We’ve spent the last four weeks talking about the way we perceive ourselves and the impact those thoughts will have on our lives. I’ve never been one to close a good series without offering additional resources for you to keep exploring the topic. If you recognize some areas of your self-image that you would like to improve, you have just started thinking about your self-perceptions, or the things we’ve been talking about resonate so much with you that you just aren’t done learning, the following resources are here for you!
- The Body Image Movement is the home base of Taryn Brumfitt, who you may know from her famous before and after photos which showcase her in a bathing suit competition in the before and happily smiling while 30 pounds heavier in the after shot. Since her sudden fame after posting the photos she has launched a social movement to encourage all of us to Embrace our bodies as the vehicle for the soul, and focus our energies on something other than a futile attempt to perfect them. She produced a documentary specifically on the topic of women’s body image called Embrace: The Documentary which is available on Netflix. Check it out! https://bodyimagemovement.com/
- T. Harv Eker’s book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind was one of the first non-fiction books that I read that really began to change my mindset. As you could guess by the title, this book is entirely about the beliefs and perceptions that enable anyone, even you, to be financially successful. I found the book’s format to be particularly helpful as each false belief is addressed and corrected. If you’re looking for a way to start changing your financial self-image I can recommend no more effective method. His website is full of personal development information. http://blog.harveker.com/?_ga=2.100805698.272781977.1527804498-21142219.1527804498
- This is an interesting article written by the folks at the Mayo Clinic, specifically about the clinical aspects of self-image and practical steps to take to address challenges in this. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/art-20045374
- If you’re looking for a basic self-image refresher, or are interested in more information about how self-image is formed and the crucial aspects to create a positive view of self, this article is a great place to start. It’s written with parents in mind as they set out to support their children in developing an accurate and positive self-regard, but the information is spot on and thought provoking. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/Pages/Helping-Your-Child-Develop-A-Healthy-Sense-of-Self-Esteem.aspx
- Touted by some as the “leading authority on self-esteem”, Nathaniel Branden literally wrote the book on it. If you’re looking more for the self-esteem textbook than an article or some bullet points, look no further. This link is to a blog from his website, which gives a very thorough overview. http://www.nathanielbranden.com/what-self-esteem-is-and-is-not
- On a whole other branch of the self-image tree is this article, which talks about our natural instinct to compensate for the perceived deficits in our self-image. Give it a read, I would guess that there are some new thoughts in there, and if nothing else you may gain some increased awareness! https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/can-you-buy-better-self-image
- Lastly I want to leave you with this TEDx talk. I had never heard of Dan Lok before this video, but man if he isn’t brilliant and spot on. After all of our discussions about self-image I found his video to be a concise and enthralling recap of the topic of self-image. I wholeheartedly appreciate his analogy and spirit. Please give yourself 18 minutes and check it out!
audaciousblog.com 
These are some great ideas!