The Power of Self-Image

“I don’t feel like I’ve made it.”

Can you relate?

This is a statement I hear often from high-achieving individuals like you.

And if you keep reading, you'll learn about the important topic of self-image and how to make it work to your advantage, so you feel like you’ve "made it,"  whether that's a promotion, the respect you deserve, higher compensation, or another aspiration.

When you grasp the power of self-image, you won’t ever say, "I don't feel like I've made it" again!

Understanding self-image is essential for understanding why you’re not where you want to be. Furthermore, you'll learn some insights about self-image that can truly transform you and your results.

Your self-image literally runs you. It dictates how you show up, your sense of self-worth, and your results.

A little background about the science of self-image

In 1960, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a medical doctor and plastic surgeon, published a book called Psycho-Cybernetics, based on his decades working with patients. He found that after surgery, some patients’ confidence rose and their lives took off in new and amazing ways. But others, even though their appearance improved, didn’t change and their lives stayed much the same.

For example, he writes about a patient "who all her life had been terribly shy and self-conscious"(1) about her facial appearance. And although surgery gave her "a face that was truly beautiful, she continued to act the part of the ugly duckling, the unwanted sister who could never bring herself to look another human being in the eye." (1)

Dr. Maltz’s work as a plastic surgeon led him to conclude that we all have two images. The first is an external image which involves the way we walk, talk, meet others, dress and so on. And the secnd is an internal image which is a blueprint or mental picture of how we see ourselves. 

And the focus of this article is the internal image or self-image. It’s deep in your subconscious mind and it’s an internal set point.

The most significant contributor to your self-image - or the mental picture you have of yourself - is environmental. And your childhood experiences contribute significantly to your internal self-image. As you move into adulthood, your triumphs and victories but also your disappointments, humiliations, and traumas, further contribute to your self-image.

Most adults never stop to question the validity of that image and whether or not it's true. Instead, you act as if it’s true because you don’t know any other way to be. 

You see, your self-image is subconscious. It’s part of your mental programming. Your self-image has you running on auto-pilo because over 90% of your behavior is subconscious.

How to change your self-image to advance your career and life

FIRST, you must look at your results objectively.

This is important because your results don’t lie.  Maybe you were passed over for a promotion. Or perhaps you're not achieving the level of leadership you want. Or maybe your compensation isn't rising. If you're experiencing this, it can be so easy to blame outside conditions, for example: the economy or the leadership at your company.

SECOND, you must be honest with yourself and take 100% responsibility your results. What are your results telling you about your self-image?

For example, let’s say you’re earning $250,000 and you’ve been at that level for a few years and are feeling challenged rising to that next level of compensation. That’s because your self-image is SET at $250,000 since you know HOW to do that.

These two steps help you understand where your self-image is set.

AND FINALLY, you’ve got to create a NEW self-image that reflects the empowered person you aspire to be. Continuing with the example, if you’re earning $250,000 and you aspire to be earning $500,000, then you’ve got to start thinking, feeling and acting like your future self - the person who’s leading at a higher level and earning $500,000. And that needs to start happening NOW.  You've got to step into character.

In my coaching process, my clients go very, very deep on this. It’s foundational work. My clients participate in self-image workshops where they become very clear about their goals and write the script of their future self.

Changing your self-image is foundational to your success

Self-image is one of the most important areas for transformation in your personal growth journey. When you don't consciously create a new self-image, your current self-image keeps you stuck.

If you want to feel like you’ve “made it,"  you’ve got to look at your current self-image and create an upgraded one. Step into thinking, feeling and acting like the person you want to be.

You deserve to rise to your greatest level of potential!

Your High Performing Self-Image Free Masterclass on YouTube

And if you'd like to learn more indepth information about self-image, you're invited to my complimentary masterclass Your High Performing Self-Image. It's available in three parts on YouTube.

Access Part 1 here:

(1) Maltz MD, Maxwell. (© Prentice Hall 1960) Psycho-Cybernetics. Pocket Books - Simon & Schuster, Inc. P.7