EP149: The Magic of 'I Am' and 'I Am Not' in Leadership and Life
OWN WHO YOU ARE - AND WHO YOU ARE NOT
This is quick exercise is transformational!
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
One of my favorite tools for personal and professional growth is a concept I revisit annually: One Little Word. Inspired by Ali Edwards. This practice involves choosing a word or phrase to guide your goals, actions, and behaviors throughout the year. This year, as part of my monthly prompts for this practice, I explored an exercise that I’m excited to share with you—"I Am and I Am Not."
This simple yet powerful self-reflection exercise fosters heightened self-awareness, which I believe is the "pixie dust" for unlocking your potential. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone looking to grow, understanding yourself more deeply is the key to aligning your actions with your goals and values.
Why Self-Awareness Matters
Self-awareness forms the foundation for authentic leadership and meaningful personal growth. It helps you:
Identify your strengths and celebrate your unique traits.
Acknowledge areas for growth without judgment, inspiring actionable steps toward progress.
Clarify your values, enabling you to make aligned decisions.
Set healthy boundaries, empowering you to say no to things that don’t serve you.
Build confidence by reinforcing what you stand for and what you’re capable of achieving.
The "I Am and I Am Not" exercise is a simple yet transformative way to deepen this self-awareness.
The "I Am and I Am Not" Exercise
This exercise involves completing two statements repeatedly:
"I am..."
"I am not..."
Step 1: Create Your Lists
Grab a piece of paper (or a flip chart if you’re feeling bold!) and divide it into two columns. Label one side “I Am” and the other “I Am Not.”
Under "I Am", write down traits, roles, behaviors, or beliefs that resonate with you. For example:
I am empathetic.
I am a mentor.
I am resilient.
I am creative.
Under "I Am Not", list the things you don’t associate with yourself or want to release. For example:
I am not a pushover.
I am not perfect.
I am not defined by others’ expectations.
I am not afraid to take risks.
Step 2: Reflect and Refine
Once your lists are complete, take time to reflect:
What feels true? Identify qualities and beliefs that you wholeheartedly embrace and consider how you can lean into them more.
What feels aspirational? Highlight statements you want to grow into, even if they feel a little out of reach. These are powerful goals for your personal development.
What surprises you? Sometimes, this exercise reveals labels or beliefs you’ve unconsciously carried. Decide whether they still serve you.
Step 3: Take Action
You will uncover areas that you can lean into more, gaps in skills or thoughts and skills in need of development. It’s time to get to work. Create goals, work with a coach or mentor, get out of your own way!
The Benefits of the Exercise
Boosts Confidence
Writing down and owning your strengths helps you step into your worth with greater self-assurance.Fosters Authenticity
Defining what aligns and what doesn’t ensures you’re showing up as your true self in all areas of life.Inspires Growth
Identifying traits and roles you aspire to helps you chart a path forward, aligning your actions with your vision.Sets Boundaries
Clarifying what doesn’t align with your values makes it easier to set boundaries that protect your energy and focus.
A Call to Action
I encourage you to try the "I Am and I Am Not" exercise for yourself. Approach it with curiosity and honesty, and let it guide you toward greater self-awareness and intentionality. Whether you’re a leader striving to connect more authentically or someone navigating personal growth, this exercise can help you uncover insights that drive meaningful change.
Remember, the best leadership starts with leading yourself, and self-awareness is the magic that makes it all possible.
What Do You Think?
How did it go? What surprised you? What inspired you?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
Links
Episode 46: One Word Can Create Results
Episode 98: The Magic of One Word on Your Leadership and Life
Please leave a review in Apple Podcasts + share with a friend
It will help others find the podcast - the more leaders we can impact - the better our workplaces and lives will be!
Schedule a FREE Discovery Call
Click here to schedule some time - let’s talk about how we can work together through one-on-one coaching, Insights Discovery workshops or other leadership development work!