Very Positive Self Image example essay topic

The importance for self-image in our lives today takes on many different forms. Some of these forms are positive, and some of these forms are negative. There are many different ways that we assess ourselves. Each way that we do this has an effect on our self-image and self-esteem. First and foremost, we can correlate physical appearance with self-image.

In today's society and as it has been for many years, physical appearance has played a role in self-image. The importance of physical appearance in our society has a direct reflection on how we perceive ourselves. If someone tells you that you are unattractive, you will start to perceive yourself as unattractive. The key to these types of situations is combat them with positive things about yourself. Self-image is very important because the more positively you perceive yourself, the higher-self-esteem you will have as an individual. Your self-image is also defined by accomplishments.

Someone who does not excel academically or accomplish too many goals in their lifetime will not only think negatively about themselves, but society will perceive them as unmotivated. Some on the opposite end of this spectrum will have a very positive self-image. They will be regarded as dedicated and successful; thus, will have a higher self-image and perception of themselves. Social skills are another factor in how we assess our personhood.

Someone who is not very social or has few social skills more than likely has a poor self-image. On the other hand, a person who is extremely out going and personable is just the opposite. Someone with excellent social skills is more likely to land a professional job due their positive self-image directly related to professionalism. Your relationship with your family also has large role in your self-image. One who is close with their family and friends most likely perceives themselves as a sensitive and understanding individual. This will also carry out the external part of your self-image; meaning how people perceive you in society.

Someone who is not fortunate enough to have a close family may perceive themselves as a failure, directly reflecting their self-esteem. Another factor in your self-image is the professional part of your life. The jobs you have held or continue to hold make you think a certain way about yourself. Someone who is a blue-collar work may perceive themselves as a hard-working, beer drinking tough guy, while the white-collar worker may perceive themselves as highly intelligent with great sense of quality and style. There are many factors in which are self image is created.

This is falling into the theory of "Multiple Selves". In my opinion, you cannot grasp or think about every way you perceive yourself at once. There are literally hundreds or even thousands of factors. These are what make up are individuality. For example, one who drinks a particular brand of beer, such as Pabst, will think of themselves at that moment as a blue-collar, laid-back individual. If they are drinking a martini or a cosmopolitan, they will perceive themselves as sophisticated.

Neither one of these can be thought of at the same time. In my opinion, all of the definitions in chapter six coincide with each other. Your self-image has a direct influence on your self-esteem. If you view yourself as lazy or others tell you that you are lazy, this will effect how you feel about yourself and the decisions you make to create your self-image.

I also feel that self-image and self-concept are always subject to change. This is due to external influences in society. These influences include marketing and advertising, friends, family, etc. What friends and family do in their lives have a direct reflection on the things that we do, the decisions we make and the choices we make. All of which are related to our self-image. For example, if two of your friends go to the mall and buy a particular brand of clothes, chances are you will eventually buy the same type of clothes.

Another example is what college your parents suggest you go to. If your parents push you to go to their alma-mater; let's just say it's Harvard, you will fall into the legacy factor and go their. By going to Harvard you would perceive yourself as one of the elite and sophisticated. In the end, the factors affecting your self-image can be positive and negative. What is extremely important for every individual is to sit back and analyze the decisions they make that ultimately reflect their self-image. These choices tend to have a domino effect on your lifestyle and self-image.

When one makes poor choices, they tend to make more poor choices relating to their self-image. When one makes positive choices, they tend to make many positive choices relating to their self-image. You can choose to go a positive way or a negative way. The choice is yours.