You know the saying “You are what you eat” ?
Well, there’s a similar saying which is equally true, and that is “Your self-image will largely determine your performance in life“.
There are highly experienced business coaches helping schools in N.Z. to help Kiwi kids develop a positive self-image, for research shows that performance is closely related to how we perceive ourselves. If we have a positive self-image this perspective/ feeling produces self-confidence, which in turn leads us to apply ourselves optimally – often achieving amazing outcomes as a result.
Conversely, if we have a self-image which is anything but positive and approving, then this perspective/ feeling instead tends to mean that we don’t apply ourselves to the task at hand in an optimal way…which more often than not means that the resulting outcomes are typically something less than great.
Work on developing your self-image – and help your team members to do the same (see my blogs concerning empowerment, communicating praise/ encouragement to employees) – to help you and your team perform and achieve at high levels. Specifically, work on your (and your team’s):
- Self-belief – your belief in your own abilities/ skills/ knowledge to make things happen.
- Your sense of control over your own life and actions – work out which areas of your life you can have greatest control over – and concentrate your time/ energies/ efforts here; and accept those areas of your life which you have little/ no control over – and avoid directing your time/ energy/ efforts at trying to change these aspects of your life. Seek to have control over – and take full responsibility for – as many areas of your life as you can…for doing so helps build self-respect, self-confidence and a positive self-image.
- Value/ self-esteem – the value that you place upon your life.
…but remember to keep your ego in check.