Building A Positive Self-Image

Self-esteem is how we see ourselves as a person. If I value the type of person I am, I have a good sense of self-esteem and I am pleased to be me. When I value my skills and talents, respect my own intelligence then I can act on my beliefs and feelings. The key is to feel better about myself. The below are tips on how to start.

Listen to Positive Self Talk and Negative Talk Will Push Out

One of the great things about this premise is that when we do one the other is achieved as well. I like to call it the “exchange theory” of recovery. We all carry on a steady mental dialogue. Do you ever listen to what you’re saying to yourself? Do you put yourself down or call yourself names? Learn to hear the things you say about you, and then replace that dialogue with positive images. Better yet, just as light pushes out darkness positive self-talk will push negative self-talk and this could be the first step toward a more positive self-image.

Recognize Accomplishments

As part of the positive self-image, begin to recognize all the small things you are doing well. Make a list of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem to you. Maybe you won’t win a Nobel Prize, but your accomplishments have worth to you. By recognizing them, you can begin to understand that you are important and that you have self-worth. Without a “one you can’t have a “two”.

Be Assertive

Learn to be assertive. Practice clear communication as a way of establishing personal ownership. Say what you mean and respect what others say unless it is not in alignment with your new positive path. Remember that that they have rights, except when they are meant to sabotage your positive self-image.

Be Tolerant

Be tolerant of yourself and others. Nobody’s perfect! Try not to criticize yourself or other people and don’t expect others to criticize you. Recognize that a mistake is only a mistake and don’t dwell on it. The goal is to replace or exchange negative with positive.

Know Good Friends-Stick with the winners

It is said that “misery loves company”. I will take that a step further and say “misery loves miserable company”. Associate with people who validate you and your new positive direction. Spend time with people who value you. Evaluate what they say about you. If others are constantly putting you down, you might want to reconsider those relationships. People you choose to be around are often mirrors of how you feel about yourself. You can find the best in yourself and others by expecting it.

Do Something Nice for Others

One of the best ways to feel good about ourselves is to find value in others and follow that up by doing something kind for them. Maybe it is just a kind word or simply act of kindness, but either way it will mean something to them and ultimately to you.

Doing these things over a consistent and concerted period is bound to generate positive results. As I started out this blog saying, “we didn’t get to a negative mindset overnight and we don’t positive overnight either”. We must believe that we are worth and then act according. Journey is more powerful than the destination.

As I often say, “we didn’t get broken overnight and we don’t get fixed overnight” Becoming well is a process and building a positive self-image is a necessary component. Life’s journey has many moving parts as various times throughout.