Who Do You Think You Are?
I AM!
Good afternoon and welcome to Friday’s Daily Self!
While researching today’s post, I came across this unforgettable clip of professional bowler Pete Weber winning the U.S. Open in 2012.
With that 5th strike, he clinches the championship, raises his fists, and screams out what would later become a viral sensation:
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
I AM!
Wait……………. what?
Pete later explained that he was shouting into the crowd at a spectator who’d been heckling him the entire match. It was meant to come out as:
WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE ROOTING AGAINST ME?
I AM THE MAN OF THIS TOURNAMENT!
But in his exuberant state, his mouth and brain were out-of-sync. Pete’s brain farts gave the world a gift, though, a slogan that is equally catchy, confusing, and contemplative.
One thing for you to think about
In 2008, someone you might know a little better than pro bowler Pete Weber released an album titled “I AM… SASHA FIERCE.”
Undoubtedly, Queen Bey will be stepping up to put the smackdown on ANYONE who fucks with her (ahem… remember when Jay-Z cheated 😬).
“Who do you think you are […] / I am […]” —> those are FIGHTING WORDS. They’re:
POWER words
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE ME words
BACK THE FUCK UP words
SELF-LOVE words
That’s right—self-love words. They’re the words you use when it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says about you. You know who you are, you stand tall in your authenticity, and you unapologetically live your truth.
Like Pete and Beyonce, be confident and brave in your “I AM”s (perhaps there’s more than one), and have them ready the next time someone or something challenges you.
And even if you forget who you are just for a moment—that’s ok. All you have to remember is to be a Pete.
Discovery: Every day is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and others. Reflect on these ideas and consider sharing.
One thing for you to ask yourself
What are your most authentic, unapologetic, and powerful “I AM”s?
(a couple of my examples: I AM GOODNESS IN THE WORLD. I AM A CONFIDENT AND RESILIENT GROWN-ASS MAN.)
Use these questions as journaling prompts.
One thing for you to try
Prep your “I AM”s for the coming week. Practice being a Pete (or a Beyonce) in situations that feel confronting or that you’ve shrunk back from in the past.
Realistically, if this might cause a physical altercation or a catastrophic life change (like getting fired), say it in your head versus out loud. Even if said in your mind, “WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? I AM” refocuses your mindset on what you know you are capable of versus what someone assumes you are capable of.
Experiment: Growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone and make brave choices. Reply to this email or leave a comment and let me know how it went.
Liked what you read? Share it with a friend!