads the Ultimate Despair to confirm this notion. When Junko affirms that she would kill Mukuro without hesitation if it gave her despair, Mukuro breaks down crying after seeing that her loyalty and love was All for Nothing. When Makoto passes by, he hears her crying and works to comfort her. She hides her role in the Deadly Game their future selves are trapped out of fear of Makoto's reaction (he did not immediately forgive Sayaka for framing him, so Mukuro worried what would happen if she admitted to being a co-conspirator in the game), but she does admit to her concerns that she's trapped in her path, and it will only end in her death. It's because of his speech that she starts to seriously think about revealing Junko's plans to him, but struggles to overcome her unwillingness to abandon her sister and fully defect.
  Mukuro: None of my training, none of my experiences, nothing prepared me to see my own death in the future. It's something you just don't think about. When you fight, you're always thinking ahead of [your] opponents, always looking for openings and planning ahead. You down one person and you've already figured out how to take on the next five. The last thing you want to think about is your own death, and now that I've seen it... I can't help but wonder if this will be my future. If I'm just going to fight until I die...
  Makoto: No, that's wrong. I'm no soldier Mukuro, but even I know that the best laid-out plans don't always go as planned. Things are always changing, just like in life, [things] aren't always set in stone. Just because you have a road laid out in front of you doesn't mean you have to walk on it, you can always look for other roads. And even then, I think spending the effort to find those other possibilities is more important than the end result itself. So that's why I believe there's a possibility that we'll all survive from this and that I'll be fighting for it once I find it. Besides, as morbid as it was, what we watched will help us I'm sure. We learned and [saw] things we otherwise might've not known. You're one of the best soldiers out there Mukuro, if not, the best. You said before that once you know the enemy fully, you can easily defeat them. And so, I believe in you Mukuro, and I hope you can believe in yourself as well.
- The second one in chapter 41 follows the class watching the events of the second trial, where Chihiro Fujisaki was murdered by Mondo Owada in a fit of jealous rage. Chihiro still has a lot of trouble understanding why Mondo would be jealous of him due to a severe inferiority complex stemming from being bullied for his lack of physical strength as a young boy, and this is where Makoto invokes this trope. Afterwards, he slowly starts becoming more comfortable in wearing clothes linking to his biological gender, wanting to be as strong as his future self.
  Makoto: Say Chihiro. How are you feeling?
  Chihiro: Not well.
  Makoto: Yeah, I can imagine that. Want to talk about it?
  Chihiro: ...Why? Why was Mondo jealous? What reason [was there] for him to be jealous of me?
  Makoto: It was because you were showing a strength he didn't have, Chihiro. Combined with the stress of the situation, he just…reacted. Seeing that you were someone that he tried to become was just too much for him.
  Chihiro: But I'm not strong! I'm weak! Weak enough to get myself killed! To have to rely on others support! I couldn't even help anyone before I died! I'm not strong. Not at all. I'm just a weak, little coward.
  Makoto: No, that's wrong! You aren't weak, Chihiro. And you're certainly not a coward. You have [an] inner strength inside you, one that is larger than you think.
  Chihiro: B-But-
  Makoto: Chihiro, you had the courage to admit to me, Mondo, and Leon that you were a guy. You had [the] courage to face the reveal of your secret when we were watching the trial. And may I remind you that your future self had no memory of Hope's Peak, so that inner strength was always there. You just didn't know it. You are strong Chihiro. After all, you saw it for yourself didn't you? It might not have been the best circumstances, but all you really needed was just a little push. I'm sure you must have been feeling the same way.
- Ironically, he ends up being the recipient of this from his class twice.
  - The first occurs in chapter 33 when, in the future, Makoto admits to Chihiro his feelings of inferiority about being the Ultimate Lucky Student, only being in Hope's Peak by chance while everyone else has their own talents that let them get scouted.
    Aoi: Hey Makoto. Do you really feel that way?
    Makoto: Well, sometimes yeah. I mean, even though I forget about this sometimes when I talk to you guys, all of you have such amazing talents. Every one of you excel in your field. But me... other than my optimism, I'm just a normal guy lucky enough to be picked to go to Hope's Peak. And even then, it was quite the misfortune that got me into here. I know, it must be pretty stupid compared to the problems you guys have, but it's something I can't help feeling that.
    Sayaka: No. No, it's not stupid at all.
    Kyoko: We all got our insecurities, Makoto. There's no need to feel embarrassed about it.
    Leon: Yeah man, it's not that big of a problem.
    Mukuro: You may see yourself as inferior, but at the end of the day, we're all still part of Class 78.
  - The second time, in chapter 52 is technically started by Sakura in the future, when she is reminded of her boyfriend Kenshiro by Makoto when he refuses to laugh at her for having feminine feelings despite trying to be the strongest warrior on the planet. For reference in the format, THH! refers to the future version of the following character.
    THH!Sakura: I think that somehow... you remind me of him.
    THH!Makoto: Huh? Me?
    THH!Sakura: Well, in certain ways. Your build is obviously different, but you both have a strong core.
    THH!Makoto: Strong core...? N-No, I...
    THH!Sakura: You don't have to be modest. I know strength when I see it. Okay?
    THH!Makoto: O-Okay...
    Aoi: Yeah, you're definitely way too modest, Makoto. If Sakura says you're strong, you have to be!
    Chihiro: And she isn't the only one who thinks that. I also think you're strong. And I'm sure everyone else think so too.
    Kiyotaka: Chihiro is correct on that! While not physically capable as some of us here, you have an inner strength that few can match!
    Mondo: I have to agree with my bro and Chihiro [here]. You definitely [have] a lot of courage inside your heart.
    Sayaka: If everyone else says so, then it must be true. You have a big heart, one that's willing to face anything.
    Kyoko: And I'm sure that heart will help everyone in the killing game.
    Makoto: Th-Thanks...
Hope on a Distant Mountain: Headmaster Kirigiri tells Naegi this while explaining why he was put through the D-course simulation, insisting that he proved himself a capable leader. Naegi can't bring himself to believe this, feeling like he let too many of his friends die.
In The PreDespair Kids, Kyoji (who is masquerading as a teacher named Mr. Otashi) seems to be doing everything in his power to help Mikan's self-esteem improve.
Kyoji: If you spend all your time criticizing yourself for your flaws, you'll never be able to appreciate your strengths. Growing up, I wasn't kind to myself either, which is why I said we're alike. Ms. Tsumiki, I couldn't care less about what kind of flaws you might have. You're much better than you think you are, and I...well...I want to help you see that. Because I believe in you and I want you to be happy. Like I said before, I want to help you.
Mikan: I...I...Th-thank you...

Danny Phantom

Facing the Future Series: When Tucker was concerned about the Scarab Scepter of King Duulaman possessing him again, Danny and Sam gave him a Rousing Speech that he wasn't the same person he was when he first had it.

The DCU

Multiple characters tell Cassandra Cain this over the course of Angel of the Bat when they learn part of the reason she wants to become religious is to feel like she can forgive herself for evils she committed years before, under the influence of her father. But it reaches its extreme when, after falling asleep in a Catholic adoration, Cassandra dreams of meeting Jesus and he personally tells her (well, sort of, he "doesn't use words" as Tim puts it) that she doesn't need to ask for forgiveness anymore, and that he loves her no matter what.
Crisis of Infinite Batgirls features the time-travelling villain Time Lapse trying to break the three Batgirls- Barbara Gordon, Cassandra Cain, and Stephanie Brown- by showing them each their greatest failures: Cassandra's first kill, Barbara's paralysis, and Stephanie provoking the gang war. However, the other two Batgirls each assure the other that what happened doesn’t make them failures; Barbara recognises that Cassandra would never have killed a man if she knew what she was doing, Steph and Cass each affirm that they became Batgirl for Barbara even if she's no longer out in the field after becoming Oracle rather than being inspired by Bruce, and Cass and Barbara warn Steph that stopping the gang war risks her past self making another mistake later that she can't learn from.
This fanart has Wonder Woman and Supergirl trying to cheer Batgirl up after a defeat, insisting that she doesn't need super-powers or mystical devices to keep up because she's stronger, smarter and braver than she thinks.

