Self Image

Self-image is how your perceive yourself.

It comprises of a number of self-impressions that have been built up over time.

Your self-image has a direct impact on your identity, behaviour and results. A positive self-image is extremely important in aiding you to achieve the results that you want in your life and ultimately your level of happiness.

It has been said that you will never out-perform your self-image.

Your image of yourself can be distorted in comparison to how others see you. It is very important to understand this point. We can be over critical of ourselves or think too highly of ourselves. Either way it can be detrimental to us. It is important to have a realistic image of yourself. How do you see yourself?

The way that you see yourself can manifest itself in how others end up seeing you. If you project a positive self-image others will more likely see you as a positive, capable person.

It is easy to be fooled in thinking that an intelligent, attractive and financial successful person should have a positive self-image. Surprisingly, people who outwardly exhibit these qualities may still experience a bad self-image and it could also be proven that people who experience hardships in life may still have a very good self-image.

A book that has a fantastic message on self-image is ‘The Measure of a Man’. It is the memoirs of the famous actor Sidney Poitier. This book demonstrates the power of self-image and its importance in helping you to achieve your dreams. Remember your self-image will impact your identity and the behaviours that you will be willing to take. If you do not see yourself as someone worthy of success, then you will not take the necessary actions to be successful.

Your self-talk or internal voice has a major role to play in either damaging or improving your self-image. You need to be very mindful and careful about what you are saying to yourself.

Remember who is listening to this talk, YOU! Every time you talk negatively to yourself it is like chipping away a piece of your self-image and weakening your worth. It is important not to be so critical and harsh on yourself. Be kind to yourself and accept mistakes and failures for what they really are; a learning or lesson to be improved on next time round.

To improve your self-image you need to work from the inside out.

Below are some suggestions on how to start improving your self-image: 

* Write down a list of things that you like about yourself. Start focusing on what your strengths are and spend less energy and time dwelling on your weaknesses. Don’t dwell on weaknesses, start taking action to improve them.

* Recollect good things that people have said about you.

* Avoid making exaggerating comments like “I always make that mistake.”

* Don’t allow negative thoughts to enter your mind. Stop them before they do the damage.

* Acknowledge and accept good things that you do. Focus more on the good and less on the bad.

* Lighten up and laugh at yourself more. We are human and we are not meant to be perfect.

* Read self-help books like ‘The Measure of a Man’. It will provide you with inspiration, belief and strategies to assist you when life’s challenges come your way.

* Take criticism in a positive and constructive manner. There could be a great opportunity for you to grow as a person.

* Exercise – you will feel better and look better. 

Do yourself a favour and work on improving your self-image. It plays a vital role in your happiness.