Self-image: what it is, characteristics and how to improve it

Have you ever wondered how you see yourself? This is what self-image has to do with, which is defined as ‘an internal mirror of one’s own person.

It is something that is built from the moment we are born and that is fed by our experiences. Based on this we direct our attention towards our defects or strengths. In this article we tell you more about this concept and its characteristics. In addition, we propose 4 key ideas to enhance it.

Self-image: what is it?

Self-image is defined as ‘that image or mental representation that we have of ourselves’. Normally, it is somewhat stable, although it can change slightly with time and experiences.

Self-image is configured through how we see ourselves both on a physical level (height, weight, hair color, etc.) and on an intellectual, social and personal level. This mental representation influences how we treat ourselves, our self-esteem and also our self-concept.

Self-image characteristics

Self-image can be more positive or more negative. It is not something static over time, although it usually has a fairly solid basis. We can also talk about a more or less healthy self-image. When it is healthy, it means it is realistic. and consistent with what we are and feel.

But what are the characteristics of a healthy self-image? Some of them are the following:

Have a realistic conception of oneself (self-concept).Have confidence in oneself.Treat oneself with respect and love.Be aware of our difficulties, but also of our strengths.Have a positive vision of ourselves.Love how we are inside and out. out.

How to improve it

Although self-image is quite stable, it can be improved. How can we do it? We leave you some key ideas for this.

Don’t compare yourself

It’s inevitable, we all compare ourselves, and it’s quite normal. According to the theory of social comparison, developed by psychologist Leon Festinger in 1954, People evaluate our own capabilities, opinions and abilities and compare them with those of others. We do it, above all, in situations of uncertainty.

Continuing with Festinger’s theory, we compare ourselves to people similar to us. When we compare our capabilities, we do so with someone better out of the desire to continue developing.

With opinions, we usually do it with people who think differently. Finally, when faced with situations that generate anxiety, We compare ourselves to people who are going through the same thing.seeking understanding.

Find your best version

However, if it is not for the desire to improve or learn, comparing yourself is useless. What’s more, it frequently causes us discomfort, jealousy and anxiety. Therefore, when building your self-image, pay attention only to your progress.

Evaluate how you are and establish the criteria yourself when comparing yourself. It is more constructive to compare yourself with your best version, or with the one you want to aspire to, than with another person.

Know yourself

Self-image is built through experiences with oneself and others. The more we know ourselves, the more realistic the vision we have of ourselves will be.

Thus, We encourage you to get to know yourself and invest time in yourself.. This will help you better understand your way of being and reacting to life events and, from this, you will be able to build an increasingly healthy self-image.

Take care of your internal dialogue

Self-talk is about how we talk to ourselves.. How do you talk to yourself? Do you speak positively or negatively to yourself? Do you take care of your internal language?

Keep in mind that self-image is also built through this internal dialogue. Therefore, it is important that it be healthy, coherent and realistic.

Try not to be too critical of yourself. Reinforce those things you do well with positive messages towards yourself and, from there, develop the image you have of yourself.

Identify your strengths

Self-image is also built from the strengths that you are able to identify in yourself. This includes your capabilities and skills. Learn to detect them and make a list with them. But, above all, he becomes aware of them.

This will help you build a more realistic image of yourself and, above all, look at yourself with love. This does not mean that we should ignore our own defects; It is clear that they are there, but do not give them more prominence than necessary.

And you, what image do you have of yourself? Do you think you recognize how you really are and are you proud of it? What do you feel when you look in the mirror? Are you able to recognize yourself?

As we see, self-image has to do with our ability to connect with our essence. it implies recognize ourselves as valuable peoplealthough also vulnerable at certain times.

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