Disgaea

Tyrantly Ever After:
- While reflecting upon how similiar their respective first experiences of dealing with different Netherworlds were, Artina and Flonne wind up giving each other this sort of pep talk at the same time, as each reassures the other that they did the best they could and handled their circumstances well.
- Later, Flonne reassures and comforts Artina when the other confides in her about her Crisis of Faith and how conflicted she's feeling about being officially invited to join Valvatorez's supporters.
Wolf in the Streets, Sardine in the Sheets: Valvatorez tries to encourage Fenrich in this fashion by praising his willingness to volunteer at the shelter despite how he's not especially comfortable around children. Unintentionally doubles as Oblivious Guilt Slinging, as Valvatorez isn't aware that Fenrich had ulterior motives and was actually hired to murder him.

Disney Animated Canon

When Did I Become a Parent?: After being badly injured, Timon finds himself talking to Mufasa and apologizes to him, convinced he wasn't an especially good Parental Substitute for Simba. Mufasa disagrees, declaring that both Timon and Pumbaa raised Simba with love and served as the family his son so desperately needed.
When Things Go Wrong: After Kiara confronts her father over his wrongful banishment of Kovu, declaring that he will never be Mufasa, Simba asks Nala if she believes that's really true. Nala replies that no, he never will... and that's not a bad thing:
Simba: I want to know the truth. Do you think Kiara is right? That I'll never be like Dad was.
Nala: No, Simba. You are not Mufasa. (beat) You're Simba, not your dad. Let him guide you, but don't be him. I don't want you to be Mufasa. I believe that you are a great king. You brought these lands back to life after Scar. You kept the Outsiders at bay. Even now, they still wait to attack.
Simba: Will I never be like him?
Nala: Why should you be? You didn't live his life, and he didn't live yours. I married you, Simba, not your father. He never experienced "Hakuna Matata", you did. I would say that it brought a fresh life to the monotonous task of being king. Ease up, Simba. Every family goes through trouble at one point or another. Just walk your way through it, head tall and proud, knowing that you are you. Not your father, definitely not your uncle. You're a great king, Simba.

Dragon Age

In Dragon Age: The Crown of Thorns, Frandlin Ivo gets one from the dwarven noble protagonist and does a Heel–Face Turn that ultimately enables the latter to successfully pull off his Zero-Approval Gambit. The ironic part is that the DN somehow manages to maximize the effect by giving the speech just after a Hannibal Lecture.

Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball Reboot: Following an incident where her child was kidnapped and she spared the kidnapper's life, Gine tells Grandpa Gohan about how she originally wasn't cut out to be a soldier because she couldn't find it in herself to kill anyone and asks if she's weak for allowing the kidnapper to live. Gohan's response is to assure her that being able to show mercy is a sign of strength and he tells her that she's the "strongest, bravest woman [he's] ever known".
What If Krillin Became a Saiyan?: After Krillin's wish to be more like Goku was revealed to the others, Master Roshi makes his disapproval clear, despite how he was the one who unwittingly suggested he use the Dragon Balls in the first place. Between that and Raditz's angry insistence that he doesn't deserve to be a Saiyan, he's left dispirited even after helping take down the alien. Goku, who had known about his wish for years and never been bothered by it, encourages and reassures him.
Goku: That's not how a Saiyan would think! I should know. I'm one of them, apparently. You've got to use what you've got, and promise to train hard from now on to justify having this power. Okay?

The Fairly OddParents!

Never Had a Friend Like Me: Norm gives a speech like this to his master Amanda. Amanda learned about Norm's past from Timmy, who told her that Norm was using her. Amanda, who lacks self-esteem, is distraught, and decides to use her second wish to set Norm free. Norm tells her that she is the best human he has ever known, and even if he was free, there was nothing to prevent him from spending time with her.

Fate Series

Fate/Harem Antics: Shortly after being summoned, Caster/Medea Lily looks down on herself because she lacks physical strength, her magic's not that strong, and she's no good in a physical fight. Luvia declares she is a worthy Servant and with their combined talents, they will win the Holy Grail War.

Friends

Fix You is set in an AU where Ross stayed with Emily and only returned to New York after three years in the run-up to Monica and Chandler's wedding, sending Rachel letters with birthday presents over the years but Rachel never opened them. After events lead to Rachel becoming pregnant with Emma, Rachel eventually reads Ross's old letters and learns that Emily became pregnant in their second year of marriage, but she then had a miscarriage and her entire family blamed Ross for everything that went wrong, to the extent that even Ross felt like he just ended up hurting the people he was with. After reading the letters, Rachel assures Ross that he did his best and the only person at fault is Emily for being a bitch after Ross gave up so much to try and make the marriage work, ending by reaffirming that Ross is a good person who deserves to be happy.

Godzilla

Abraxas (Hrodvitnon): Vivienne Graham a couple times shows a low opinion of herself for her Berserker episodes getting out of control or feeling that the power she's gained due to San fusing with and transforming her into a Titan are not rightfully hers. Godzilla and Rodan respectively detail how she doesn't give herself enough credit those times.

Harry Potter

After catching Percy being a Jerkass to Ron simply for not being sorted into Gryffindor in Harry Wolf: A Fable Among Wizards, Fred and George cheer him up by pointing out that since he's the first Weasley to be placed in the new fifth house (Fablewulf), he's the most unique of them all.
Daphne Greengrass and the Boy Who Lived;
- When his friends are encouraging Harry to act as their new defence teacher, Daphne joins Ron and Hermione in assuring Harry that he's a better wizard than he seems to think he is, pointing out everything he's achieved and what he's capable of.
- When talking with the ghosts summoned by the Resurrection Stone, Daphne expresses concern that her soul is tainted because of the people she killed in the fight against Voldemort, but Snape's "ghost" points out that if he could pass on safely, Daphne should be fine.
Harry Potter and the Ritual of Love's Memory: Harry breaks down, trying to claim It's All My Fault that most of the Weasleys are dead. George is having none of that, and starts listing the ways that Harry has helped out their family — which are so numerous that he actually overlooks one of the times Harry saved Ron's life. When Harry tries to keep arguing, Angelina hexes him into silence.
Hermione spends rather a lot of time in The Parselmouth of Gryffindor reassuring Dumbledore and Grindelwald that they are in fact awesome and that it's been way too long for them to still mope about how much they regret the errors of their youth and what terrible people they must be deep down. Conversely, Dumbledore also gives her a more subdued version of this after she's been feeling down about not being as good at magic as people like Dumbledore or Voldemort, which highlights that her strengths lie elsewhere, and what strengths they are too.
In The Power of Seven, a key part of the bonds Harry is forming with seven girls relies on them offering him this kind of support. He is immediately apprehensive about forming the first bond with Ginny, partly because of the ritual's untested nature, but mostly out of worry about what Ginny will find in his head if they end up sharing thoughts. She finds what he was worried she'd find pretty quickly: years of Vernon Dursley telling Harry he was a useless pathetic freak undeserving of anyone's love or affection. Ginny (and the others, as they come to understand Harry) assure him that he is loved, and is worthy of being loved.

Hetalia: Axis Powers

Gankona, Unnachgiebig, Unità: Germany and Japan tell Italy this after his Self-Depreciating rant, pointing out all of his positive qualities.

