Positive Self Image

 

 

 

You often are what you percieve yorself to be

 

Anon

 

 

Your happiness may very likely be affected by your self image. Every person has certain positive qualities and capabilities which makes them special. That definitely includes you! That may sound like something you've heard from your mom or dad or friends, but it's still true. You can think of good qualities of your loved ones or friends. If they have them, then you do too.

 

Previous chapters have addressed self improvement and positive attitude. There are many individuals who have improved much in their life and in general have a positive attitude, but still do not have a positive self image. Most of us seem to have some aspect of ourselves and our self image which we are not happy with. We also have some moments when our esteem is lower. It's natural. Our perceptions certainly affect our happiness.

 

There are definite factors affecting your self image. Some of them may involve:

 

your attitude

 

how you interact with others

 

your personal appearance

 

your physical fitness

 

 

One significant way of improving your self image may be to improve the way you interact with others. Smiling and laughing more, helping others, and giving compliments can help. It is difficult to feel negative when you are sincerely smiling. We all know some people with a great smile. Recalling them smiling often gives a happy feeling. Think about your favorite smiling people. Whether you know them personally or see them on television or wherever, the relation makes no difference. Just thinking about them smiling is likely to give you some pleasure and may entice you to smile more.

 

Many associate self image with appearance. Physical appearance is important to most people, but to some more than others. There are people such as athletes, actors and actresses, models, business professionals who exemplify the type of personal appearance you may want to achieve. Have you ever said to yourself that you would like to look as good as some celebrity? You may improve your appearance or your perception of your appearance using a variety of approaches including clothes, hair style, makeup, dieting, exercise, medical procedures, or in other ways. There are certainly many choices today on all of these options. If you have difficulty with achieving these types of improvements, you may need to get an opinion or advice from someone else. Input from family or friends can be helpful. Also, people who offer products or services which enhance personal appearance are usually happy to give their input on what will work for you. If you don't care for the opinion of one, try others. Just remember that you decide what you like. Some may consider improving personal appearance as vanity, but it is very normal and if it makes you feel better about yourself, then it is worthwhile. The importance of this factor on your happiness is entirely up to you.

 

You can also enhance your self image by improving your physical fitness. There is much written on the subjects of eating well and exercising to improve physical condition, and there are different opinions on the benefit of these. Consider this one observation: Exercise and eating well are ways to improve the way you feel physically and the way you perceive yourself. It's not so much about longer life but rather the way you feel now. I strongly encourage exercise to improve physical fitness. It seems to have a positive effect on almost everyone who is involved in it. You can try walking, aerobics, bicycling, swimming, running, team sports or whatever suits you. Self education or training on exercise is a good idea if you plan to pursue this method of improvement. You can talk to others who exercise regularly. Those who do the type of exercise which you are interested in would be the best to talk to. Also you can participate in training classes, groups, or clubs. These can help you in learning more about the subject and may provide you with motivation and enthusiasm when the going gets tough. It takes effort and determination to be more physically fit, as does any accomplishment, but it is worth the effort.

 

Another consideration on improving your self image involves perception. You may not need to change much, or anything about the way you are, but rather only change your opinion or perception of it. When thinking about personal aspects which you would like to change, ask yourself if it is really a problem, or is it just your perception that's the problem? You may ask a friend or family member their opinion. You don't want to change a good quality! There is an old German proverb:

 

To change and to change for the better are two different things.

 

So, what can you do to improve your self image? Consider the following thoughts on perception. Actually this list can apply to more than improving your self image. It can apply to anything you want to achieve.

 

Ask what about yourself do you like and dislike.

 

Think about what you would like to improve.

 

Think about, read, and talk to others about ways to improve your self image.

 

Take action on improving something, if it doesn't work try another way.don't be afraid to ask for input from others.

 

Stick with it.

 

Develop more self esteem - that's the bottom line.

 

 

You totally control what you think of yourself.