Unlocking the Power of 'I Am': The Secret to Achieving Your Goals
Have you ever felt stuck, wondering why you’re not reaching your goals despite your best efforts? Recently, I had a revelation—one that reminded me of the mindset that carried me through some of my greatest achievements, including significant weight loss. It literally came to me in a dream, where I remembered the secret I had once lived by: the power of "I am."
The Shift from Goals to Identity
Back then, I wasn’t focused on losing weight. Instead, I was laser-focused on who I was becoming. (Check out this blog post about my journey for more context read here.)
My affirmations guided me:
I am someone who cares for my body.
I am a nutritionist who knows how to eat.
I am someone who works out daily.
I am someone who can match the energy of anyone at the gym.
These weren’t just statements—they were facts in my mind, even if they weren't completely true at that time. I wasn’t worried about how far I had to go or what I lacked. Instead, I fully believed I already was the person I aspired to be. This belief acted like blinders, narrowing my focus and shutting out doubt.
Somewhere along the way, life threw its fair share of challenges, and I lost touch with this mindset. But now, I see how vital it is to reclaim that sense of identity and belief.
A Real-Life Example: Becoming a Teacher
This mindset wasn’t just something I used to lose weight. When I was studying to become a teacher, I embraced the identity of I am a teacher long before I had my diploma or completed my practical training. While many of my peers hesitated to call themselves teachers until they started working, I claimed it from the very beginning.
I would confidently say to myself, I am a teacher. This belief led me to start teaching private lessons while I was still studying. Acting as though I already was a teacher gave me the confidence and practical experience I needed to thrive in my studies and career. By the time I officially received my diploma, I had already been living and working as the person I envisioned myself to be.
Why "I Am" Works
When you declare “I am,” you’re not just stating a wish or a goal; you’re affirming a truth. This aligns with teachings from thought leaders like Mel Robbins and Vishen Lakhiani of Mindvalley. Robbins emphasizes the power of taking control of your mindset with tools like the 5-Second Rule, while Lakhiani discusses the importance of identity in achieving transformation.
Even ancient teachings highlight this principle. The Bible, for example, says, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Modern neuroscience backs this up: when you believe you are something, your brain begins to align your actions with that identity.
When you declare “I am,” you’re not just stating a wish or a goal; you’re affirming a truth.
From Affirmation to Action
The power of "I am" isn’t just in saying the words—it’s in living them. When you start believing “I am someone who prioritizes health,” your daily choices naturally reflect that belief. Instead of forcing yourself to work out or eat well, these actions become second nature because they align with who you see yourself as.
Here’s how you can use this mindset:
Define Your "I Am" Statements: Be specific and positive. Instead of “I want to lose weight,” say, “I am someone who treats their body with respect.”
Reinforce Daily: Write your affirmations where you’ll see them—on your mirror, journal, or phone. Repeat them until they FEEL undeniable.
Act As If: Align your actions with your new identity. Even small steps, like choosing water over soda, reinforce your belief.
“Don’t focus on taking action to become something or overthink what you should do to get there—simply believe I am and let the next step flow naturally.”
The Key to Lasting Change
This mindset isn’t about ignoring reality or pretending challenges don’t exist. It’s about shifting your focus to what’s possible. When you operate from a place of belief rather than lack, you’re 80% of the way to achieving your goals. The rest is just following through.
So, here’s my reminder to myself and to you: You are already what you want to become. The power of "I am" is in your hands—use it to transform your life.