Invader Zim

For the Glory of Irk: Zim gives a speech like this to CB regarding his fears that he'll become as bad as the rogue AI he was made from. In true Zim fashion, the speech is full of confusing metaphors and egomaniacal self-praise, but it still somehow does the job.
Invader Zim: A Bad Thing Never Ends: Dib gives Gaz one of these speeches in Chapter 14, when her Trauma Button gets pushed and it limits her abilities in the ongoing High-Altitude Battle, telling her that Fear Is Normal but that she shouldn't let it hold her back from being as strong as she truly is.

Katawa Shoujo

In Reconciliation, Hanako learns that Hisao and Lilly had found and kept around the chess set Hisao gave her, even though she parted ways with them for eight years after her bad ending. Hanako suggests that they did it as a reminder of how awful she was, but Lilly then forcefully tells Hanako that she is not an awful person and they kept it because they missed her.

Kingdom Hearts

In Runaway Wind, Naminé tells Ventus and Yen Sid about Organization XIII and Nobodies, causing Ven to figure out that she's one of them from something Axel said to them earlier ("Wouldn't be the worst way for a Nobody to live"). He keeps quiet about this to Yen Sid.
Naminé: Why didn't you say anything?
Ven: Because you're not like Axel. You weren't happy about hurting Sora. You wanted to help me out rather than just let me go on my own. If you really didn’t have a heart, you wouldn’t care. So maybe there's more to you than old memories.
Naminé: (shaking her head) Maybe there is... But I don't know if it's a real heart or an illusion I've made up for myself.
Ven: (frowning) Well... It’s real enough for you to care about other people.

The Legend of Zelda

And So We Fight: Zelda is feeling depressed over her plan in disguising herself as Sheik. Impa, who figures out her secret earlier than her game counterpart, gives out a heartfelt speech to comfort her.
Impa: The mightiest are the ones that see when they have failed, but they are the ones that do not let themselves sink into grief and misery because of that. I cannot pretend that I know all of the answers. All I know is that things are difficult, Zelda, but we will get through them. You just have to believe, I suppose. It sounds silly, but sometimes that might be all it takes.
Zelda: I must be rubbing off on you.
Impa: That's because you're my friend. Friends tend to do that.

Love Hina

For His Own Sake:
- After growing a spine, Keitaro repeatedly expresses remorse for his past mistakes, particularly how he enabled the more abusive members of the Hinata Girls for so long. Nagisa repeatedly reassures him that he's a sincerely nice guy who's clearly working to become a better person.
- Keitaro also reassures Ritsuko that despite anything she might have done in the past, he's firmly convinced that she's a good person.

Lucifer (2016)

In The Devil and His Urchin, when Dan learns that Lucifer is real after Trixie (Lucifer's daughter in this version) grows wings, he expresses concern that he will go to Hell for past mistakes. While Maze is obviously not well-suited to offering Dan moral support, she observes that the fact that he still cares so much for another man's child even when that child is literally the spawn of the Devil shows that he can't be as bad as he thinks he is.

Marvel Universe

The Amazing Spider-Man: True Purpose:
- Invoked by proxy when Steve Rogers talks with Charles Xavier after Spider-Man's death and reflects that it actually hurts that the wall-crawler's last words expressed doubt that he was good enough. Rogers affirms that he's always been impressed at how Spider-Man remained a hero when he endured so much trauma that it would almost be expected for the wall-crawler to turn to villainy.
- When Red Sonja's spirit initially offered Mary Jane her sword, MJ expressed concern that she wasn't strong enough to deal with the burdens that weapon would place on her. Sonja reminds Mary Jane that while she left Peter on occasion, she always came back to him and the two made each other stronger, Mary Jane accepting her relative isolation from the wider world so long as she could be with him.

Marvel Cinematic Universe

In Conversations, Tony Stark learns that his ability to wield Mjolnir isn't simply because he asked but because he was found worthy. Thor remarks later that Tony is "kind and strong and generous" and Thor doesn't need Mjolnir to confirm it for him.
Langsyne sees Wanda deal with the aftermath of her actions in Multiverse of Madness with the aid of the restored Vision and her long-lost grandfather Magnus, who advises her to talk with his old friend Charles Xavier for therapy. While Wanda is initially guilty about seeing a version of Charles Xavier after she killed his counterpart, Xavier soon forgives her for what she did under the influence of the Darkhold and helps her acknowledge that she did help others in the past. In particular, he reminds Wanda of how she played an important role in fighting off Ultron and Thanos, advising her to consider how much worse things might have been for the other Avengers and the wider universe if the Black Order had acquired the Mind Stone in Edinburgh (or wherever Vision would have been without her influence) during their first attack, as opposed to Wanda helping to hold them off until Steve, Natasha, and Sam arrived and forced their enemies to retreat.
Brought up for Wanda once again in Multiverse of Madness: The Clea Cut when Clea and the demon Nightmare capture 1999999-Wanda and subject her to hours of nightmarish visions of her remaining allies (Peter Parker, Stephen Strange, America Chavez, and even Vision) basically telling Wanda that she would have killed them all eventually if she didn't cause their deaths indirectly. Although Wanda is eventually so broken that she agrees to dreamwalk to Earth-717 to help Clea capture America, it only takes a few minutes of encouragement from the 717 version of Vision and the previously-displaced 1999999-Strange (as well as an earlier talk with the 1999999-Peter) to remind Wanda that she wants to be better, helping her turn against Clea. Later on, Wong and Strange do this to a depowered Peter and the insane Donna Strange of another universe, Wong affirming that Peter Parker saved people while Spider-Man was just the means by which he did it and Strange assuring Donna that she is still the same as the sister he lost where it counted.
Spider-Man: Finding Home features a variation of this when Kate is talking with Clint about her feelings for Peter and Yelena. While she doesn't say the words to them directly, she tells Clint that she's aware that Peter and Yelena have various issues that make any relationship with them complicated, but Kate wants to help Peter realise that it’s OK to put himself first sometimes and get Yelena to accept that she can be more than the assassin she’s been in the past.
In Tony Stark is Not a Supervillain, Tony gets one from Dr. Doom, stating that despite how the Avengers treat him and the media likes to portray him, Tony is in no way a villain but one of the truest heroes on Earth.

