Two Words of Wisdom – Persist, Resist, and the Power of "I AM"

Epictetus, the ancient Stoic philosopher, once said that two words should be taken to heart and obeyed: persist and resist. These words, he believed, could guide us toward a blameless and untroubled life. In their simplicity, they provide a blueprint for success—persist in doing good and resist evil, temptations, or distractions. These two words are as beautiful as they are powerful. They are healing, inspiring, educational, and deeply rooted in timeless wisdom.

But what if we could go even deeper? What if we could filter, sift, and search for two words that are even more transformative—words that are ancient in their origin, but higher in their quality? Those words are I AM.

The Deeper Power of "I AM"

I AM goes beyond mere action or reaction. It is not just about persisting in the face of challenges or resisting temptations. I AM speaks to the very core of who we are, our identity, and our potential. While the Stoics gave us a practical approach to life, the two words I AM dig deeper, touching on the essence of our being. These words have their origins in deity, offering a profound connection between the self and the divine. They are a statement of faith, of identity, and of possibility.

The affirmations of I AM have the ability to shape not just our actions but our entire existence. Consider the possibilities: I AM persistent echoes Og Mandino's powerful lesson in Scroll III of The Greatest Salesman in the World: "I will persist until I succeed." The affirmation, I AM resistant, speaks not only to our ability to resist external challenges but also to resist giving in to fear, doubt, and negativity. These I AM statements go beyond mere behavior—they define who we choose to be.

In my book, Awakening Who I Am: Two Words to Ignite Your Transformation, we explore these words on a much deeper level. We examine how the two simple words, I AM, can fundamentally alter the way we see ourselves and the world. These words are not just affirmations; they are declarations of intent, purpose, and transformation. When spoken with conviction, they become the very blueprint of who we are becoming.

Programming the Mind for Transformation

One of the most powerful tools for transformation that I’ve created is the 18-minute guided affirmation video available at AffirmIam.com. In this video, we program the mind each day by beginning with the end in mind, as Stephen Covey famously taught. This practice elevates our thinking from merely persisting and resisting to fully embracing the transformative power of I AM.

As we start each day with this focused intention, we declare not only what we will do but also who we are. I AM persistent and I AM resistant are starting points, but there is so much more. We are called to step into affirmations like I AM healing, I AM growing, I AM evolving, and even I AM a miracle. These affirmations align us with our highest potential, raising the floor on what we believe is possible for ourselves.

Striving for Better

Ultimately, we must strive to raise our own floor and increase the quality of the two most impactful words we can speak: I AM. These words are the foundation of all that we are and all that we will become. When we embrace them with intentionality and purpose, we set ourselves on a path to become better, to do better, and to live better.

So yes, let’s admire the Stoic’s beautiful simplicity in persist and resist, but let’s also aim higher. Let’s step into the fullness of I AM, and in doing so, transform our lives.

I am persistent.
I am resistant.
I am a co-creator of my future.

And, as I always say, I am Dan.