4 Steps to Boost Your Self-Image

“When a man has put a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit of what he can do."

--Charles Schwab 

As we grow, life experiences, mistakes, failures, kids on the playground and well-meaning adults download beliefs systems in our minds that we continue to carry with us.  All of these beliefs systems comprise our self-image. Our self-image is our overall subjective emotional evaluation of our own value or worth. It's the way we see ourselves. Some of these beliefs may not even be true about us, but hold us back from reaching our full potential.

We can't outperform our self-image either.  We can't do what we think we can't. 

How can we improve the way that we see ourselves?  Here are four steps:
 
1.  First, realize that this is a process.  The poet Carl Sandburg said, “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.”  We didn’t become who we are overnight…let’s give ourselves some grace and improve a bit every day. Consistent improvements day after day create great enhancements over time.  What can you do today to improve? Do it--and no matter how small, celebrate that win.

2. We need to guard our self-talk--Whether we are aware of it or not, we have a running conversation with ourselves. What is that conversation like?  Do you encourage yourself? Or do you criticize yourself? Negative self talk undermines our self image. What we say to ourselves is what we tend to believe.

3. Stop comparing ourselves to others. We often compare our beginnings to someone’s middle or their end. We don’t know the whole story. We only see their glory. Each of us is unique and incomparable to anyone else. 

4. Move beyond your limiting beliefs.  When you identify the negative talk or belief, ask yourself, "What would I rather believe about myself?" Then replace that old limiting belief with the new one.  

Maybe you're thinking, "yeah, easy for you to say." It is easy for me to say it, not always easy to do it. However, my experience has been that these steps work, if we work them.

If you would like to be part of a group of like-minded people who are taking a deeper dive into improving their self-image, join us in my virtual Self-Image Masterclass. It starts the third week in January--it will either be Tuesday nights at from 6:30-7:30 for 8 weeks. 

Here's what one participant said: 

"I have taken two classes with Jan, and I highly recommend her to anyone looking to break through the barriers holding them back.  Working with Jan has been life changing.  She makes it easy for you to share your story, because she takes the lead and shares her story first.  My wife was amazed at the personal growth I was able to accomplish when working with Jan."

To register, click here:https://www.jan-mcdonald.com/self-image-masterclass

Remember, it isn’t what you are that holds you back, it’s what you think you aren’t.

Growing with you!

Jan

Jan McDonald
The John Maxwell Team