“The self image is the key to human personality and human behaviour. Change the self image and you change the personality and the behaviour.”
Maxwell Maltz
I am a Personal Trainer in Barking and run Mind Body Boot Camp in Barking Mayesbrook Park on Saturdays, each week we discuss a quote or topic relating to Mind Body Wellness. Last month we discussed self-image and the quote above. Before we explore the four ways to improve your self-image, it would be helpful to clarify what self-image is.
What is self-image?
Self-image suggests that it is the image one has of oneself. However, it actually consists of three types:
- Self-image resulting from how the individual sees himself or herself.
- Self-image resulting from how others see the individual.
- Self-image resulting from how the individual perceives others see him or her.
These three types may or may not be an accurate representation of the individual. All, some or none of them may be true. Often we can distort our own beliefs and assume things that other people are thinking, which can lead to a lot of energy lost in something that is not actually ‘real’.
4 ways to improve your self-image
1. Positive self talk
Do you find yourself self-criticizing? This really does not do you any favours and only serves to weaken your self-image. When you catch yourself in this act, it is time to replace the negative with a positive statement about yourself. For example; instead of “I am never going to get back to a size 10”, which is a generalisation and exaggeration, it is also a negative opinion, which can be reframed into “I am in control of what I what I am eating and this leads me back to a size 10”.
2. Finish the sentences
- I believe myself to be…….or I am………
- What good things do people say about me? What bad things do people say about me?
- What do I believe people think about me?
3. Distortions
Sometimes we make stuff up about ourselves if your suspect you may be guilty of this; ask yourself, what proof do I have to support this belief?
4. Act in alignment with your values
The more we act in alignment with our values this boosts our confidence and in turn our self image. If you do not know your top ten values this could be a valuable first step.
If you live locally and are interested in using a Personal Trainer in Barking, Goodmayes, Dagenham, Ilford please feel free to book your FREE no obligation consultation via the home page or if you would like to attend Mind Body Boot Camp you can book your place via the Facebook event page or call 07947253033