Miraculous Ladybug

A fairly common plotline for fanworks is Marinette struggling with Self-Deprecation, questioning her abilities as a superhero or feeling like her civilian identity matters less than her responsibilities as Ladybug. Common candidates to deliver these speeches to her are Adrien (especially post-reveal), Luka, Tikki, or others who have become her Secret-Keeper.
- Similarly common are scenes where Ladybug defends Chat Noir's worthiness as her partner, with Adrien feeling that he's more disposable than her since she's the only one who can purify akumas or repair the damage they've done with her Miraculous Cure. Many of these stories involve Marinette standing up for Chat while out of costume, in Adrien's presence.
- A standout can be found in this untitled reveal comic, an alternate ending to the episode "Volpina":
  Adrien: Hey... A-are you disappointed it was me?
  Marinette: Seriously?! Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed!? It just turns out my partner all this time was this incredible, nice, smart, handsome boy who I had the biggest crush on at school and is just so perfect and God now I'm rambling hahaha (Kill me). And me... I just... I messed up so bad. I caused an Akuma. I gave up my Miraculous. I nearly got myself killed. Under this mask I'm just this rash, careless, clumsy girl... I'm probably not the Ladybug you expected.
  Adrien: Hm... Brave? Check. Witty? Check. Amazing? Check. Righteous? Check. Selfless? Check. Beautiful? Oh boy, check. Talented? Check. Kind? Check.
  Marinette: What are you doing?
  Adrien: Curious? Check. Adorable freckles? Definite check. I'm describing Ladybug, using the exact same words I would use to describe you, Marinette. Because, you see, with or without that mask it's the same person underneath! It's this incredibly kindhearted, beautiful, smart girl, whether she wears a red suit or a white, flower-printed shirt.
Bring Me Back Home has a couple of these given to Bridgette, a parallel universe counterpart of Marinette who has switched places with her. After Adrien/Chat Noir figures out what's happened, including their secret identities, he manages to convince Bridgette he's a good guy (compared to her own Cat Noir). At one point, after picking a fight with Chloé over her callousness about a child akuma, she confides in Adrien, again expressing her feeling of inferiority compared to Marinette. She then explains her anger about Chloé, opening up to him about one of her worst akuma experiences on her own world, which resulted in her friend's younger sister killing herself after she saw what she'd been forced to do. Adrien replies, "If that's honestly what you've been dealing with all day, I can't begin to believe how well you held that back. Bridgette, you say you're not good enough to be Marinette, but I can guarantee you Marinette wouldn't have made it on her own as long as you did. She would have dealt with it, but in her own way. She probably would have told someone sooner or went home after the attack, but I don't think she could have just held it together in the same way you did."
BURN THE WITCH: Marinette blames herself for not being able to convince anyone that Lila was a Bitch in Sheep's Clothing or prevent others from being hurt by her lies, believing that makes her entirely responsible for Rose's akumatization into Witch Hunter and everything that unfolded. Tikki reassures her that Lila was solely responsible for her own downfall, and that Marinette went well out of her way to prevent the situation from getting worse. Tikki also apologizes for how much she'd pressured her to be an Ideal Heroine, admitting that she was too hard on her and kept holding her to frankly impossible standards.
CONSEQUENCES: After Ms. Bustier catches Lila planting a Forceful Kiss on Adrien in MALICIOUS COMPLIANCE, she laments not realizing what was happening sooner. Adrien reassures her that she hasn't "failed him" like she fears, pointing out that she's actually done far more to help him than any of the other adults in his life.
Dodged a Beetle:
- Tikki unintentionally demonstrates how poorly this can go when you have no empathy for the person you're trying to encourage. As far as she's concerned, it's not so much a matter of convincing Marinette that she can live up to her lofty expectations so much as that she has to — she's got no choice in the matter. As a result, her words tend to have the opposite effect — especially when she responds to triggering an anxiety attack by sighing and telling her that she needs to do a better job suppressing her emotions.
- Played much straighter by Master Fu when he walks Marinette home in the rain, taking the time to thank her for how she'd saved him before and praise her courage.
Dread String of Fate: Luka starts second-guessing his own motivations after learning that Marinette has been falling for him, worrying that he might be Secretly Selfish in his efforts to save her from being strangled by the red string. Sass reassures him that her feelings are entirely genuine; she's falling for him based off his own merits.
Fashion Upgrade: When Mylène starts getting stage fright, Ivan reassures her that she knows the play by heart and can handle herself in front of an audience.
The Lament Series (ChaoticNeutral): Marinette's Lament starts with her facing her darkest hour, as Hawkmoth has gotten his hands on all of the Miraculous save for her Earrings and the Black Cat Ring, which Plagg managed to get away from whatever took his partner down. As she teeters on the Godzilla Threshold, terrified of the potential ramifications of making a reality-altering Wish in order to ensure that Hawkmoth doesn't get it, Plagg insists that if there's anyone capable of minimizing the impact of a Wish, it's her.
Powers of Invisibility has an example from Juleka, when she asks why Marinette is scared of telling Chat Noir who she is.
Marinette: I'm not like Ladybug is. He goes to our school; he probably knows what Marinette is like. What if he's disappointed?
Juleka: But... that's ridiculous. No, it's just that you are Ladybug.
Marinette: Technically, yeah, but I'm better as Ladybug. I act differently.
Juleka: No, you don't.
Marinette: Yes, I-
Juleka: No. You are Ladybug, Marinette, with or without a mask. It's so obvious. You're both strong. You're both independent. You're both smart. In fact, it's one of the things that convinced me it was you. The way you acted. You basically go full superhero any time you have to deal with Chloé.
Marinette: Really?
Juleka: (nods, along with Tikki) Chat won't be disappointed. It's pretty much impossible.
- It comes up again during the Christmas Eve sleepover when Marinette opens up about how seeing Juleka and Chat together on the roof that day really hit home for her. "You know him and it's okay. And you know me and it's okay and we could know each other and it'd probably be great, but I'm too damn scared to do anything even though he wants to know so badly, I know he does. We're so close to each other all the time and yet we're so far and it's my fault and I just- I just don't know what to do, Jules." In response, Juleka goes to her bag and gets out a painting she'd been planning to give her in private for Christmas: a watercolour of Marinette/Ladybug mid-transformation, a fierce and determined expression on her unmasked face.
  Juleka: This is how I see you. As both. You are stronger than you think you are.
  Marinette: (Hugging her) Thank you. It's beautiful. Thank you so much.
  Juleka: I can't really tell you what to do. But you'll figure it out. I know you will.
- Turned around in a later chapter when Tikki and Plagg try to convince Juleka that she has the skills to become the Guardian if she wants to, pointing out that she's already basically doing the job by advising and encouraging Adrien and Marinette as much as she does.
Scarlet Lady: After hearing all of the big plans her classmates have to celebrate Heroes' Day, Marinette fears that her own plans pale in comparison. Adrien and her parents do their best to encourage her, with Sabine pointing out how she keeps glossing over all the good things she does on a regular basis:
Sabine: Good deeds aren't just grand gestures. It's spreading kindness, all for someone else's sake. Like bringing your parents lunch while they work. You do good deeds every single day, no holiday required.
In Spots Off, Marinette is publicly exposed as Ladybug after being caught transforming on Alya's livestream. When she sees the next morning's news bulletin, she's hit hard by a reporter asking if a middle-schooler is really fit to protect them, as if that detail was enough to devalue her entire track record as Ladybug. But Tikki is quick to remind her that she was given her Miraculous for a reason, and when Chat Noir shows up, he assures her that she is a hero, in and out of costume.
Weight Off Your Shoulder: After Bunnyx accidentally reveals what the future holds, Marinette takes extreme measures to ensure things never reach that point, including giving up her role as the Guardian and passing on the Earrings to a Superior Successor. Having sacrificed all of her memories related to being Ladybug, Marinette is left convinced that she was a complete failure as a hero, especially after the new Ladybug is able to bring down Hawk/Shadow Moth with apparent ease. Luka does his best to encourage her, insisting that she accomplished far more than she realized.
What Goes Around Comes Around: Sabrina repeatedly struggles with her guilt over her past as Chloé's Beta Bitch, convinced that this makes her unworthy of having any other friends. Luka reassures her by pointing out that she was already trying to change her ways before learning that Marinette was Ladybug, as she'd chosen to skip the trip to Versailles in favor of staying with Marinette and trying to apologize. She also gets a Dare to Be Badass speech from Pollen shortly before the final confrontation, telling her that Marinette chose to entrust her with a Miraculous for good reason.
This collaborative work has Adrien reject Marinette's Anguished Declaration of Love and call her a bully for trying to expose Lila's true nature to the rest of the class. Afterwards, Felix offers her a sympathetic ear and reassures her that her efforts to warn the others aren't wrong, despite how they haven't been heeded or Adrien's preference for letting her lies go unchallenged:
Marinette: I should have I should have stayed out of it like you have. I should have just let it go. Let Lila lie and manipulate everyone. At least then... (shaking her head) I was so stupid.
Felix: I stayed out of it because I have little attachment to those involved. I'm not close to anyone else in that class, so I can't see it is of any interest to me if they decide to be particularly stupid. Marinette... You spoke up because these are your friends and their wellbeing matters to you. Don't belittle yourself for caring about others.
(Marinette stares at him, clearly surprised.)
Felix: I stay silent because I don’t believe it's my responsibility to attempt to save people from their own stupidity. If they are so desperate to allow themselves to be fooled, then it isn't worth my time or energy to attempt to stop them. But since I've met you, you've always been someone who would act if you knew something was wrong. You have a sense of righteousness that is... admirable, for all that it may be troublesome at times. You stand up for others. It isn't wrong to stand up for yourself as well.

