The I’ms

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?