What if there isn’t anything wrong with you?
What if the reason you feel stuck, held back or frustrated isn’t because you’re broken, lazy or lacking in confidence? But that you’re simply seeing yourself through an outdated lens?
It’s a question I’ve been reflecting on recently.
Your Self-Image May Be Stuck in the Past
Many of the people I work with are capable, intelligent and caring. They’ve achieved a great deal in their lives. They’ve overcome challenges, learned lessons and developed strengths they couldn’t have imagined years ago.
Yet when they talk about themselves, I often hear a very different story.
They still see the person who struggled; the person who wasn’t good enough; the person who made mistakes; or the person who was criticised, overlooked or told they needed to be more.
Without realising it, they’re making today’s decisions based on yesterday’s self-image.
Growth Happens Faster Than Self-Image
The challenge is that our self-image doesn’t always keep pace with our growth. We change, learn, and develop. But the picture we hold of ourselves can remain frozen in time.
We continue to play by old rules, hesitating to put ourselves forward. We talk ourselves out of opportunities, and we stay small because part of us still believes we’re the person we used to be.
Meanwhile, life is quietly inviting us to become someone new.
This is why I don’t believe our past has to define us. Our experiences shape us, but they don’t have to become our identity.
Your Past Is Part of Your Story, Not Your Identity
At some point, it’s worth asking: Is the story I’m telling myself about who I am still true?
Not who I was ten years ago, or the person I was before the setback, the disappointment or the difficult season. But who am I now?
What strengths have I developed? What wisdom have I gained? And what version of myself am I ready to step into?
Because when your self-image begins to reflect who you are today, everything starts to shift.
You make different decisions and take different actions. You become willing to be seen and stop waiting for permission. And you begin to create a life that is aligned with who you are now, rather than who you used to be.
So perhaps the question isn’t: “What’s wrong with me?”
Perhaps the question is: “What if I’m not broken? What if my self-image is simply overdue for an update?”
Updating the Way You See Yourself
If you’re ready to take your next step, head over to my Coaching page here to see how I can help you develop your own self image – by dealing with the past and stepping into a bright future.
If you’re not quite there yet, you’re welcome to book a free 30 minute clarity call with me to talk through some options you can do in your own time. Contact me here.
And if you’re still not sure, you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. I’d love to see you there!