Monsters vs. Aliens

God Help the Outcasts:
- After a misunderstanding gets Susan shot, she spends the next twelve hours in her cell and seems to be contemplating suicide. Dr. Cockroach tells her that, while she might not be happy to be there, the monsters are happy that she's there, and that they accept her, size and all.
- After her break-up with Derek and the monsters accidentally ruining the Murphys' party (and their yard), they all feel pretty depressed until Susan reminds each of them of their strengths, and tells them that they are worth more than what society thinks of them.

My Hero Academia

Announcer AU:
- Aizawa tells Izuku that his Quirkless status doesn't take away the fact that he's a bright kid who's incredibly good at analysis, and that many Pro Heroes are interested in seeing him become a Pro Hero himself.
- Following a training fight, Izuku gives Mt. Lady a pep talk where he praises how good she is at fighting while causing the least amount of collateral damage she can manage, offering her tips on how to train even more effectively.
In The Emerald Phoenix, Momo doubts herself after losing against Izuku in the heroes vs villains exercise only for both Izuku and All-Might to praise her actions in the exercise. While Izuku beat both her and Kaminari, Momo quickly found the bomb, provided a useful support item to her partner, defeated Mina (Izuku's partner), and came within a hairsbreadth of winning the match. All-Might in particular praises her for continuing to fight against Izuku even though his Quirk is an almost perfect counter for her own, declaring that fighting against overwhelming odds is the true spirit of a hero.
After losing the last embers of One For All and becoming quirkless, Toshinori in Izuku Midoriya the Rabbit sadly agrees with the common consensus that his hero work was over. Izuku, however, believes otherwise and states that not being a Pro Hero doesn't mean you can't still help out and do good, showing Toshinori a picture of him happily working in a soup kitchen to further drive his point home.

My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic

In Address Unknown (Remedy), Derpy gets one from Twilight after breaking down in the library over her latest screwup (actually Twilight's fault) with the mail.
Twilight: Derpy. You are not a failure or a featherbrain. I can tell deep down that you are a very kind and intelligent pony. Trust me, Derpy. Most ponies out there don’t look at you for who you are. They see what they feel like seeing and then go on with the rest of their lives, oblivious to what hurt they may be causing. You need to look past that, because the ponies who don’t take the time to care, don’t deserve the satisfaction of making your life miserable.
- Later, Twilight invokes In Another Mare's Shoes by taking a potion designed to temporarily mimic Derpy's eye problems.
  Twilight: For a pony with normal sight to suddenly see like you do, it's entirely debilitating. I could barely stand, let alone walk; I knocked over everything in my path, and I nearly gagged from the intense vertigo it caused. But you... You may be slightly clumsy, and not fly entirely straight, but you've adapted to it enough to function as well as anypony else. Right now, I can truthfully grasp how amazing you really are. Not only have you adjusted to your condition, you've come close to nullifying its effects while enduring agonizing emotions all the while.
- Derpy also gets this from her boss at the Ponyville Post Office, after she tries to preemptively apologise for the screwups she's likely to cause sooner or later.
  Post Haste: Mistakes happen. They can be small; they can be large. They can be ignored, or they can be overreacted to. It is bound to happen now and again, and things have a tendency to work out when they do. And when they don't work out right, I personally make sure to take care of our staff if the need arises. If and when you make mistakes, we'll make sure that everything works out right. Until then, I ask that you not doubt yourself. You are a wonderful mailpony regardless of what anypony says, and I will do anything I can to help you when problems arise.
Aftermath of the Games: Sci-Twi struggles with the guilt of having been turned into Midnight Sparkle, and feels she deserves to be punished like (Ex) Principal Cinch was. The Rainbooms and several other characters set her straight.
Sci-Twi: It... it doesn't seem right. I...
Sunset: Twilight, stop. I understand how you feel, but beating yourself up like that isn't going to solve anything. Just be grateful you're getting your second chance so easily.
Sci-Twi: But, why should Cinch get all the punishment for something I did?
Rarity: Darling, Cinch bullied you into everything. And unlike you, she doesn't care that she almost got so many people hurt. Maybe you did make a decision to use that magic, but you also made the decision to be yourself again.
The Differentverse: The last portion of chapter 5 reveals that Limestone's apparently been subtly trying to encourage Marble to come out of her shell for quite some time. When Marble finally stands up to her, Limestone is thrilled.
Earth and Sky: When Pipsqueak slips into a Heroic BSoD over his self-perceived cowardice during the fight with the LaFish brothers, compounded by having previously failed at all his other goals in life, Soarin' is able to pull him out of it by giving him a speech along the lines of this trope.
In Fallout: Equestria: Snowfall, Sleet Gray gets this a lot due to her bitterness and lack of self-confidence. Sadly, she doesn't seem to be getting any better.
The Flash Sentry Chronicles:
- Soarin assures Rainbow Dash that she is going to be a great leader when she starts to feel pressure from the position. He says that he felt the same way when he first became a lead pony, and he turned out just fine, and Rainbow is already ten times the leader he ever was. This reassurance leads to the two of them sharing a kiss, and becoming a couple.
- A flashback showed Princess Luna reassuring Trixie about her skills and position as her student when Trixie questions her own abilities.
Loved and Lost: Thanks to Prince Jewelius, Twilight's — now exiled and disgraced — loved ones consider themselves total failures not only for abandoning Twilight at the wedding rehearsal but also for causing several innocent ponies to suffer or lose their lives by inadvertently allowing the Changeling invasion to occur through their obliviousness. As for Twilight, Prince Jewelius uses her sadness to manipulate her into disowning her loved ones as retribution, and when she realizes that he's as evil as her loved ones tried to tell her, she's utterly mortified with herself. When Twilight and her loved ones are reunited in the 17th chapter, they exchange reassuring words with each other to make each other stop taking all the blame for the way Queen Chrysalis and Jewelius caused them to turn on each other.
Twilight: You all are the best friends I've ever had.
Fluttershy: But we hurt you, and everypony, just for a chance to participate in a wedding.
Twilight: You were all just trying to make it the best wedding ever. The way I acted, anypony would think I was trying to mess everything up.
Applejack: But ironically, everything you did you did for your brother and us. Everything we did we did for ourselves because we got so caught up in the wedding planning.
Pinkie Pie: We're the ones that should've gotten kicked out of the wedding, not you.
Twilight: But... But I let Jewelius poison me against all of you. I was so hurt when you all abandoned me at the wedding rehearsal and he took advantage of that. I should've listened to you when you tried to warn me about him. I'm so sorry for turning my back on all of you.
Applejack: It wasn't your fault, sugarcube. He fooled everypony.
Rarity: In the end, nopony was really what they appeared to be.
The Nuptialverse: In Post-Nuptials:
- Rainbow Dash is in shambles knowing that she and her friends turned their backs on Twilight over a misunderstanding at the wedding rehearsal, and that Twilight forgave them easily as a Your Approval Fills Me with Shame when they were found out. When she tells Soarin about everything and calls herself a bad friend, he tells her that she is nothing of the sort.
  Rainbow Dash: I'm supposed to wield the Element of Loyalty, but I turned my back on a friend for someone I just met! And then that friend proved that she was more loyal than me! I thought I knew what loyalty was, but now...
  Soarin: It sounds like... It sounds like you're embarrassed by how you acted.
  Rainbow Dash: I am.
  Soarin: Well, that's all the proof I need that you're a good friend.
  Rainbow Dash: W-What?
  Soarin: I wouldn't trust anyone who was never ashamed of anything they did. It means they're not learning anything. A terrible friend would be pinning the blame on Twilight and none on herself. Look, think of it as your flight training, because I know you've trained for the Wonderbolts. You've crashed when you were trying to perform several of the more advanced movies, several times, I'm guessing.
  Rainbow Dash: Of course.
  Soarin: It didn't make you a bad flyer to make those mistakes, it just meant your technique needed work. Now look, you can do the Sonic Rainbow on command, if your performance after the ceremony was any indication. Well, your friendships work the same way. Today, you crashed, but that doesn't mean you're a bad friend. It just means your technique needs a little work.
- Later on, Twilight said this to her and the rest of Mane Six, Celestia, and Shining Armor, by pointing out that even though they made one bad mistake, they themselves are not bad ponies.
- They in turn gave this to Twilight, on the grounds that they would've forgiven her if she had been wrong.
The Pony POV Series has this happen in the Dark World to help Twilight and Applejack complete their Heel Face Turns, Twilight from Cadence's spirit and Applejack from her little sister and the pony equivalent of God (well, one of them anyway). Later on the two of them and their group do the same for Rainbow Dash, telling her they made the same mistakes she did, forgive her, and tell her they know she can make up for what she's done.
In A Taste of the Good Life, Ebby almost falls Off the Wagon at her daughter's birthday party, after accidentally tasting some of Applejack's hard cider. Main Course manages to persuade her that she's strong enough not to let one accidental mouthful push her over the edge.
Triptych Continuum: In 100% Move= 50% Fire, Twilight tearfully admits her fear of screwing up and ruining her friendships permanently. The other five assure her that even though she'll screw up sometimes and they'll screw up sometimes, it won't matter because their friendship is stronger than that, and they'll love her anyway, no matter what.
Twilight Sparkle, You're Being Ridiculous centers around Princess Celestia reassuring Twilight that Mistakes Are Not the End of the World, and that she's not about to lose all of her friends and be banished from Equestria for having an emotional outburst when nobody believed her warnings about Candance acting strangely.

