From time to time I get questions on the blog – here is one: “How long will it take to change one’s self-image and do you have any useful tips for it?”
Our self-image is our “inner picture” of ourselves. In other words, who do YOU think the real YOU is? That inner picture is formed by years of “self talk” describing you to yourself. Do you hear inners thoughts of success or failure? Strong or weak? Also how you interpret what others think of you – parents, friends, co-workers.
It will take you as long to change your self-image as it takes to change this inner self talk and BELIEVE it. Some ideas on how? Do something challenging that you wouldn’t normally think of as “you”; anything that challenges you to see yourself differently. Be brave enough to ask friends how they perceive you – is it different than how you perceive yourself? If you have family and friends that negatively impact how your feel about yourself then put some emotional distance between them and yourself; associate with more positive individuals. Remember the quote from Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with”. What can you do to improve your average?