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Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of self-image, inspired by the wisdom of the renowned Bob Proctor. Buckle up as we explore how understanding and improving our self-image can lead to a more fulfilling and empowered life. Let’s get started!
What is Self-Image?
Imagine waking up in the morning and standing in front of a mirror. This physical reflection is not your self-image, merely a reflection of the body you live in.
What you see and think about yourself in your mind’s eye is called your self-image. It’s like a picture in your mind that shows how you view yourself – your skills, what makes you special, and how much you think you matter. It can sometimes differ from your physical persona, but know that the self-image you hold of yourself in your mind is very powerful.
This self-image is super important because it guides how you behave and what you believe about yourself. It’s like a map that decides the direction of your life. If you see yourself as smart and capable, you’re more likely to do well in school or activities. But if you think you’re not good enough, it can hold you back from trying new things or reaching your goals.
Think of your self-image as the person controlling the character and your physical body as the avatar of the character in a computer game. You can dress the avatar however you see fit, but the controller stays the same. It is your choice how much of your self-image you show to the world, but know that the more you hide, or try to dress your avatar in line with what you think other people expect, the less enjoyment and happiness you will feel in your life.
You Will Be Hiding
Scared to show your true self for fear of criticism.
The best example of this, and I mean no offence by these, is the many many years that people spend pretending they are something to keep the peace. The people who pretend to be happy in a relationship that isn’t working for them. Men and women who pretend to be straight instead of telling the world they are gay. The people who fake it to meet their assumed expectations of the people in their job…
As soon as people stop faking it and show their true self to the world the happier their life becomes. No more hiding. No more lies or pretending.
Yes, some people might criticise. Berate. Walk away. But that is OK. They simply aren’t in harmony with who you are.
When you start living in harmony with your inner self-image, life becomes effortless. Things flow to you and the world becomes a lot brighter.
So, it’s essential to have a positive self-image. It’s like having a good friend in your head who cheers you on and believes in you no matter what. You are the only person who lives with you 24/7, so only your opinion of you matters!
Remember, you are awesome just the way you are!
So How Do We create The World We Want To Live In?
In my Stick Person post I mentioned that we are all controlled by paradigms. Subconscious habits that dictate our behaviour and ultimately our results. These paradigms also form our self-image. Our opinion of us, how we see our self. This can have a massive impact on our potential.
If we think of ourselves as not confident, overweight, easily walked all over etc, then that is the result we will get. It doesn’t matter how many times we push through the fear to get up and talk in front of people. Or how many times we resist that biscuit barrel. Or how many times we stand up for ourselves. If we don’t make a conscious effort to change our self-image then it is all for nothing.
Faking it can work both ways! You can fake being shy when you want to stand up and express yourself. Or you can fake being confident when you would rather die than stand up and speak in front of an audience.
Our self-image is how we see ourselves in our mind. Our mind controls our feelings, our actions and then our results. Yes we can overrule our self-image and do something against it, but unless this happens a few times then the self-image won’t change.
An Example:
I’ll give a relatable example that came up in my studying today. A person sees them self as overweight, so they make the decision to exercise more and go on a diet. Losing weight takes time and it can be weeks before there is any noticeable visual change. If they focus on the scales or the mirror reflection, they will eventually give up as they can’t see the changes happening…
They need to continuously focus on the image of the body they want regardless of what the mirror reflection or scales are showing.
To see them self as thin and fit in their conscious mind using their imagination.
They need to build a picture of the body they want in their mind. Then only see that picture, in order for the weight loss to stick.
This is how the physical world changes based on your self-image.
Self-Image Wins Every Time!
Now this concept resonated with me quite deeply. Due to my childhood I have always had low confidence. I’ve stood and watched from the side lines because I worried about what people would think if I took part. I kept my mouth shut and just did what others wanted to do rather than speak up for myself. Stayed quiet and invisible in most situations to avoid confrontation and criticism.
But I have only recently realised these traits and my study over the past year or so has really emphasised my paradigms and habits.
If our self-image dictates our results, then having a self-image of being worthless, criticised and beaten down definitely explains why I was not living life to the fullest!
Upgrade Time!
Now I can be more honest with myself and I can look at my results and behaviours and make the conscious choice that this is not what I want. I am able to make the changes necessary and I do.
I can notice and catch myself when I fall into old habits, then make the decision to do the opposite! Now I take part in most activities (I’m still working on not worrying about what others will think). I speak up and say what I want to do and don’t want to do. Try to negotiate to meet everyone’s wants rather than just back down. I am more productive because I can get on with the things I need to do. Taking the steps towards the life of my dreams.
I am so happy and grateful now that I speak my mind, be proactive and productive with no mind towards what others may or may not be thinking.
Jaiye Cordory
We can’t read minds so I am stopping myself from trying to guess what other people are thinking. I, at least, usually get it completely wrong anyways!
How Do You Change Your Self-Image?
So how am I doing this? To change your self-image you must get totally relaxed, say first thing in the morning, or just before bed. Then you need to imagine the person you want to be;
How are you dressed?
What is your hair like?
Are you doing what you always dreamed you’d do?
What are your personality traits?
What are you thinking about? etc.
Really see yourself as that person, feel what they feel like as they live like that. Get emotionally involved and allow the feelings to flow through your whole body.
Next, write it down! Everything you imagined, everything you want, write it down in the present tense as if you have already achieved it. Then read that written description as often as possible. Work from that image everyday with only an awareness of your current surroundings. Act as if you are already that person!
Your subconscious mind can’t differentiate between what is real and imagined, it can only accept the information you give it. So give it what you want to become. Tell it it is already that person and it will believe it and change your behaviour and results accordingly.
Have fun with it! Become who you choose to be. Not who others want you to be, or who you think others think you are. Find and become the real YOU.
YOU are perfect, so go and find YOU.
What do You Think?
If this subject interests you and you want to learn more about how to upgrade your self-image, then get in touch today. Either here or through any of my social medias or schedule a call to discuss it with me directly.
Remember, you are perfect just the way you are! And if you don’t like you then shift your self-image and start living as the person you want to be.
Be true to you and your whole life will become a whole lot brighter and more fun!
I look forward to speaking with you soon and hope this post helps you to start unlocking your true self.
To your success,
Jaiye