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

Catarina Claes MUST DIE!: Catarina receives several of these during the final chapters, after having a nervous breakdown over recent events:
- Firstly, Francine, Emily and Samantha encourage her by revealing just how well regarded she is by her peers, to the point that other students call her the "Academy Saintess". Though she thinks that's a bit much, Catarina ultimately accepts the compliment.
- Her closest friends admit just how much they care about her, spelling out all the ways she's helped and supported them. Geordo also points out how incredibly rare it is for noblewomen to treat others with as much genuine kindness and compassion as she does, which is why she's earned so much regard and is beloved by so many of her peers.
- Finally, her parents come to the Academy and express their gratefulness for what a wonderful daughter she's proven herself to be, reassuring her that she deserves to be loved.
Many fanfics such as Mirror, Mirror (My Next Life as a Villainess) will have Catarina's friends tell her this after learning her secret, letting her know that she is a kind and caring girl and not the doom-destined villainess from Fortune Lover. This is a common Fandom-Specific Plot because, in the canon, Catarina sincerely believes herself as the Designated Villain despite having none of the emotional makeup for it.

Mystery Skulls Animated

In this fancomic, Arthur questions why Mystery cares about him getting hurt - er, more hurt since they're hunting the demon responsible for Arthur's arm needing to be amputated - and includes him in the pact Mystery made with Vivi's bloodline, saying that Vivi's brave and Lewis is strong but Arthur himself is just... ordinary. Mystery replies that Arthur is a good person, and he's learned over his long life that genuinely good and kind people are worth protecting because the world needs them. He quickly lightens the mood by complimenting the way Arthur scratches his ears, but his point is clearly made.

