Chapter 6: Developing a Positive Self-Image
Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated Olympians of all time. In his career, he amassed an incredible twenty-eight medals, with twenty-three of those being gold. He set both all-time Olympic records. Phelps did so over the course of four Olympic games spanning twelve years. Phelps also overcame a lot of self-doubt along the way.
When Phelps was younger, he was diagnosed with ADHD and told by his doctor that he would never amount to anything. Phelps's mom used this as motivation for him to succeed. Phelps's first coach didn't think he was good enough to make the Olympic team. This only made Phelps work harder, and he went on to prove his coach wrong by not only making the team but becoming one of the most decorated Olympians of all time (Valentine, 2019).
Phelps said, “You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.”
All of the best-laid plans and systems will not serve you if you do not believe in your ability to accomplish your goals.
Look back at the self-assessment from chapter 3. Do you regularly talk to yourself in a negative manner or a positive one?
Everyone struggles with self-image, including Michael Phelps. No one is perfect, and everyone has their own insecurities. Phelps was able to overcome his doubts and achieve great things because he had a positive self-image. He believed in himself and his abilities, even when others did not.
If you struggle with self-image, there are things you can do to improve it.
Talk to yourself in a positive manner. It can be difficult to have a positive self-image, but it is important. When you talk to yourself in a positive manner, you are more likely to believe in yourself and your abilities. You are also more likely to take action and achieve your goals.
Focus on your positive qualities and what you have accomplished
rather than your negative qualities or what you have not accomplished. It is important to be realistic, but it is also important to focus on the positive.
Be accepting of yourself. You are not perfect, and you never will be. Accepting yourself for who you are is an important part of having a positive self-image.
Set realistic goals. If you set goals that are too high, you are setting yourself up for disappointment. Set goals that are realistic and achievable.
Work on your self-image every day. Just like anything else, it takes time and effort to improve your self-image. Work on it every day, even if it is just a little bit.
Surround yourself with positive people. Being around positive people can help you to see the good in yourself.
Avoid comparisons. Comparing yourself to others is a surefire way to feel bad about yourself. Everyone is different and has their own unique qualities.
Focus on your journey, not the destination. The destination is important, but it is not the only thing that matters. Focus on your journey and enjoy the process.
Forgive your mistakes. We all make mistakes. What matters is how we learn from our mistakes and move on.
Practice gratitude. Be thankful for what you have and where you are on your journey.
Appreciate your accomplishments. Take the time to celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small.
Stay positive when things get tough. Things will not always go your way. When things get tough, stay positive and trust in yourself.
Be patient - change doesn't happen overnight. It takes time to develop a positive self-image. Be patient and trust in the process.
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