10 Ways to Build a Better Self-Image – Without Having to Lose Weight First

by Dr. Annette on July 12, 2008 · 8 comments

Many people would love to have a body that is thinner or curvier. And while we can sometimes change some of the physical attributes of our body through diet and exercise, self-image is much more than just attaining a perfect body shape.

Self-image is your subjective perception and attitude about your body. It is how you see yourself, how you feel others see you, and how you feel in your body. Self-image is not based of fact, but on experiences, emotions, moods, and feelings.

Developing a high self-image is important because how you feel about your body or how you feel in your body can affect how you act. The level of your self-image affects how much confidence you have, how you carry yourself, and how you express yourself in the world.

Learning to develop a new balanced relationship between self and body can be a tough concept to grasp and even tougher to incorporate. The degree of difficulty doesn’t seem to matter if you’re thin or very large or even somewhere in-between. It takes time and persistence to create a love of being human.

The good news is that your self-image was created by you, so you can change it to anything you want it to be. Building up self-image is not about attaining a perfect body shape, but about learning to love living in the body that is yours. Practice these powerful strategies below and you can do a lot to improve the quality of your life by learning to love yourself just the way you are right now.

1. Look into Your Heart and Soul

You may not like everything about your body, but make time often to go beyond the self-criticism and negative inner talk. Go into the bathroom and look in the mirror. Go beyond judging and disapproval. Look deeply into your eyes, and set the intent of having a special connection with who you really are. Honor yourself, look deeply into your eyes, and delve into your heart and soul. Enjoy looking at the fantastic person that you are.

2. Live In The Now
When you are waiting for something to occur, such as weight loss, you are not focused on what is occurring now. Yes, it is wonderful to be excited by the expectancy of achieving your goals. However, it also necessary to bring your joy into this now moment of your present life. Instead of postponing your joy or pleasure, ask yourself how you can bring more meaning or fullness into your life today. What practical actions could you take that would make today better? When you feel better about yourself right now it also means your self-image amplifies.

3. Listen to Your Body

All those emotions, aches, pains, tensions, and heaviness… they are all forms of communication from you to you. Without trying to get rid of your physical forms of communication, say hello. Bring a sense of interest and curiosity. Consider assuming the perspective that your body is a reflection of your beliefs and thoughts; therefore, what are you saying to yourself when you feel tightness in your neck and jaw? What are you saying to yourself when your knees constantly ache, or your stomach is always in a knot? What are you saying to yourself if your shoulders are slumped? The key to listening is to allow your tension, tightness, pain, or emotion to do the speaking. Don’t go above the feeling and analyze your situation from your head, but allow your feelings to speak directly to you.

4. Enjoyable Movement

Get some physical activity not because you have to, not to burn calories, but because it feels good to move your body parts. Participating in physical activity gives you the chance to breathe more deeply; it increases your energy level, and boosts your sense of well-being.

5. Walk Tall

One of the easiest ways to feel better in your body is to stand tall, breathe deeply, and walk with purpose. Lift up those slumped shoulders and you will make a positive impression on others while instantly feeling more alert and empowered.

6. Dress for Confidence

There are some things about your body that you just can’t change, such as the size of your hips, your height, and your shoe size. But trying to hide your body with sloppy, baggy, and dull clothing only makes things worse. Instead, experiment with new styles of clothing that will express confidence, creativity, and positivity. There are beautiful, comfortable clothes to fit all body shapes and sizes. When you wear flattering clothes, you feel good about who you are right now.

7. Build an Elevator Speech

Write a 30-60 second speech that highlights your strengths and positive attributes. Then recite it in front of the mirror whenever you need a self-image boost.

8. Cutting Edge

If you’re having trouble with a negative self-image, make a little hairstyle change. A great haircut can bring your self-image to the top of the world. When your hair feels good, you feel invincible. Going to a hairstylist for a new look, for something a little different can make you feel better about yourself, happier, and project a positive self-image.

9. Accept Compliments

It is true that you do not require the approval of others to be happy and peaceful. Compliments are a “nice to have” rather than a necessity. In fact seeking the approval of others is generally a diversion for refusing to give yourself the peace and happiness you seek. However, people who can’t accept compliments tend to be more down on themselves and less positive about their abilities and attainments. Accepting compliments is a step, a model to learn from, of how to give yourself praise and approval. By opening to accept compliments, you can begin to see yourself through another person’s perception. You can notice yourself in a new light, and become aware of what is right about you. You can acknowledge that you are good and worthy, loveable and likeable this very moment.

10. Breathe
When you breathe consciously and deeply you are saying yes to life, yes to your own physical experience. Breathing settles the body by reducing anger, anxiety, fatigue, irritability, muscular tension, and stress. It can also help quiet the chaos of your mind. When you feel more relaxed in your body, you naturally have a higher self-image.

Improving your self-image, like improving any skill, takes time and practice. In a way, building self-image is a little like creating a homemade tapered candle. You dip the wick into a vat of wax, pull it out, and wait for it to dry, and continue the process repeatedly until the candle is perfectly formed. Like the gradual layering of the wax upon the wick, you can create a positive, life-affirming relationship with the body you live in. Practice the tips above and learn to love your body and love living in your body!

Want to awaken new self-confidence and gain more self-trust? Check out the NEW Audio CD Confidence To Love Your Life by Dr. Annette Colby to learn how to be more confident and start living the dream life you’ve always wanted. www.AnnetteColby.com