IT’S NATURAL TO BE HARD ON YOURSELF, BUT CULTIVATING A POSITIVE MINDSET IS THE PATH TO IMPROVING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM, CONFIDENCE AND BODY IMAGE SO YOU CAN FEEL MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN EVER!
Ever felt less than beautiful? Frumpy? Mediocre? Undesirable?
The unfortunate reality is that between battling your own negative thoughts and pushing away constant lie the world leads you to believe, it’s almost natural to feel like you don’t quite measure up.
Having said that, feeling unbeautiful at some point or another is bound to happen. Especially when it’s pretty difficult to avoid the media and its almost unattainable portrayal of beauty and desire.
But there are certainly ways you can learn to feel more beautiful than ever.
How? By developing a positive mindset and focusing on the good. (And not being so stinking hard on yourself, sister!)
1. Say it out loud and proud — “I’m beautiful”
A big part of how we see ourselves stems from what we tell ourselves. This is exactly why it’s incredibly important to be mindful about what you’re saying.
I’m not always talking about what you tell yourself out loud — although that certainly counts.
Because a lot of what you think about yourself also shows in a subtle disapproving sigh, lip purse or slump of the shoulder.
Are you guilty of telling yourself terrible things? Like you’re ugly, fat or unlikable — that your inner beauty doesn’t actually count?
I’ll be the first to raise my hand.
But the other day I looked at my reflection, looked right into my eyes and told myself that I’m beautiful. After I said it the second time, a smile crept onto my face and I actually felt happier. I’m pretty sure I even threw my arms into the air in victory.
Go to the mirror and say it: “I’m beautiful.” Then say it again.
Now start each morning by telling yourself so! No matter how you feel in the moment or what you’re wearing.
2. Stop criticizing yourself
I’m completely guilty of tearing myself down. And that’s the problem.
Many of us hone in on these quote-unquote faults. Imperfections. Blemishes. Whatever it is you want to call them.
You are your own worst critic.
As a result, it becomes more difficult to see anything other than your “shortcomings” and becomes easy to overlook qualities that you actually do like about yourself.
Being overly critical of yourself is toxic. Plain and simple.
Over time that criticism wears down on you, and the effects can be damaging to your confidence, self-esteem and overall outlook on life.
Pay attention to your negative thinking patterns. Recognize and be mindful of when and how often it happens.
The more you’re aware of your thoughts, the better equipped you’ll be to stop those negative thoughts before they happen. (And choose positivity instead!)
3. Focus on what you love
Focusing on what you do like about yourself is a good way to start training your mind to appreciate all aspects of yourself — even the qualities you’re struggling to accept right now.
It also empowers you to feel better about yourself and helps you pivot away from negative thinking.
You become more confident. You feel happier. And it’ll show!
Name something you love about yourself. List a few more if you can.
(If nothing comes to mind, I implore you to find at least one thing about yourself that you like.)
Now either write them down or stand in front of the mirror and say those qualities out loud. Keep the momentum going when you tack on another quality to that list tomorrow!
4. Stop comparing yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others is almost too easy — like our minds are programmed to compare and be unsatisfied with what we have.
But while it’s easy to do, the comparison game is far from healthy.
Think of it this way: Nobody is perfect.
Let me say that again…
Nobody is perfect!
And you’re not the only one cycling in and out of the comparison game.
You may be jealous over your colleague’s flawless skin, while they’re wishing they had your hair. Maybe a stranger envies the volume in your behind (aka booty) — the very volume that you’re struggling to whittle down.
Perhaps it has zero to do with looks at all!
For example, I recently told a group of friends about yet another side project I picked up. One commented how she wished for my ambition.
However, I don’t see ambition. I see it as a knack for pursuing too much, never dedicating myself 100% to anything and failing to reach my lofty goals — time and time again.
We’re are all different for a reason. And there will always be someone who is “better” than you. Each one of us is traveling along our own paths.
Decide to appreciate your journey, your individual beauty, your triumphs, you.
5. Believe you were designed with a purpose
We’re all unique, and I choose to believe that I was designed with a purpose. The more I accept that, the more at peace I feel about all of me.
Of course, I’m not saying that’s a reason to become lazy or indifferent when it comes to improving what you’ve been given — we all have room to grow!
But being comfortable with your unique design will help you celebrate who you are, not downplay who you are.
Rather than finding fault, remind yourself of what really matters. Appreciate what makes you, you.
Stay fueled by your talents, passions and differences as you work towards your goals and spread some sunshine the world could use a little more of.
6. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude simply means making a conscious effort to recognize and appreciate what you’re thankful for. And according to science, gratitude is the key to peace, happiness and success.
You can be grateful for anything and anyone in your life: your family, house, job, pet, the sunshine, on and on.
But because we’re specifically talking about how you can upgrade your mindset to feel more beautiful, think about what you’re thankful for when it comes to YOU — from your physical appearance to your character and personality traits.
For example, you might be grateful for your:
- Health
- Creativity
- Infectious laugh
- Full head of hair
- Compassion
- Ambition
- Freckles
Grab your journal or a piece of paper and find a quiet space. Write down 3 things about yourself that you’re grateful for.
Now write down something that happened today that you’re thankful for, along with a few things you’re grateful for in life in general.
Get inspiration with this massive list of things to be grateful for and challenge yourself to practice gratitude on a daily basis for the full benefits.
7. Smile — even if you’re alone or feeling blue
Smiling is contagious, but you don’t have to wait until you’re in the presence of people to share a smile.
Even when you’re alone, smiling can make you feel happier and more optimistic.
Cracking a smile can be difficult if you’re not in the mood. Though interestingly enough, just the physical act of smiling activates neural messaging in your brain, which can boost your health and happiness levels.
Smiling also has the power to reduce stress — pretty incredible!
Start your mornings off with a smile. Stand in front of a mirror and grin away!
Try holding the smile for five seconds (or longer)! You may feel silly at first, but the good vibes that come from it can outweigh any initial awkwardness.
What kind of activities or positive messages do you tell yourself to overcome feeling less than beautiful? Do share in the comments below!
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