“I Am” – A New Year’s Tradition Rooted in Becoming

many years ago, on New Year’s Eve, my friend’s mother handed us index cards and told us to write down our resolutions. While others may have focused on typical goals, I did what felt natural to me: I wrote down who I was going to be and what I was going to have. On that list, I included becoming a mother (even though I didn’t think I could have children at the time) and becoming a cook. A few years later, those “I am” statements turned into reality. I became a housewife, had two children, and cooked for them every single day.

Ever since then, writing “I am” statements has been my New Year’s tradition. For me, it’s about more than just setting goals—it’s about visualizing, grounding, and embodying the person I want to become.

The Power of “I Am” There’s something deeply transformative about writing out statements that affirm your identity, not just your actions. Saying “I am” is powerful because it declares your belief in what you’re already becoming. For example: Instead of “I want to be disciplined,” I write, “I am disciplined.” Instead of “I want to be healthy,” I write, “I am healthy.” Instead of “I want more abundance,” I write, “I am wealthy.” These statements reinforce not just what I want to do but who I already am at my core. They ground me in the belief that I’m capable of becoming all the things I desire.

Why Visualization and Affirmations Work
When you write down “I am” statements, you’re doing more than just listing ideas—you’re visualizing your future self. Visualization is a powerful tool for:
1. Focusing Your Mind: Writing “I am” narrows your attention on what matters most, helping you stay aligned with your goals.
2. Creating Identity Shifts: When you truly see yourself as the person you want to become, your actions begin to align effortlessly.
3. Reinforcing Positive Beliefs: Reading these statements every day strengthens your sense of self-worth and purpose.

Placing Your Affirmations Where You’ll See Them
An “I am” statement isn’t meant to be written once and forgotten—it’s meant to ground and guide you. I keep mine in places I’ll see them daily, like:
My car visor: It’s been there for years, and every time I flip it down, I see the affirmations that keep me steady.
By my bedside: Starting the morning grounded in “I am” helps set the tone for the day.
Around the house: I have affirmations sprinkled throughout my space to remind me of who I am and who I’m becoming.
By surrounding myself with these reminders, I stay connected to my intentions, even when life gets busy or overwhelming.

Try It Yourself
As we step into a new year, I encourage you to write your own “I am” statements. Think about: Who you want to be. What you want to do. What you want to have. But focus most on who you are becoming—that’s where the real transformation begins. Write it down, place it where you’ll see it every day, and revisit it often. You’ll be amazed at the ways your life begins to align with the vision you’ve set for yourself. If you’re looking for more inspiration or want to explore how I use visualization, affirmations, and intentional living in my life and work, visit richelletaylor.com. This year, let’s not just make resolutions—let’s claim who we are. ✌🏽🤟🏽💫