In essence, self image is how you view yourself; your talents, your appearance, your dreams, and your thoughts. A positive self image is crucial for creating healthy relationships in multiple facets of life, and a negative self image can make an individual doubtful in their abilities and talents. Surprisingly, your own view of yourself is often times drastically different then the way others view us; we always seem to be our own worst critics. Typically, others view humans in a more positive and complementary light than the individual themselves does.
Self image has a direct effect on our happiness and correlates with not only our performance in everyday tasks at work, school, and in relationships, but it also effects the way we communicate with others.
There are many things that contribute to the development of our self image, such as the outcomes (positive and negative) of past experiences that may include: academics, relationships, work experience, and athletics. These experiences help to shape our self image, as well as the contributions of members in our primary groups: our family and friendship circles. Failure also has a big influence on ones self image. Whether the effect be doubtful influence, or a motivating influence, failure of past endeavors has a big contribution to our self image.
Positive self talk helps lead to a better self image and higher levels of self esteem, for example: waking up and starting the day saying "Today will be great, I can't wait to see what the day will bring" rather than "I'm so tired, I don't want to go to work/school" or telling yourself "I can do this" versus "I can't go any further, or I can't do it" leads to better results, and a better self image.
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| Our internal dialogue is what makes or breaks us in a multitude of situations. |
It is essential that parents build their children up, and teach them the importance of failure, mistakes, and success in various areas of life rather than just one area such as academics or sports. Ephesians 2:10 says: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Allowing your son to know he made an accomplishment in picking up his room rather than just hitting a baseball hard is essential for self confidence and self image. Children knowing that they have the ability to excel in more than just one facet or talent in life helps to create a well rounded individual that exudes confidence.
Along with confidence, positive self talk has also been proven to lead to lower stress levels, and healthier, happier life styles. Becoming aware of the underlying negative stream of consciousness that is self talk is the first step, the next is turning the negative statements into positive ones. Here are some common examples and simple solutions:
Negative Positive
"I've never done it before." "Its an opportunity to learn something new."
"I'm never going to be good at it." "I'll give it one more try."
"There is no way it will work." "Lets reexamine the possibilities."
Parents, I encourage you to establish a positive self-image in your children at an early age, and to teach them the power of positive thinking, and while you're at it, take some positive self talk and sprinkle it into your life, you just might be amazed at the results.
