How would you like to feel more confident, have unshakable self-esteem and like what you see in the mirror no matter what?
If you want Body Confidence that sticks, it’s an inside-out job -not an outside in one!
The key to loving your body and having bullet-proof confidence can basically be summed up in how you think and what you do.
Yet don’t be fooled: having a good body image, high self-esteem and strong mental health is not about “feeling happy all the time”. Rather it’s about trusting yourself, respecting yourself, thinking realistically, and taking action to develop the habits that promote success.
First Let’s Get Clear on Some Definitions
Confidence: Can be defined as the feeling or belief that you can rely on something or yourself; firm trust; the state of feeling certain about the truth of something; a feeling of self-assurance arising from your appreciation of your own abilities or qualities.
Arrogance: Many people are afraid that if they develop a stronger self-esteem, they might come off as “arrogant”. But arrogance is actually the opposite of confidence as it’s really just insecurity in disguise!
Self-esteem: Can be defined as the way you think and feel about yourself. It involves having confidence in your worth or abilities; self-respect. It impacts how you take care of yourself, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Self-esteem is about your whole self, not just your body.
Body Image: Your body image is your perception of your physical self and the thoughts and feelings (positive, negative or both) which result from that perception.
Why are Self-Esteem and a Healthy Body Image Important?
Because how you feel about yourself affects EVERYTHING!
Body image and self-esteem directly influence each other, and your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. If you don’t like your body (or a part of your body), it’s hard to feel good about your whole self. The reverse is also true: if you don’t value yourself, it’s hard to notice the good things and give your body the respect it deserves.
Where Did Our Ideas of Body Image and Confidence Come From?
Body Language
- Body positions change body chemistry (and feelings)!
- Act it and you begin to become it
- Group Exercise: High Power/Low Power Poses – (increase in confidence/decrease in cortisol/anxiety
How Confidence is Built
- Small wins
- Building trust in yourself
- Committing and living up to your commitments to self even when hard! (and not “feel” like it – which will be most of the time!)
Tips for Developing Bullet-Proof Confidence and a Rockin ’Body Image
- Write 3 positive affirmations that make you feel good about yourself and carry them with you, keep in a journal or post-it notes.
- Watch your self-talk. Remember words have power. Never say anything bad about yourself to yourself. Talk to yourself like you would a young child or puppy you love.
- Use “I am” statements to “be” what you desire.
- Make a “Why I Like Myself” List. Think of all the things about you that you like and write them down and look at them every day or when you’re feeling down. Don’t forget to include not “obvious” or “outward” things too like: Are you honest? Creative? Intelligent? Compassionate? Loyal? Kind?
- Start racking up the small wins to get to the big wins! Remember: This builds self-trust and esteem big-time!
- Always treat your body with respect – like a brand new sports car or something very expensive, rare and precious you just got!
- Try the Mirror Challenge: Every time you pass by a mirror say something nice to yourself.
- Get of the Compare Train. What makes you unique will one day be your calling card!
- Drink plenty of fresh water to keep your energy high.
- Move your body every day. It doesn’t have to be formal “exercise”- like a sports practice, class or at the gym/weight room. The key is to get your heart rate up, feel challenged, break a sweat and have FUN! MOVE THE ENERGY. CHANGE YOUR MOOD! And exercise because you love your body not because you hate it. Exercise makes you feel happy and strong. It’s not a punishment, or a way to control your body or get attention or affection.
- Surround yourself with positive friends and family who recognize your uniqueness and like you just as you are.
