Learn to Love Yourself

Sometimes you'll hear people say that you can't love others until you love yourself. Sometime you'll hear people say that you can't expect someone else to love you until you love yourself. Either way, you've got to love yourself first and this can be tricky. Sure we all know that we're the apple of our parents' eyes, and that our Grandmas think we're geniuses and our great Uncle Roberts think that we will go to the Olympics, but sometimes it's a lot harder to think such nice thoughts about ourselves. If you find that believing in yourself is a challenge, it is time you build a positive self image and learn to love yourself. You'll be surprised how nice it can be!

Change Your Thoughts, Change Your World

Self-image is your own perception of yourself, or, in other words, the image that you hold in your own head about yourself. This image includes the way you look, the way you act, the way you talk and the way you think. Interestingly, our self-images are often quite different from the images others hold about us, and very different from the unbiased truth. Unfortunately, most of these images are more negative than they should be. Thus changing the way you think about yourself is the key to changing your self-image and your whole world.

Toot Your Own Horn

The best way to defeat a negative self-image is to step back and decide to play up your successes. Literally make a list if you need to, but tally up all of the great things you do everyday. Think about how you are always there for your friends, how you help your siblings with their homework, how you manage to hold down a part time job and get good grades. Don't allow doubts to creep into this list. If your initial instinct is to put down that you get good grades, don't berate yourself because they aren't great. No one is perfect you know!

Get Your Priorities Straight

It very well might be that you are experiencing a negative self-image because you can't move past one flaw or weakness that you perceive about yourself. Well, roll up your sleeves and make it a priority to change this. If you think you're thick because you aren't great at math, find a tutor. If you think you're weak because you can't run a mile, get to the track and practice. If you think you're dull because you don't wear the latest trends, invest in a few new clothes. But remember, just because you think it doesn't mean it's true.

A negative self-image is just that, a negative image that you hold about yourself. The best way to move past this is to realize that your image is biased, and to actively convince yourself about your positive traits. Changing the way you think, and working on your perceived flaws, will go a long way towards promoting a positive self-image. When you can pat yourself on the back, you'll know your well on your way. Good luck!