The Power of “I Am”

The power behind the statement “I am” is often incredibly underestimated. Those two words act as a declarative sentence reflecting exactly who you are being in a specific moment in time. It conveys not only your intentions, but also the state you embody at the time you’re acting upon those intentions.

I am loved.

I am successful.

I am magnetic.

These are simple examples; while not particularly specific, they set the foundation for major positive outcomes.

In 2026, I have not set New Year’s resolutions nor specific goals. Instead, I strive to actually make big, positive changes. As such, I asked myself two questions:

What version of myself do I envision that has achieved it all?
What changes can I intentionally make in order to best embody that version of myself?

It comes down less so to what I am doing at all times and instead lies in who I am choosing to be. At the top of 2026, I sat down and I visualized exactly what this version would look like and what accomplishments she’s achieved. To break it down further:

What characteristics does this version of me possess?

Humble
Loving
Ambitious
Healthy
Etc.

What are her habits and routines?

Early riser
Physically active
Practices mindfulness (meditation, emotional check-ins, etc.)
Drinks a lot of tea (this one randomly popped into my mind during a meditation and it made me laugh, but hey, it’s something I’ve incorporated!)
Etc.

What standards does she uphold?

Timeliness
Non-reactive
Respectful (of people’s time and otherwise)
Treat others with kindness but do not tolerate anything less in return
Etc.

When down on paper, it makes it feel a bit more real. Sure, I’ve got a lot of ideas mulling about within my mind, but ideas are all they shall be unless they’re accompanied by thoughtful action. In this exercise, I also captured my top 5 core values and specific goals (but not the specific method in which to make them happen).

The magic truly lit up when I started mapping all of this back to the version of myself I was in that exact moment. In doing so, it highlighted the gaps of where I could improve, which naturally began to influence the way I chose to live.

Today, on the 9th day of January, I am proud to say that I have embodied this new version successfully over the last week and can feel the difference. My optimism is at an all time high and I genuinely feel unstoppable. In moments of doubt and sadness, I have returned to this state in full faith. The impossible dreams in my head don’t feel quite as impossible as they once did.

I like to choose one word at the beginning of each year to keep in mind to influence my trajectory. This year, I have multiple words because I just keep coming up with applicable ones that just feel right.

ELEVATE INTENTION GROWTH INTUITION ALIGNMENT

Fostering a healthy mental diet has not only saved me from the dark hole I once lived in back in 2024, but has also given me the gift of direction. I no longer feel helpless in my own life; instead, I feel empowered. I am only going to be this human version of myself one time, so why would I waste it lost in limerence, regret, doubt or fear?

So dear friend, in this new year of 2026, I challenge you to think bigger. Who is the version of you that you dream about in silent moments? How can you become them?

The steps reveal themselves when you open yourself up to possibilities outside of a limited, fear-driven mindset.

Go forth and conquer.