- Nov 7, 2022
- 3 min read

Improving Self-image

By Luci Fardo

I have been thinking about self-image lately. A lot of people struggle with self-image and what other people think about them. I honestly think that is normal. It is normal to care how you are viewed in this world to some degree. It is important to view yourself in a positive way and figure out how you want to be presented. A lot of what other people see about us are what we want them to. Once you acknowledge this you are on the way to fabulousness. The most important thing is self-image. How do you feel about yourself?

Self image is a product of everything that has happened to us in our life. Early childhood influences, such as parents and caregivers have a major influence on our self-image. They are like mirrors reflecting to us an image of ourselves. The experiences we have in life with teachers, friends and other family members add to that image. Relationships with others reinforce what we think and feel about ourselves.

The image we see may be real or distorted of who we actually are. Based on this view it is possible to develop positive or a negative self image. The strengths and weaknesses we have adopted affect the way in which we act. We are continually taking in information and evaluating ourselves in several areas such as

With a more positive self-image, we are able to recognize our assets and potential and accept our limitations. With a negative self-image, we focus on our weaknesses, distort our failures and our importance.

Self-image is important because how we think about ourselves affects how we feel and interact with others in our life. A positive self-image can improve our physical, emotional, social, mental, and performance. On the other hand, a negative self image can decrease our satisfaction and ability to perform well in these areas of our life.

The best thing about all of this is that self-image is not permanently fixed. Part of our self-image is always changing. We can learn to develop a healthier and more accurate view of ourselves. This way we can challenge the distortions in our view of ourselves. Self-image change occurs over your entire lifetime. A healthy self-image can start with accepting and loving ourselves. It also means being accepted and loved by others.

Steps to create a positive self-image

Take a self-image inventory
Make a list of things you like about yourself
Ask someone close to you to describe your positive qualities.
Define personal goals and objectives
Stop comparing yourself to others
Develop your strengths
Give positive affirmations
Remember that you are unique
Identify and explore the impact of childhood labels
Learn to love yourself

Changing a person's body image is more than changing just the body. It means changing how we think feel and react to our body.

Weight management is a way to change the body. It changes how we think, feel, and react to our body. Learning to have a positive relationship with an imperfect body increases your ability to lose weight. Keep in mind losing weight is not an end all solution. I have lost weight just with the reason to improve my looks. It didn't change the way I saw myself. The moment I learned to love myself with my imperfect body was the day I truly felt happy. You must change the inside to make the real change. I exercise and stay thin because I care about how I feel. This has changed my life. The minute I developed discipline in that area was the moment I found discipline in other areas.

Steps to improve your body image.

1. Explore your personal body image

2. Challenge misleading distortions related to your body

3. Be comfortable with your own body

4. Accept and love who you are

5. Be a friend to yourself