Self Confidence and Self Image
Self Confidence
Self- confidence to is one’s faith in his abilities do things. It is an emotional factor. It is a matter of how confident you are about doing things skilfully!
If you are a perfectionist, you may have a low self- confidence. One who lacks self- confidence feels unsure, indecisive and confused. Talk about their doubts, Those who have high self- confidence believe that they can learn, be sure and definite. Self- confidence develops from childhood life experiences.
Self Image
Self- image is your impression of yourself thro’ thoughts, ideas, experiences and body image. It is self- awareness in the present moment. It is what you perceive about yourself. Self- image is labels and beliefs about yourself and your personality. It is your view about how the world and others look at you. One’s self- image is an idea, mental picture. Self- image determines one’s ability to manage emotions and behaviour.
Self- image can be transformed by right questioning, acknowledging the strengths, weaknesses, commitment to change, assuming responsibility and bring about a change in habits, thoughts, self- talk and beliefs.
When healthy
it is based on one’s own views, feelings. You have confidence in your abilities and yourself. You are realistic and accepting your shortcomings.
When unhealthy
- Constantly you focus on faults and weaknesses
- Distort reality
- Influenced by others opinions, social expectations
- Compare yourself to others
- Doubt yourself
- Easily discouraged
Low self- image can be recognised by certain warning signals which appear as:
- Comparing yourself to others
- Rejecting compliments
- Constant criticism of others and negative self- talk
- Constant experience of guilt
- Accusing others and self
- Avoiding and distracting
- Glorifying negativity
Self- image can be transformed by certain strategies like:
Improvement in
- Social skills
- Lifestyle choices
Practicing
- Meditation
- Affirmation
- Visualisation
Adjusting
- Personal rules
Self image is built by:
Analysing
- Without judgment
- Identifying strengths and weaknesses
- Analysis of self and life
Forgiving yourself for mistakes, wrongs
Accepting unconditionally
Practicing self love
- Self appreciation, compassion, care
- Positive self talk
Knowing
- You don’t need to please people
- Your attitude is under your control
Strengthen Self Image by
- Taking responsibility for your life, actions, beliefs, thoughts
- Not allowing others to decide your destiny
- Not feeling responsible for others problems and life
- Not indulging in self- criticism or pleasing others
- Not expecting perfection
- Building strong self- esteem and worth
Peer Pressure
Peer pressure is the direct influence brought on by peers. Peer is a group of people with similar interests, background, or social status. The members of this group are likely to influence the person’s beliefs, attitudes and behaviour. It may have negative or positive effect. Peer pressure is most effective during childhood and adolescence. Sex, drugs, movie related stuff, social media and games are the topics of interest in peer groups. Smoking, alcohol and risk taking behaviour are common examples of peer pressure. The behaviour is in effect an imitation, a status symbol of freedom and adulthood, modelling or a desire to fit into the group.
The solution lies in the individual’s capacity to resist. An initial strong denial while remaining in the group and avoiding the first encounter will protect an individual from peer pressure.