Not happy with yourself? “Stop yourself in your tracks” is a good start. What’s that mean? Examine how you present yourself to others, how you react to situations, and how you feel about yourself.  Obviously, if you are thinking of making changes, chances are that image you have of yourself is less than positive- is that correct? There is no way to make changes if you haven’t first identified the problems, which begin with how you view the person you wish to change - you. 

Downward Spiral

According to Mayo Clinic, you need to consider your environment and its “triggers” that send you on a downward spiral:

Common triggers might include:

A business presentation

A crisis at work or home

A challenge with a spouse, loved one, co-worker or other close contact

A change in life circumstances, such as a job loss or a child leaving home.

Feel free to add to this list, as it is simply a starting point to determine what bothers you. Sometimes individuals find themselves in such a habit that it can be difficult to isolate the problems. What triggers you now may even be a result of a previous trigger from years ago that has become compounded.

Irritations

Once the source of the problem has been identified, further examination could include:

A specific person who gets in your face or causes irritation

The way someone speaks to you

Disruption in daily routine

Lack of knowledge or training.

What situations and individuals cause you to be hard on yourself? List them and determine why your reaction is negative.

Change Your Self Image

Positive Affirmations are a must. Try writing four to six positive statements that you want to believe about yourself. (E.g., I am intelligent; I am a conscientious individual; I make excellent decisions, etc) A Calendar or Journal can keep track of your successes. Make notes concerning examples of how your positive affirmations played out that day; which need improvements or more effort?

According to Big Success,   

“To improve your self image, you have to form it consciously. People are not always fair. If you do your job badly, you will be criticized, because you do it badly. If you accomplish everything perfect, you will be criticized for something else, but you will be ALWAYS criticized.” 

In other words, toughen up. Know who you are and believe in yourself. Accept criticism as a way to improve you in an area that remains weak. Why not thank the individual who made the criticism - it would feel good to say, “Thank you,” and it takes some of the wind out of the person who made the comment, as they won’t be expecting it, and you will be respected for your positive attitude.

Perhaps the biggest boost you can give to self-image is to “Nip negative thoughts in the bud,” as stated in Positive Self Image and Self Esteem. It further states:

“…The next time you start giving yourself an internal browbeating, tell yourself to “stop it!” If you saw a person yelling insults at another person, you would probably tell them to stop. Why do you accept that behavior from yourself?”

Lastly, if a blunder is made, it says to “Forgive and forget.” It’s done and over and cannot be undone. Let it go. If you can envision shaking it loose like a piece of paper stuck to your thumb, use that visualization to release the negative situation once and for all.

Hopefully, you are beginning to stand a bit straighter and taller with a smile on your face and a determination to maintain positive self-statements throughout each day. 

Your self-image is your advertisement and selling point for your success and happiness.