The headine of this post may look little deceiving, but it isn't, even though the topic is a quick, self-image gut check. Good way to start the week, no?
Here's what happened. I was re-reading a book by one of my favorite business authors, and I finally arrived at the very last section. When I did, I immediately forgot everything I had read to that point, because the words leaped off the page and grabbed me by the throat. Figuratively speaking, of course.
The words that riveted my attention and drove other thoughts from my head concerned self-image. "Want to know what your self image is?", the author asked. "It's very simple...just take a look at your life right now. That is your self image."
Ouch! If you asked me, I would tell you that I'm not comfortable where I am in my business growth, or in my personal fitness, or in my time management. And yet...here I am. Maybe growing and progressing a little, maybe, but basically staying right where I am. That can only mean that I'm comfortable thinking of myself as worthy of my present circumstances. Not a terribly flattering self-asssessment!
What I believe my self image to be, what I would like it to be and what it actually is are three separate and distinct entities. With any luck, and with a little effort at changing my thoughts, they can overlap completely. I can spot others whose self images are in alignment--their words and their behavior match, AND their words and behavior are growth-oriented. It's also easy to spot people whose self images (perceived, actual and ideal) are out of alignment. Phrases like "I really need to..." or "I just have to..." or "I'll start/stop when..." signal a disconnect between stated and real self image.
So, does anything need to change? There is peace of mind in congruence, so "choosing a lane" is a good first step. Which self image will lead? "Name it and claim it" puts the behavior at the fore. It may be a little uncomfortable to say, "I'm going to stay twenty pounds overweight", but verbally acknowledging what is happening anyway is one way to get congruence. "When it bothers you enough, you'll do something about it," gives the stated self image precedence, and brings the behavior closer to the words.
How is your self image? Is your comfort zone at a lower level than you like to admit? Are you walking the talk? Is your self image allowing you to grow, or is it holding you back? The good news: harnessing the power of your self image is only a thought away.
