Successful Body Image
By : Dr Marcelle and Dr Tony
Body Image: this topic could fill up a book. It could fill up hundreds of books.
Like we mentioned last week, perception is key, and when it comes to body image that idea takes on significant important. And truth be told, attitude is the first and the ultimate fashion accessory for looking great. So how can you look into the mirror and like what you see?
Here are a few ideas:
- Ditch the Hollywood fascination. Hollywood stars aren’t as seamless as they appear – they’re benefiting from good lighting, touched up photos and personal stylists. Success isn’t skin deep. It develops through the attitude and talents of accomplished individuals. How about reflecting the attitudes, and not necessarily the look, of the people you admire? It’s their confidence and point of view that has propelled them to success, not the thickness of their hair.
- Renew your mindset. Of course this isn’t always easy. And it can take a lot of work. Toxic mindsets influence you from a very young age. For example, did you know that a study by Dohnt & Tiggemann (2005) found that as early as six, little girls start wanting to be thinner? It’s true! As early as six we judge ourselves. Talk about shooting your foot before the race. Maybe it time for an emotional detox . . .
- Be proactive. The best part about proactively is that it makes people feel good about themselves. And when you feel good about yourself, you’re more likely to feel good about how you look. Feeling good spreads into all areas of your life. Confidence is a huge influence over body image, and it needs to be fed. How can you feed your confidence? Start exercising, remember what you’re good at, share your talents with others, write a thank-you journal, forgive yourself more easily, focus on the things you love about your body, challenge yourself to excel at work . . . these are just a few ideas, do you have any more?
- Repeat, repeat, repeat! The effects of positive body image reinforcement are often short term. Maybe those old toxic mindsets are acting up again –triggered by a smirk from a stranger, a comment from a co-worker, a memory from your childhood. . . It’s vital to be proactive in building your positive perception.
- Remember, everyone has body issues. The most beautiful woman will imagine that she has too many spots on her forehead. The most dashing man will think that his arms are too hairy. My point is that you’re not alone. Try giving someone a compliment when you think they look nice. It will help both you and them feel good.
What do you think about body image issues? Do you there’s perfection in imperfection? If you have the courage, we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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I really like this blog. There is a lot of truth in it and a lot of good tips.
For me, body image is what I perceive in a person’s face, attitude and spirit. On a daily basis, I’m delighted by the beauty I see residing inside many of the people I meet, many of whom are total strangers to me. I suspect that they don’t even know the beauty that they are exuding. When I was growing up, I remember being told that it’s not polite to comment on people’s physical traits or clothing. This rule bothered me because I wanted to compliment people on the beauty I saw in them. I was bothered so much by this rule that a few years ago, I asked a motivational speaker whether it was impolite to compliment people. She said that if it’s done with sincerity, it’s ok. People can tell when you are sincere or not. Wow!
Ever since then, I have complimented people on the beauty I saw in them. Guess what I discovered? Every single person I complimented was happy that I did so. I may have made them aware of something that they did not consciously know.
Just a week ago, after a tough exercise session with JP Brunelle, I was walking behind a lady my age and I noticed she has nice shoulders. So I walked up next to her and said, “You have nice shoulders. Do you work out?” She replied with a big smile, “Yes I do. But you’re the first person who has noticed.” I laughed and told her that I know how tough it is to work out.
There’s a lady at a bus station who hands out a free newspaper every day. Her face is all wrinkled up, but she has sparkling blue eyes and a wonderful smile. Yesterday, I told her how much I like her blue eyes and smile, and how happy they make me feel whenever I see her. With her twinkling eyes and beautiful smile she replied, “And I’m Irish too”.
It seems to me that life would be so much nicer if we knew how to see the beauty within ourselves and others, and spread the joy around. In our society, why is it that harsh words seem to be more prevalent than encouraging ones? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
I seriously enjoyed ready this, thanks!