How to Build a Positive Self Image?
Self image is nothing but what a person thinks about himself/herself. This can be both positive as well as negative. It is highly subjective and thus it is not necessary that you are always what you think you are. Some people are always immersed in self-pity. Such people fail to realize that had they focused on their strengths rather than their weaknesses, they would have flourished and reached great heights in life. A positive self-image is crucial as it gives confidence and encourages a person to take the right decisions without fear or procrastination. So the point is how exactly can one develop a positive self image? It is really simple if you read these tips and learn how to build a positive self image.
1. Forgive and forget
No one is perfect and at one time or the other, everyone is bound to make mistakes. So do not blame yourself all the time. If people applaud you, it’s fine but if they criticize you, do not take it to heart. Making mistakes is human nature. So instead of punishing yourself, just move on. Do not let it affect your self-esteem.
2. Avoid comparisons
Do not compare yourself to others. Each person is unique in his/her own way. Just because someone is better than you in baseball does not mean you are inferior to him/her in any respect. You must be having some talent which he/she thoroughly lacks.
3. Be realistic
Irrespective of what people tell you, do not always aim for the stars. Having high ambitions is good, but that does not mean that you will not take your strengths and weaknesses into account. Aim for what you think you will do best and then work towards it.
4. Pat on your back
Don’t you applaud when a player scores a goal or a musician plays a beautiful piece? So do the same when you do something good. It will go a long way to improve your self-image.
5. Maintain a journal
Unlike the regular journal where you record your daily activities, this journal should strictly contain all your achievements. It is your success journal and update it regularly. Contrary to what you may think, not even a single day goes when we have not done anything good. So it should go to the journal.
6. Surround yourself with positive people
Your companions have a direct effect on your self image. If your best friend keeps calling you a moron, at some point of time you will come to believe that you are indeed one. So avoid such people. There should only be positivity around you.
7. Talk to yourself
Self talk helps in developing a positive self image. Look into the mirror and fall in love with what you see. Keep encouraging yourself.
8. Look at the brighter side of things
Do not just frown at failures. Learn to laugh at your flaws instead of being embarrassed about them. Something good comes out of everything, so do not lose heart.
Try to follow the above listed points in your daily life and your self image is bound to improve. As Joyce Brothers puts it, “A strong, positive self-image is the best possible preparation for success”.