SELF IMAGE

Self Image is the picture we hold in our mind about ourselves. This picture is drawn by our experience in life, our success and failures, the thoughts we have of ourselves and by how others react to us. Zig Ziglar in his book, See You at the Top, points out, “You cannot consistently perform in a manner that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself.”

The world is a reflection of ourselves. How others treat us is determined by how we treat ourselves. How we treat ourselves is in turn determined by how we see ourselves. When we have a healthy self image, we treat ourselves with love and respect. We believe that we deserve to be respected and trusted and others will respond accordingly.

There are a myriad of factors that contributes to a person having a poor self image. The most common factors are as below:

1. We live in a negative world

2. Being unjustly ridiculed by friends, teachers or others in authority

3. Exposed to exaggerated series of negative statements

4. Equating failure in behaviour with as failure of self

5. Unrealistic and unfair comparison with others

This world, at times, can be really tough and cruel. We fight many battles outwardly and inwardly everyday. We must keep our chins up and always see ourselves as winners.

It is of great importance to our self development and future success that we maintain a positive outlook about ourselves. The list below indicates that our self image needs some improvement.

1. Negative self talk

2. Failure to give compliments

3. Failure to receive compliments

4. Inability to give and enjoy affection

5. Constantly comparing ourselves with others

6. Feeling guilty most of the time

7. Not asking for what we want

We must continuously work on maintaining a healthy self image. Listed below are just several ways that can help us boost our self image:

1. Always talk good about yourself

2. Accept and give compliments

3. Praise yourself. Acknowledge your value

4. Treat your body well

5. Treat yourself and others well

6. Keep good people close by

7. Read inspiring books

8. Always maintain a positive outlook on yourself

9. Forgive and forget

10. Focus on what you can do and not what you can’t