Your words have the power to shape your identity and destiny, particularly through the mechanism of self-talk. External opinions, especially during formative years, can internalize into limiting self-beliefs if left unchecked.
However, you are the programmer of your mental supercomputer - what you feed it with self-talk determines its output. Using empowering language, especially framing thoughts with "I am" followed by affirmations, can reprogram your mind toward achieving your fullest potential.