Why does our self-image have such an astounding effect on our results?
Science and psychology have isolated the prime cause for success or failure in life.
In 1960, Dr. Maxwell Maltz said that self-image psychology was the greatest psychological discovery of his century.
Dr. Maltz, a renowned plastic surgeon, started to study his patients after he was many times surprised by their post-surgical results. He published his findings and thoughts in the book Psycho-Cybernetics.
While looking at the outcomes and psychological changes of his patients after plastic surgery, Dr. Maltz came to the conclusion that we actually have two images:
- The image that reflects back to us from the mirror
- The image of us we hold in our mind, our self-image
High-performance coaches and leaders in the self-development industry and sports built on this knowledge over the years. Today, through very specific coaching we help people understand how their self-image has complete control over their ability to achieve (or fail to achieve) a goal and to change their results.
Our self-image is how we see ourselves, the person we think we are.
What we think and feel about ourselves is influenced and formed early on. Our childhood and past experiences shape a strong, successful self-image or the opposite, an image with limiting beliefs and doubt.
The image we have of ourselves determines our successes and results.
Our feelings and behaviors are consistent with the picture deeply imprinted in our subconscious mind, our self-image.
The physical body acts and reacts based on what is stored in our subconscious mind.
Our body is merely the expression of our self-image.
And the more emotions we add, the stronger the inner image and the corresponding results.
Imagery & Reality
It is important to understand that our subconscious mind does not know the difference between what is imagined and what is real, and it reacts based on the image we have imprinted.
When you think about biting into a lemon, your body will react. Perhaps, your mouth will get puckery or your whole body might react to it. Based on your stored experiences, you know a lemon is sour.
During our whole life, our physical body reacts to whatever is stored in our subconscious mind and, as mentioned before, our subconscious mind does not know if it’s real or imagined.
You can build a Winning Image of yourself in all areas of your life – work, sports, wellness and personal life! How can you?
Start with these steps:
1. IDENTIFY your current self-image
Identify the image you hold of yourself when you think about your goals or want to perform a specific activity. Also, pay attention to your self-talk. What are you telling yourself when you think about the goal or work on it? Perhaps “I can’t do it,…it’s never gonna work…I will not make money….others can do it much better..?”
2. CREATE your future
Now, identify the image of who you want to be, and what you want to accomplish. Get clear on it, how will it look and feel. What positive, affirmative words or sentences can support this image? Write it down.
3. Look at the GAP
Identify the gap between #1 and #2. Examine your image, thoughts, words, feelings and actions of the image you hold of yourself (see #1) and the image of the person you want to be, the success and wellbeing you want to have (see #2). Where is the gap?
There are powerful techniques you can use to become the person you want to be and realize the success you want to have in your business, at work, with your sports performance and in life.
Today, I can offer you a free introductory Session. Book your session now!
