As we are getting closer to the end of the year, we need to consider and prepare for plenty of activities. There are plenty of social gatherings, holidays, and parties to choose to attend, and how we look is partly due to what we tell ourselves and our own self-image.
How we assess what we wear, how we look goes a long way toward how we feel inside, and how we feel inside is what we portray outward. The idea of “fake it till you make it” is an aphorism that tries to state that we can become that image and perception of ourselves if we believe something about ourselves.
Love Yourself First
This concept is rooted in psychological therapeutics about directing negative behaviors and creating better alternatives for ourselves. The fact is, the action comes before momentum, so it doesn’t matter what we do as long as we believe in the motive behind our actions.
So, for example, if you want to start an exercise and diet routine, waiting for momentum and inspiration to occur first, you may find yourself waiting a long time before you begin. The key, then, is to act on your desired activity, and the momentum to continue will take care of itself.
This precept is one of the pillars behind the morning routine movement that getting started on one thing regularly at the start of the day helps you keep momentum throughout the day. So how do these concepts apply to style, beauty, and self-image?
Style Defined
We all know someone who has “style.” They just ooze style from every pore on their body. Other than knowing it when you see it, how do you define style? Style is what you individualize regarding your outward image and inward beliefs. It is what separates you from others. It represents how you want to be perceived.
The Definition Of Beauty
Beauty is, as Shakespeare wrote, “in the eye of the beholder.” Beauty is a physical manifestation for some people, representing what they see as attractive. For others, beauty is representative of the entire person.
In general, it’s a personalized concept though broad agreements on the idea, such as a celebrity that most can agree is an attractive person. The idea of beauty is defined as symmetry in a person’s physical characteristics, such as a face and body. Still, it can also be in the personality of the individual.
We Are What We Tell Ourselves
Self-image is dependent on what we say to ourselves in good times and in bad. It’s the internal monologue we allow ourselves to have, and this inner belief can impact all aspects of our lives, from physical and mental health, confidence, and more.
Our internal voice is hyper-critical, so regulating what we say to ourselves is the centerpiece of the “fake it till you make it concept.” In other words, our inner voice is the most critical judge we can listen to, so it’s best to keep it in check and make it work for us rather than against us.
One way to regulate self-talk and improve our self-perceptions is to create positive reinforcement in our inner monologues. Reminding ourselves of what we do well and what we like about ourselves is ultimately more of a driving force in our actions than we realize.
The Beauty In Diversity
Everyone is built differently. No two people are identical in size, shape, and personality. So embrace your uniqueness, whether you’re a size zero to a plus-size. And once you accept your beauty, you can begin to show that inner beauty to the outside world. That said, we all know it can be challenging to find the right outfit for the occasion.
So to highlight your unique style and beauty, consider shopping at small shops and boutiques that may cater to your specific body type and style. For example, you can get accessories from a small mom-and-pop shop on Etsy, get an outfit from a curvy plus size boutique, and shoes from an online store, and look your best.
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but style is personal, and how you want to be perceived is part of what you tell yourself. Learning to accept who you are and be yourself is one of the best ways to control your inner voice and become more attractive as a result.
What we tell ourselves can be limiting or gift-giving. And ultimately, beauty and confidence exude from self-image, so learning to say that you are beautiful inside and out will become the perception others see of us.
Images from Top Model & Feminist Icon Charli Howard Covers Design SCENE – See the full story here
