Changing your self-concept and how you view yourself is the fast track to manifesting anything you want. Because how you view yourself directly determines how others see – and ultimately treat – you.
While altering your self-concept is somewhat of an abstract concept, I’ll share some of my favorite creative ways to change how you see yourself for the better.
1- Draw your best self on a piece of paper
You don’t have to be an artist to do this, but this exercise will help you start to “see” yourself in the way that you want to be.
Take out a piece of paper and draw the physical representation of who you really are.
Every detail isn’t important, and it doesn’t have to look perfect. The goal is to get a clear image of the type of person who embodies your desire.
A trick here is to think about the areas where you want to manifest the most change on a grand scale.
If you want to manifest changes in your physical appearance – say you want to lose weight – obviously, you would draw yourself in a fitter body.
If your desired transformation is more subtle, say, you want to be more confident, then you might draw yourself with your head held high, great posture, and a smile on your face.
2- Write your typical day
This exercise is perfect for going a step further with your self-concept because you will identify behavior patterns that you would take if you were to realize your ultimate goal.
The best way to do this is to write a story or script of how an average day might look for someone who holds the self-concept you do.
For example, let’s say you envision yourself as someone who has a high-paying job or career, you’re well-respected and you have a generous heart.
A typical day might include you waking up in your comfortable bed with time for self-care in the morning.
You might go to a yoga class or go for a run, then enjoy a healthy breakfast at home.
You head to work feeling confident and excited about the day ahead. You’re challenged and engaged in your work, yet you feel calm and centered.
You take breaks throughout the day to move your body and get some fresh air.
At the end of the day, you leave work and head home feeling fulfilled.
You might have dinner with friends or family, then spend some time relaxing before bed, feeling fulfilled.
The details of this day will change based on your specific goals and desires, but the point is to get a clear sense of how you want to feel on a day-to-day basis.
3- Spend 24 hours in your new shoes
Pick one day to metaphorically “step into” the shoes of the person who has the self-concept you’re creating.
(This one can be fun.)
You can pick a regular day, or you can pick a time when you have the day off of work.
But commit to spending 24 hours in your new elevated state of mind.
When the new version of you wakes up in the morning, what does she do? How does she treat herself?
When she’s out in the world, how does she walk? How does she communicate with others?
What does she eat? How does she entertain herself?
The idea is to get as clear of a sense as possible of what it would feel like to have the self-concept you desire.
You don’t have to be perfect, but the goal is to add as many of these changes into a day as possible.
For example, if you want to be someone who is confident, you might consciously walk with better posture.
If you’re manifesting love from a specific person, you can choose – for that day – to assume that they want you and avoid reaching out to them or giving your attention to them first.
If you’re manifesting a slimmer body, walk in the shoes of the slimmer you.
If you already had your dream body, what would you eat and how would you move your body to preserve your highly valued and treasured asset?
Get creative with this one and have fun with it!
4- Create a “proof” journal
Another great idea for working on your self-concept is to keep a log of all the “proof” you see (and create) in your daily life that supports the new belief you’re trying to cultivate.
For example, if you want to believe that you’re lovable, keep a running list of all the times someone shows you kindness or appreciation.
This could be a colleague at work complimenting your ideas, your partner cooking you dinner, or someone telling you that you look nice today.
If your self-concept includes you being fit and attractive, keep a log of all the times you make healthier food choices or exercise, even if it’s just going for a short walk.
You can also look for “proof” in opportunities or small hints that you’re going in the right direction.
Let’s say you’re altering your self-concept to see yourself as someone who is lucky and abundant.
Log extra coins you find on the ground, parking spots that open up right when you’re looking for one, or a sale you catch just in time.
You can also create your own “proof” by setting the intention to notice it more.
This helps to retrain your brain to look for evidence that supports the new belief you’re trying to cultivate.
Final thoughts
Working on your self-concept is an ongoing process that takes time, effort, and commitment.
But it’s worth it!
When you have a clear sense of who you are and what you’re capable of, you open yourself up to new opportunities and experiences.
You become more confident, more focused, and more intentional in your actions.
So take some time to work on your self-concept today, and see how it improves your life tomorrow.
With love, light, and most of all – magic,
-Alex
Read these self-concept tips next
- 11 Daily Habits To Manifest Self-Confidence
- 5 Healing Crystals For Self-Confidence (Manifesting Self-Love)
- 20 Positive Self-Love & Acceptance Affirmations