Over 50% of us have been unhappy with our appearance at one time or another, but it’s time to change! Take a look at these thirteen reasons that are causing your self-consciousness and you’ll begin to change the way you think about yourself!
1. You’re comparing yourself to others.
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Truth is, every one is a unique snowflake and we should all focus more on emphasizing our distinctive qualities, rather than trying to blend in. Anyone who is worth remembering has a stand-out feature, whether it’s Cara Delevingne’s thick eyebrows or Tina Turner’s legs of thunder! Check out these supermodels that don’t conform to beauty standards to see some more examples.
2. You only see yourself through a mirror image.
Believe it or not, how you look in a mirror is not how others see you. Unless your face is perfectly symmetrical, your reversed reflection will quite different from your real appearance. Have you ever wondered why you look differently in photographs than in the mirror?
3. You let bullies get to you.
If anyone has ever made a negative comment about the way you look, you’ve probably been letting it fester way longer than you should have. What kind of right does this person have to tell you this? Are they beautiful themselves? By whose standards? People generally only put others down to make them feel better about their own insecurities – remember that.
4. You don’t look how you used to (but that’s okay)
Many people aren’t happy with the way they look because they’re comparing themselves to when they were younger. Instead of getting depressed about the fact you’re ageing, embrace it! Wrinkles and grey hair are NOT the end of the world, no matter what the media tells you. If you want to look how you did in the past, take an old photo of yourself when you feel you looked your best and recreate that image, whether it’s changing your hairstyle, your clothes or investing in some better quality make-up.
5. You’re dressing for fashion and not for personal style.
If you’re wearing things just because they’re ‘on trend’ or because someone else looks good in them, you’re not being true to yourself. You’ll feel much happier if you dress in what suits your body shape and personality best. If you don’t look good in halterneck tops, wear V-necks or scoop necks instead. It’s all about what works for YOU.
6. You lack motivation.
Like it or not, looking and feeling great about yourself takes hard work! If you want to have a more athletic body, or you want to bleach your hair platinum blonde, you’re going to need to make an effort and have the patience. Start by making a schedule and write down how much you need to do each week in order to achieve your goals.
7. You lack funds.
For some, achieving the ideal look costs money! Whether you’re after some expensive Mac makeup to perfect your contouring or you want a pricey designer haircut, you will need to start putting some money aside and make a few sacrifices to save for it.
8. You’re eating all the wrong foods.
Eating the right foods can vastly improve your overall appearance. If you want smoother skin, healthier nails and shinier hair, drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Check out these healthy alternative foods that taste naughty for some inspiration.
9. You’re reading the wrong magazines.
There are too many harmful “beauty” magazines out there that are body shaming normal women, men and famous celebrities. Remember, just because it’s written down, doesn’t mean it’s true.
10. You’re with the wrong people.
If your friends don’t make you feel good about who you are, then you need to rethink your social circle. Being around people who compliment you can do wonders for your self-esteem, but just remember to compliment them back!
11. You have a negative attitude towards yourself.
Stop being your own worst critic and start being your biggest champion! If you don’t love the way you look, how is anybody else going to? Those “beautiful” people you admire probably had their insecurities too. They just knew how to put on their ‘confidence coat’ and feign their poise. So let yourself be a little cocky – there’s really no shame in it.
12. You’re failing to see your inner beauty.
The more you focus on your outer appearance, the more you’re neglecting the reasons people really love you for – that sparkling personality of yours. If you need a little reassurance, find out which celebrity matches your personality type here. You’ll be surprised to see you may have more in common with Johnny Depp or Princess Kate Middleton than you think!