Naruto

Androgyninja's A Drop of Poison:
- After Sakura manages to hold her own in a sparring match against him, Sasuke pushes back against Iruka noting how he underestimated her, claiming she'll never be more than glorified Cannon Fodder. Hinata tracks the distraught Sakura down afterwards and quietly encourages her, declaring that she's confident Sakura will become a great shinobi someday and that she deserves to be treated with respect.
- Along similar lines, Sakura encourages Naruto after he freezes up the first time they're attacked during the Wave Mission, pointing out that neither of them have faced real opponents like that before and haven't received the same level of training that Sasuke got from his clan.
In Black Flames Dance in the Wind: Rise of Naruto, Hinata's psychiatrist manages to get through to her that she's not an incompetent fuckup like she thinks. Not only has she made tremendous strides in the last couple months, but after the attack on the village, she's considered an outright hero for her actions in fighting off the threat.
The Moon Cries in Reverse: During Lunar Lamentations, Shikamaru and his teammates Naruto and Sakura assist Ino, Chouji and Sasuke in the Forest of Death, brutally beating down the Kumo-nin and freaking out his childhood friends in the process. He also subjects Kin to a No-Holds-Barred Beatdown during their Chuunin Exam match. Later, Jiraiya overhears Naruto and Sakura comforting a tearful Shikamaru, reassuring him that he only did was was necessary to ensure that the enemy shinobi couldn't hurt anyone.
Naru-Hina Chronicles:
- Naruto has been called a monster by some guy he captured due to all the people he killed at the Nation of Steel, leading to this moment:
  Naruto: That guy called me a monster for what he saw in the base. For what I did. And I can't help but think...
  Hinata: (turns around to face him) I know what you're going to say and don't think that. You are not a monster, Naruto. You are the kindest person I know. Just think... Monsters don't mourn the deaths they cause.
  Naruto: (pulls her closer to him while smiling) Thank you, Hinata. I don't know why... but hearing you say that makes me feel better.
- When Mina expresses that she sees herself as a failure for disappointing her parents, Hinata tells her she's not a failure and makes the following speech in response:
  Hinata: You can only ever do your hardest. I know what it's like to not fall into the high standards set by a parent. To feel like you are a failure in everything you do just because you can't please those you care the most for. It took me a long time to get the courage, to get the confidence to stand on my own and be happy. Trust me... You can only ever Be Yourself.
- While talking with Naruto, Sasuke says he doesn't deserve to be happy given how much he ended up hurting Sakura when he left Konoha several years ago:
  Naruto: Sasuke! She forgave you that a long time ago. We all did. You've changed from that guy who left.
  Sasuke: I know I've changed, but what right do I have to deserve to be happy with her after I put her through so much?
  Naruto: You have every right! Sakura is in love with you, and you make her happy!
  Sasuke: (having a small smile) Yeah... she does. I still have no idea how she could love someone like me... but I know she does. And I said that she does make me happy.
  Naruto: That's what I was saying.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Advice and Trust: Shinji and Asuka both give this to each other often, and both give it to Rei at various points. Shinji, in particular, continually reassures Asuka of this to help assuage her fairly massive insecurity and self-image issues. Comes to a head when Gendo fires both Shinji and Asuka for defying orders in the Bardiel fight, thinking the Dummy Plug system will suffice as a replacement, at which point the effects of Shinji's ongoing use of this trope become apparent to both of them, and Shinji has his biggest challenge in pulling off this trope yet.
- In chapter 7:
  Asuka: You're just like me[...] But... not this time. I know you never wanted to be a Pilot, or even heard of it at all before you arrived here... but being a Pilot has been my entire life since I was four years old. What's left of me if you take that away?
  Shinji: You're still the stunningly beautiful girl I'm in love with, the brilliant genius who finished a college degree before she was 14, and the fearless warrior who defeated alien monsters out of nightmare time after time, [...] My father, [...] Can't take any of that away from you. There's a lot more to you than just being a Pilot, Asuka. Even without that, you're still the most vibrant, alive, wonderful person I know. And we've still got each other. "Together, forever and always," I promised you. Nothing says we have to be Eva Pilots for that.
A Crown of Stars: Several characters tell this to Asuka since she thinks she is horrible, worthless and nobody can ever love her.
- In chapter 16 Ching gives this speech to Asuka right before showing her a moon-sized space-ship named after her to prove that she is loved:
  "Deep down, the worst part of your heart hates yourself. The loss of your mother hit you when you weren't even four, and deep inside you concluded that if your mother doesn't want you, you must be a terrible person not deserving of love. You hate yourself for being unlovable, and you keep everyone away from your heart because you are utterly convinced that if anyone knew the 'real you' they'd agree you're as repulsive as you're convinced you are and leave you. You hate yourself for betraying yourself by giving up, both for wanting to die with your mother but still living. You hate yourself for failing as a Pilot, letting Shinji and even Ayanami surpass you towards the end of the war. You hate yourself for ever having gone to Winthrop, selling out another piece of your soul to keep on living. You hate yourself so much it made me weep last night, Asuka. Sweet Lord and Lady, I wish you'd let me or someone hug you."
  Asuka gave her only a frigid silence in return. Her glare through the comm window could have melted steel.
  "You have to forgive yourself, Asuka. You are not unlovable. You are brilliant, strong, fierce, you fought with your friends against terrible odds to protect your whole world... You're a hero, Asuka." Ching said sincerely. She worked at the mecha's controls for a moment. Asuka maintained her silence. "You’re not unlovable. And I'm going to show you proof." Ching paused for a second, then highlighted something on the screen. The ship they’d launched from was swelling as they rapidly vectored towards it.
- And in chapter 25 she hears it from Shinji:
  I rejected you. Even at that price. The whole of humanity's survival wasn’t enough to overcome my pride." Asuka’s voice was as dry as ash. "I'd rather see everyone lost than unbend enough to help even someone as low as you. ...so why are you still here? I’m terrible. I sold myself to Winthrop rather than talk to you. Why... why are you still looking at me? I've never given you anything. Your whole life would be better without me. Why do you keep coming back? Why are you still looking at me?" When Shinji raised his head again, it was her this time that couldn't meet his gaze. He could see her starting to shake. "I'm filthy. I call you stupid and yell at you for trying to protect people. I hurt you without even thinking. Why did you hold me? Why did you call me beautiful? Why did you... kiss me?" Her eyes snapped back to his. "Tell me why," she said, her voice barely audible.
  "You... you're not terrible, Asuka. I called you beautiful because... because you are. I spent I don't know how long after I woke up just staring at your smile, because it was the most wonderful thing I’ve seen in years. I held you because I felt more... happy, more alive when I did it than any other time in my life. I kissed you because..." He closed his eyes to pen in the tears that threatened to escape. 'Because I've wanted to for years. Because I dream about it all the time. Because a world without you lacks any other meaning for me. Because I think I love you. Say something, Ikari!' "Because I thought I was dreaming a good dream, and I wanted to make you happy. I know I was awake now... and I would still do it again.
Evangelion 303: In chapter 12, after Shinji stopped her suicide attempt, Asuka reveals that she had spent five hours trying to find a way to do it, but she had been unable to go through with it. Then she grumbles that she is not only a failure but also a weakling because she was too weak to pull the trigger and spare herself and everyone else of more pain. Shinji angrily replied that is not weakness, and she was the only person that he has ever known who had the courage to NOT kill herself after going through what she had been through.
Futures Freak Me Out: During a nervous breakdown, Asuka starts crying she is nothing but an alcoholic underachieving asshole and nobody would notice or care if she did not exist. Shinji tells her to stop saying those things because she is the strongest person he knows, and he would definitely notice if she was not around.
Shinji Ikari: "I'm only going to say this once, so listen up: you are Asuka Langley Sohryu. You're the greatest Evangelion pilot who's ever lived. You're the smartest person I've ever met, and honestly I think you can do whatever the hell you want to if you set your mind to it. Anything. You're just having a rough time, and you think you can't talk to me about it, which is ridiculous. Do you think I don't feel those things, too? We're in this together, Asuka, you're probably my best friend in the world, and if we can't count on each other then I really don't know what… And come on, Asuka. Don't say things like 'no one would notice'. I would notice. I'd notice every day for the rest of my life, and you know damn well I would. I'd miss the hell out of you… So don't say things like that. And don't do this shit again. You're better than this."
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Genocide: When Asuka tells she deserves being alone because she's horrible, and Arael showed her that during her Mind Rape, her friend Hikari disagrees.
Hikari: Come on, Asuka. Everything can't be so bad. You have to believe that things will work out. You'll go back to pilot your Eva. Maybe have a talk with Shinji.
Asuka: It's... I'm used to it. I deserve it.
Hikari: No, Asuka...
Asuka: That day... that day I got in the Eva, the Angel showed me what I was like. It made me realize... that I deserved it.
Hikari: Nobody deserves to be hurt like that.
Once More With Feeling (Crazy-88): In chapter 17, Asuka confesses that she feels bad because she thinks she has done nothing but look like a bumbling idiot next to Shinji in the eyes of the Committee. Misato tells her to ignore them:
Misato: So don't give a damn about those armchair Generals second-guessing you either, Asuka. You're a hell of a pilot - today was the toughest battle we've ever been in and you handled yourself incredibly well. Regardless of our motives going into this, you rose to the challenge today. I'm proud of you - and Rei of course.
Thousand Shinji: In a chapter, Asuka is feeling morose and sullen and says to Shinji that he is stronger than her. Shinji disagrees and replies that he broke after his mother died and his father abandoned him, whereas her reaction was the opposite one: "You were the kid, the one in a million, who chose to become strong instead of break in response to such monumental adversity".

The Octonauts

Junior Officers: During the chapter "Even the Best Fall Down Sometimes", Captain Barancles gives a pep talk of this sort to Shellington.
Captain Barnacles: When I became captain, I swore that I would treat every last one of my crewmates with the utmost respect, no matter what. And I made you feel like that respect was something you didn't deserve and had to earn.
Shellington: But Captain...I thought respect was something you're supposed to earn.
Captain Barnacles: No, no. Respect is a given. Maintaining that respect is what's earned. I aimed to treat you respectfully from the moment I found you. And to this day, you've proven time and time again that you still deserve that respect.

One Piece

This Bites!: Cross ends up in a massive Heroic BSoD after the Straw Hats are separated for the Time Skip (with him personally ending up in the World Nobles' personal Hellhole Prison) and the Marineford War still happens despite all his efforts, which leaves him convinced that his presence has done absolutely nothing to help in the long run. Then B.R.O.B., the divine asshole who sent him into the One Piece world for giggles to begin with, intervenes to remind him of all the good he's managed to achieve, especially highlighting saving Merry and Ace, which B.R.O.B. states should have been impossible to avert, and which has earned Cross the entity's legitimate respect. Hearing all this is enough to snap Cross out of it, inspiring him to keep going.

Persona

The Immortal Dragon Guard and the Queen of the Togo Kingdom: After learning that Ryuji had kept quiet about his own heroics to his girlfriend Hifumi whenever he tells her about the Phantom Thieves' adventures, both she and Akira tell him this, with Akira reminding him how many times the former athlete's strength had saved them.

