Why is it that most of us only tend to focus on the things that we wish we could change about ourselves? “I’m too fat,” “I’m too skinny,” “I wish I had bigger boobs,” “ I don’t like my hair,” blah blah blah. We all do it, but why not focus on the things that we like instead? It’s easy to focus on what others have that we don’t, but when it comes to shaming ourselves…no problem.
Our society has created such focus on perfection and ways to change our lifestyles to live up to a single goal, but in reality is there really a perfect goal to strive towards? In my opinion, NO WAY! It is time that we focus on the good things about ourselves. Whether it’s our body, things we’ve accomplished, or just being kind to others. It is amazing how we can change our attitudes each day with a simple compliment to ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, a compliment from others is always wonderful to hear, but when you give yourself some positive feedback, you may just get a little boost of confidence that can last all day.
I began to notice that the small negatives I would think about myself were building up. I would start my day by looking in the mirror and feeling angry and disappointed. I was sick of it. So I did some research and created my own plan to start my day. Now, I do this every morning and I want to share it with you! I hope that you can use these tools to help your self-image, too!
- Wake up each day and take a deep breath.
- Say to yourself that it is a fresh start and don’t ever predict how busy your day is going to be. (You will get through those busy days!)
- Either write down in a journal or just recite in your head one positive thing about yourself. It can be something about your body, the work that you have done, anything!
- Replace those negative self-comments with positive/reassuring self-comments.
- Stop comparing yourself! I know that it’s easier said than done, but if you catch yourself, then use a comparison that favors yourself.
- Work towards your OWN goals instead of what our society perceives as EVERYONES goal.
- Carry yourself with your head held high, even if you’re not feeling it at the time, others will still see that and you’ll notice, which gives you a bit of a boost of confidence knowing that eyes are on you!
- LOVE YOURSELF! Don’t constantly think of things that you wish you had or could change, remember the positives and you will notice a boost in your overall self!
- Compliment others! You’d be surprised at how much better you feel when you tell someone else that you love their dress, or their hairstyle.
In the genius words of Amy Poehler:
“When the demon starts to slither my way and say bad shit about me I turn around and say, ‘Hey. Cool it. Amy is my friend. Don’t talk about her like that.’ Sticking up for ourselves in the same way we would one of our friends is a hard but satisfying thing to do. Sometimes it works.”