Let me start off by saying that this is not an article about sports, fitness, or workout tips. In fact, it’s not even about your physical body - because more importantly, it’s about your perception of your body.
When it comes to body image, we are our own worst critic.
How many times have you seen TV shows about depression that feature stunning young people, crying about the way they look. You can’t help but wonder, “What’s your problem?”
Let’s take a look at some ways we can boost our confidence about our body image.
The problem is, we all see ourselves the way we think we are seen and we all have insecurities when it comes to our body. From people who struggle with obesity, to international models, we all believe we have a role for our bodies and cannot help but obsess over what people think about us.
Here are ways to change that habit.
1. Don’t compare yourself to people beyond your capabilities.
People always tell us not to compare ourselves to others. However, with years of idolatry and the more recent phenomenon of Facebook, it is completely inevitable.
The advice we should be hearing is: Don't compare yourself to people beyond your capabilities.
We all want to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Selena Gomez, but some people are just built differently. If your dream is to look like an NFL player but you are a short, skinny man, you first and foremost must redirect your idolatry.
You must realize that sometimes our genetics play a bigger part than we like. Instead...
2. Find reasonable role models.
Find people who do fit your bodily capabilities, and seek inspiration from them.
If you are going to compare yourself to someone, find someone who has your style of features or fashion and focus yourself on reflecting their positive qualities. There is nothing wrong with that - think of it like a big brother/sister scenario.
We all need positive role models, and if you can find one or two that inspire you, by all means, compare yourself to them - so long as you are doing it to benefit yourself and make yourself a better you
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3. Be happy with what you have.
- There is a popular comic style internet meme going around these days that starts with a man in a car looking at a man in a helicopter, and wishing he had a helicopter.
- In the next slide, a man driving a bicycle is looking at the man in the car, wishing he had a car.
- The slides continue to reduce “quality” until at last we see a man in a wheelchair, simply wishing that he could walk.
Don’t forget that whatever body type you have been gifted with is perfectly yours. Someone else is looking at you in awe!
We all want something that we don’t have. The grass is always greener on the other side. You should be able to remind yourself of your positive qualities in the face of misfortune.
If you have to look at pictures of unfortunate people, do it - sometimes we need a wake up call to remind us to be happy with what we have.
4. You are the only you!
This follows suite. When you are done reminding yourself to be happy for what you have and even that you have the ability to improve upon yourself, pat yourself on the back again and remind yourself that you and the only you.
We have all been giving our special, unique bodies for a reason and we must make the most of it with our only life.
- Draw attention to your positive features and learn how to use your cards in your favour.
- Think you’re too tall? Use it to your advantage.
- Too short? Do the same.
Your wandering mind has the ability to create a negative situation out of anything, but you can reverse it and provide positive relief, you can do anything. Really!
5. Practice smiling.
It’s nice to touch on something that isn’t directly related to your physical body, but has a phenomenal effect on people no matter what you do.
- Smiling is, for all of us, our most powerful tool. Women and men alike react so positively to happiness and encouragement.
- Smiling and laughing has been called contagious by news sources, and with good reason - we love to feel good!
As far as attracting the opposite sex is concerned, oftentimes the first advice on any list is to walk into the room with a smile.
People want to be around happy people. It reflects charisma, confidence and assurance - three things anyone wants in a partner.
Feel no shame about walking around with a goofy smile, because soon enough, everyone will be wanting to join you.
6. You are beautiful!
Look at this.
- Remember, the only person concerned with your body image is you.
- No one else notices the little hair part that drives you crazy, or that your nose is a little bigger than you’d like.
- To everyone else, you are you, and that is the way it is.
So, don’t worry about it! Remind yourself everyday that you are beautiful. Walk with a confident gait, be positive, and at the end of the day your body image won’t matter to anyone, including yourself, because you will have one of admirable proportions.
Remember, it’s all about perception. The perfect body neither for women or men isn’t about a certain height or weight - it’s about the way other people perceive you. Being a happy and confident person is the best place to start.
