Living Intentionally Personal Growth

The I’ms

January 15, 2016

Something I have found fascinating for a while is this: we believe whatever we say about ourselves on a regular basis. And when we believe it, we also act it out.

For example, if I’m constantly declaring myself to be shy, “I’m shy,” I must act shy in all circumstances (even ones where I would rather not act shy) because I have labeled myself shy and I must act consistent to how I perceive myself to be.

Interesting, and often unhelpful for this simple reason: many I’ms we adopt simply do not help us in our journey.

I’m not good at remembering names, 

I’m not good at making money,

I’m not a morning person,

I’m not creative,

I’m unorganized,

I’m lazy,

I’m not good with words,

Many of our I’ms are ideas we picked up along with way, perhaps from childhood, or because we simply decided to adopt them for various reasons.

Some I’ms may even feel positive until we evaluate whether they are actually helping or hindering us.

I’m the one that always takes care of everyone else

Either way, it’s worth taking a second look at the I’ms you have adopted. Are they helping you to move forward in life, helping you change and try new things? Or are they keeping you small and stuck?

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  • Shar January 15, 2016 at 9:21 am

    We are created in the image of God. He spoke the world into existence. So we need to speak what we would like to be. Not our feelings or what has always been the case. Speak I am successful.I am beautiful. I am energetic. I am healthy etc. Joel Osteen has written a new book called I am. Highly recommend it!

    • Claudia Good January 15, 2016 at 2:34 pm

      Thanks for the book recommendation and your input Shar! Words are so powerful right?! Amazing how they shape the very foundation of our lives!

  • Joanne Miller January 15, 2016 at 10:59 am

    Claudia, I am becoming more and more aware of how I sabotage myself with the I’ms. And you hit it on the head when you said it can work for or against you. I’m definitely the one who takes care of everyone. It is my gift and my curse. I have enabling down to a fine art!! Good blog. And so true!

    • Claudia Good January 15, 2016 at 3:01 pm

      Joanne,
      I hear you and can relate!! Great nurturing skills can bless soooooo many, but when we take it an extreme we loose ourselves.

      I just wrote a bunch of I’ms down myself while reflecting on the past year and planning for 2016. It’s strange to see them written in front of you, even stranger to imagine why we hold on to them for so long!

  • Michael Good January 15, 2016 at 1:13 pm

    Wonderful, Claudia. It’s amazing the extent to which how we see ourselves shapes our reality!

    • Claudia Good January 15, 2016 at 2:32 pm

      We know and see this first hand now don’t we?! love you!

  • Lori Sue Luster January 15, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Thank you, Claudia!! You’ve ferreted out another excellent concept! I love how you succinctly formed it into your blog today– it is practical, simple and inspiring as are you!

    BTW, I’m loving your latest book– must by more to give as gifts this year!

    • Claudia Good January 15, 2016 at 3:05 pm

      Lori,
      You are a gem! Thanks for your input and support! So glad you are enjoying the coloring book!