The words I am are a spotlight used to highlight the parts of you that you want to illuminate.

Those two words are a portal through which massive transformation can occur.

I am strong, says the man in the mirror,

as this newly crafted identity takes him by the hand

and leads him to the gym to lift weights.

I am talented, competent, relentless, says the woman, over coffee,

before walking into work and moving one step closer

to that promotion she's been working for.

One of my favorite ideas,

people follow through on who they believe themselves to be always.

But this power is a tool.

And tools can be used for good or they can be used for bad.

They can be used to build or they can be used to tear down.

It's up to the person carrying out the task. The words I am, right, those beautiful life-altering words, they can also become a jail cell that surrounds the now and keeps it exactly as it is.

And you know what I mean.

I can't.

Sorry, I am not a morning person.

I am unathletic.

I am slow.

I am not like those financially well-off people. They're different. I am slow. I am not like those financially well-off people.

They're different.

I am simply not ready.

...