What do you believe…about yourself? Do you believe you’re handsome, pretty? Or do you believe your nose is too big, your skin is horrible and you’re too fat, or skinny? Your beliefs play a huge part in what happens in your life. What you believe about yourself is a self-fulfilling prophecy. As long as you believe it, it’s not going to change! Henry Ford defined this succinctly when he said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”
In order to be a happy teenager it’s important to be confident and comfortable with yourself. So what do you do if you have self-limiting beliefs? Here are five easy steps to help you build a better body image:
Step 1: Identify one thing about your body that you like.
You can always find at least one thing! Is it your eyes? Do you have really cool hair? Are you strong and a great competitor? Do you have an incredible smile that lights up the room? Are you petite (remember good things come in small packages!) Find one thing, acknowledge and appreciate this as your best quality. You can appreciate things about your body without being arrogant or annoying.
Step 2: Identify one thing about your body that you would like to improve.
If there is something you don’t like about your body and you can change it—do it! Would you like to bulk up and be a better athlete? Would you like to be healthier and get in better shape so you can enjoy more activities? Hate being a redhead or having curly hair? If this is really important to you, will find the determination to set goals and achieve them. If you need help to set or reach your goals ask for help.
Step 3: Appreciate your individuality!
Just like dogs come in many sizes and builds, humans come in many shapes and sizes too. We are all unique, but unfortunately the pressure to look “perfect” comes from many angles. As a teen it’s important to ignore the pressure of the media and society and appreciate the package you came in. After all, it’s what’s inside and who you are that really counts!
Step 4: Don’t be traumatized by what you can’t change.
Learn to appreciate your perceived “flaws”. If you can laugh about things you may not like about yourself it will eliminate the trauma teens sometimes attach to them. As a kid I was told I had a pug/ski jump nose. I just adopted the ski jump title. It always makes people laugh and usually they respond with, “Aw it’s not that bad.” Soon it wasn’t an issue any more.
Step 5: Appreciation, not envy.
If there is someone you admire because of how they look or are built? Don’t waste your energy on jealousy or making fun of them to make yourself feel better. It will only pull you down. Instead, share compliments generously. If a girl has gorgeous hair, tell her. If a guy has a great set of guns or a nice sick pack, commend him on his hard work to develop it. By sharing genuine compliments with others you’ll make them feel good and that feel good energy will be returned to you threefold! Soon you’ll be feeling great about the package you’re in!
Want to improve your outlook? Change your body image and love it.
©2009