Pokémon

A New Chance Series: In the second story of the series the Pokémon poacher Rico successfully steals Weezing, Meowth, and Arbok from Jessie and James. After Ash saves Team Rocket's Pokémon from Rico, Brock, after laying into them about how their criminal career has been nothing but a failure tells them they are perfectly capable of being decent people, but only if they give up working for Team Rocket. By chapter 13, they've tossed their uniforms aside, and have gone straight.
In Ash's Adventure: Girls' Hunter Edition, Ash expresses a low opinion of his abilities as a trainer as he feels that his mistakes are the reason for the problems they've faced so far, which include he and Misty being lost in Mount Moon. Misty points out that he's actually done very well given how long he's been travelling, considering that most trainers don't face threats like Team Rocket and a crazy Tangela in their first week. Misty acknowledges that Ash still needs experience, but he's clearly got talent and is getting better every day.
Pokémon Reset Bloodlines: Gary Oak falls into a funk when, in the aftermath of the Fuchsia Tag Tournament (having teamed up with Paul of all people), he goes to challenge the Celadon Gym. While he wins, he does so by the hair and feels he should have done better. Erika finds him and assures him that he fought well, and gives him some encouraging words to find what he needs to improve his performance.
In Pokemon: Shadow of Time, Kyoji delivers one to Ash, pointing out to him that, despite Ash's concerns about turning out like his father and the dangers he's encountered during his travels, Ash isn't the 'damaged goods' he believes he is as he genuinely cares about the girls and his Pokémon despite everything he's been through, where anyone else would have just become a bitter old man who's willing to let the world burn.

Real-Person Fic

Invoked in With Strings Attached. Earlier on the quest for the third piece of the Vasyn, Ringo had been down on himself because he was a physical wreck after a few days of hard travel and little sleep, while the others were all fine. Though they try to convince him he's not useless, he doesn't really believe them. However, when the formerly hostile Hunter says that Ringo's mindsight is the single most valuable ability among the four, Ringo is a lot more convinced. Later, after the battle on the Plains of Death, where Ringo more than proves his worth, the Hunter claps him on the shoulder and says "Never disparage yourself again."
- The scene is briefly referenced in The Keys Stand Alone: The Soft World. Ringo is upset that he's not very useful because his mindsight is mostly being blocked, but he reassures John that he knows he's not useless. He notes that in the Hunter's world, he was crazy exhausted and not thinking straight.

RWBY

Children of Remnant:
- Ozpin gives one of these speeches to Jaune, telling him that no matter how much of a failure he may feel like now, he should be taking comfort in the fact that he's doing the best he can and is doing a very good job advocating for peace.
- Neopolitan, of all people, ends up telling Emerald that, despite her bluster, she's just not an assassin. She may have the skills and she'd be an expert if she really tried, but it's clear that she's too good of a person to be a true assassin and she should try to find another purpose in life.

The Save-Ums!

In Rise of the Save-Ums, Mr. Randall gives a talk like this to Alexa in the first chapter. Of course, given this fic's nature as a parody, the narration is quick to point out how cliche it is.
Mr. Randall: People get treated unfairly because of stereotypes. That doesn't mean you have to conform to them. I believe you can truly do great things, Miss Clowater.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System: Ren Zha Fanpai Zijiu Xitong

Memories Like Ghost Stories: After forcefully remembering he was a slave beaten and abused to the point he snapped and murdered his master, Shen Qingqiu despairs and calls himself disgusting. Liu Qingge's utterly stunned reaction says a lot about his opinion on the matter.
Shen Qingqiu: You must think I'm disgusting.
Liu Qingge: Never.

Sonic the Hedgehog

Little Hands, Big Attitude:
- When Rouge goes through a Heroic B So D over being abandoned by the Thieves' Guild, Shadow reassures her that she's a great inflitrator, that he sould still be stuck in the stasis pod if it wasn't for her, and the the Guild has no idea what they're losing by leaving her.
- When Rouge reveals that her village abandoned her to starve to death when she little because of her albinism and laments that her condition makes her a freak, Maddie tells her that she's beautiful, she's a fighter and she has already proven her village wrong by living.

South Park

My Super Best Friend: Heidi tells Kyle that he's better than he thinks he is when Kyle believes himself to be weak for letting his emotions drive him to nearly kill Cartman and hurt Heidi and Butters. Heidi says to Kyle that he is a strong person who always strives to grow and improve himself. Heidi continues by saying even strong people like Kyle can make mistakes, but they can learn from them and allowing people like her to help him won't make Kyle weak.

SpongeBob SquarePants

Some Things Never Change: What Sandy tells Squidward during their heart-to-heart conversation, telling him that while he might not have found success, at least he's strong enough to admit his own shortcomings and own up to them, unlike Squilliam. Sandy is of the opinion that "strength of character" is much more admirable than having fame and money. Squidward takes it to heart and echoes her words while visiting Squilliam's grave.

Steven Universe

Piece of a Diamond: When Pearl expresses her fears of living in a universe where Rose was no longer around, Rose assures her that complete confidence that the Crystal Gems would have been able to prosper if something would have happened to her. Deconstructed, since a part of this is born from Rose's belief that she is the root cause for the Gem's emotional dependencies on her.
Rose: You all are a lot more capable than you believe. You would have surprised yourselves. And either way, I'm here.

Total Drama

Cast Swap: "Food Fright" has Beardo trying to find his place on All Stars. He gets eliminated when he fails to, and says that he doesn't have a role on the show and isn't important. His teammates tell him that by being himself, he's important to the show and is very special for being himself.
Unbreakable Red Silken Thread: The reason Cody and Heather are nearly inseparable? Starting on the final challenge of TDWT, then spending nearly a year just being there for her as a friend after the photo scandal ruined her reputation.

Trollhunters

A minor one in Claire the Kind when Claire thinks she won't get the part in the school play.
Mary: Hey, Claire! No anxiety! Got it?
Claire: I can't help it.
Mary: Yes, you can! Who are you?
Claire: Uh... Claire Nuñez?
Mary: That's right! And what grades do you get?
Claire: A's?
Mary: Who do the boys swoon for?
Claire: ...Me?
Mary: Who's gotten Spring Fling Queen three years in a row?
Claire: Me.
Mary: And who's gonna play Juliet in the play?
Claire: Me!

Victorious

Features heavily in Double Trouble- a spin-off of The Wolf in me- which features various alternate versions of Jade and Tori getting together. One version (referred to as Jadelyn and Victoria to distinguish them from others) get together after Jadelyn has been saved from an abusive relationship with the local Beck, but Jadelyn's bitterness so frustrates Victoria when she tries to help the other girl that she ends up slapping Jadelyn in a rage. However, when Jadelyn's immediate reaction to being hit is to immediately act submissive and apologetic, Victoria is devastated at the realisation Jadelyn is so used to this treatment that she basically expects it. However, seeing Victoria's genuine regret over the slap assures Jadelyn that Victoria truly feels sorry for it, whereas Beck always had an edge of cruelty in his "apologies" after he hit Jadelyn.

The Worst Witch

In The Blood of the Covenant - based on the 2017 series- Miss Hardbroom receives this talk from Miss Pentangle after Mildred’s entire family dies in a bus crash and Mildred’s magic instinctively reaches out to Miss Hardbroom for help. Miss Hardbroom expresses concern that she can’t provide the emotional support that Mildred needs based on her own harsh upbringing, but Pippa assures her old friend that she won’t become her old mentor Mistress Broomhead and muses that Miss Hardbroom has a better understanding of what Mildred needs than she might think.

Young Justice

In With This Ring the Renegade is feeling down about how he's never acted like a stereotypical hero and he doesn't fit in with the rest. He's being tempted into joining The Light when M'Gann talks him down.
Renegade: I don't know, M'gann. Sometimes I feel like a supervillain who accidentally walked into the wrong lobby... And only stayed because the restaurant was better than the one the Legion of Doom had. When the four of us confronted Ocean Master I didn't hesitate to kill him. You did, Kon did, even Kaldur did and he had far better cause than I. I'm ruthless and hard in ways you're just not. The League... just doesn't do stuff that I think... we need to. And if the Light do...
M'Gann: I don't care what you say, you're not like a dictator who mind-controlled an eight-year-old boy and threatened him to make me obey her. You're not. Now open a boom tube back to Earth so we can sort this mess out.
Renegade: ... Well. ...That's me told.

You Are Better Than You Think You Are / Fan Works

Alternative Title(s): Fanfic

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You Are Better Than You Think You Are / Fan Works

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