The Best Way You Can Develop A Positive Self-Image

Do you think you are shy? Are you an introvert? When you were in school, did you think you sucked at math?

We all have a perception of ourselves in our heads. We believe that we belong to a certain category in society. When you really think about it, who put this idea in your head? It is nobody but you.

Why Self-Image Matters?

I have talked a lot about the importance of mindset in my previous articles. The first step to achieving success with anything is your mindset. If you have a positive mindset—a belief that you can do it—you will succeed. Your self-image is also a part of the mindset.

Each of us has an image of ourselves in our minds. When we look into the mirror, we see ourselves a certain way. Sometimes, we even talk to ourselves in our heads (or out loud). It doesn’t matter how people see us, we all have a self-image of ourselves.

Your self-image can make or break you.

A positive self-image is very powerful. If you have a positive self-image and believe that you are confident, attractive, and successful, that’s what your outcome will be. It can boost your physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Conversely, if you have a negative self-image and believe that you are nervous, ugly, and a failure, the outcome is likely to be the same. It can decrease your satisfaction and ability to function in many areas of life.

How we think about ourselves affects how we feel. If our thoughts are good and we feel good, we will vibrate at a high frequency. It helps us get in a better mood. And, doing it every day is a path to a happy life.

How Do We Develop Our Self-Image?

We begin to develop our self-image from early childhood days. It is the outcome of our experiences. Our parents, teachers, and friends have a big influence on our self-image. Remember the childhood days when our parents/teachers told us something like;

  • You are a naughty boy.
  • You suck at math.
  • John, you can paint really well.
  • Lisa, you have great handwriting.

When we are told these things, we begin to believe in all these things. Instead of identifying our true selves, we actually believe in what others tell us. When we become adults, we still believe in the same stuff, and it becomes in our identity.

To develop a positive self-image, we must first become self-aware. We must identify our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. It is also good to reflect on our past experiences. You must understand that your past experiences do not define who you truly are. Just because your teacher told you that you sucked at math in the fourth grade does not mean you can not do well in your career.

Self-Talk: The Best Way to Change Your Self-Image

There are many ways you can change your self-image. But I believe that the best way to do it is by positive self-talk. Like having a self-image, we often talk to ourselves—either in our heads or out loud.

You need to understand that your words are very powerful. Every word that comes out of your mouth is making an impact in your life. In fact, it is also making an impact on other people’s lives. For example, if you tell someone, “you are ugly”, it might actually make them believe that they are ugly.

Self-talk or affirmations is how you can transform your self-image. If you thought you were unattractive, talk to yourself and say;

  • I am beautiful.
  • I am attractive.
  • My body is perfect.
  • My hair looks good.
  • I have perfect skin.

Well, you get the idea.

If you feel uncomfortable speaking to yourself verbally, there is another technique for positive self-talk—scripting.

You can create a positive self-image by writing down about your ideal self. Writing or scripting is considered one of the best techniques to transform your life. You can start a journal and write about yourself.

If you can use both verbal and written methods of self-talk, the outcome will be even better.

Unlearn

It’s time to forget what you thought you knew about yourself. Unlearn the things you learned from your past experiences (mostly the bad ones). Just because you failed in the second grade does not make you a failure. It’s time to change your perception of who you are.

Start building a new self-image by shifting your mindset. Stop saying “I can’t” and start saying “I can” or “I will”. Believe in yourself before anyone else believes in you. With a simple shift in your mindset, you can transform your life.

The change in mindset can boost your self-image and help you improve all areas of life—health, wealth, intelligence, relationships, and career.

You have to look at yourself in the mirror and stop seeing the same old you. See the new and improved version of yourself. That is how you develop a positive self-image.