I use the “I AM” statement process with people who have dyslexia, ADHD, and autism as a replacement/alternative for some of their internal bullying language.
By the time some people start to work with me as a coach, they are so mean to themselves in their self-talk that it is almost impossible to help them shift and try new things. They feel really stuck.
It happens, and I get it. I just know that you can’t be your best and highest self when you are always judging your actions negatively.
Yes, you need to stop talking to yourself in that manner AND stopping is not enough, because it has caused damage to your confidence and your mental health.
The fact is, that you have carved out neuropathways in your brain that default to this way of talking to yourself. Those neuropathways have to shift and the way you shift them is by building new pathways in a different area.
The I AM Statement is part of that neuro change.
Here is the short and sweet process I use with clients.
You talk about yourself in the future as being successful at what you are working on. People who are highly successful and happy are really good at this. They know and now you know.
What an I AM statement is:
To write an “I am” statement, start with the phrase “I am” followed by a positive adjective or phrase that describes who you are becoming or what you are working to make happen, focusing your words on the present tense and keeping it specific to you, making sure that it is specific about the time and date that will happen by.
I Am Positive adjective /phrase by Specific Date.
I Am celebrating the success of being a powerful different thinker by having a workshop at the local library on July 12th 2025 about adult neurodiversity.
I AM easily and effortlessly nourishing my body with healthy foods daily and on August 15th 2025 I am wearing size 8 women’s jeans.
I AM, by November 20th, 2024, enjoying reading more than two books a month, taking notes, and sharing my new knowledge with my friends.
I AM talented and have all the skills necessary to do action on month & day, year.
I AM Smart and can figure this out before the sun goes down today.
— This is NOT an affirmation statement – this is a future projection of the outcome of actions you are taking today to create this result.
These are affirmations:
- “I am a compassionate and supportive friend.”
- “I am resilient in the face of challenges.”
At first writing and journalling ‘I AM’ statements doesn’t typically feel natural for a neurodiverse person. It takes practice, training, and some coaching to build up the muscle to be proficient at the process. Don’t worry if they don’t sound great for a couple of years. They are still helping, so keep doing them.
I AM JoyGenea and I would like to hear some of your favorite I AM statements that you have written.