Self Image Expansion

from Christine Harvey

Self image - where does that really come from? Think back to your youth and ask yourself who you had for role models. Think of your teachers, your relatives, your neighbors and your parents' friends.

If you're a woman, did you have female role models who did the unusual - who worked confidently in the man's world? If so, you probably gave yourself permission to step outside the box. You took the sides off the box and broadened your self image.
Self image, stemming from role modeling, affects women dramatically more than men.

Men have male role models around them on a daily basis for almost every possible job. Women still don't. The reason I gave my woman's leadership book this name –Can a Girl Run for President? - is that a little 10 year old girl raised her hand during a class election, and asked her teacher, "Miss Smith, can a girl run for President of the United States?" I was horrified to think, that in this day and age, a girl would have to ask that question. But then I stopped to think of the research on female role modeling. Statistics show how important it is for women to see other women in a role, in order to believe it is possible for them. And that belief is a very strong basis of self image.

Here's the reverse in action. A true story, reported on BBC news in England... A little five year old girl was sitting with her mother watching the evening news. Suddenly their TV screen featured a man taking office as the new Prime Minister, in a hand over from Margaret Thatcher. The little girl exclaimed to her mother, "But Mommy, isn't Prime Minister a WOMAN'S JOB!"

The truth is, if a person thinks that even one role is outside their limits, then they question every role. Inner stereotyping and inner limitations start to disintegrate. Self image, and belief about what’s possible for them, is increasingly in question.

Think again about your youth. What occurred? I was fortunate growing up... My father took me with him one Saturday to see a friend. I remember my complete surprise and shock when I met the friend's wife. Why? Because she was building a gorgeous brick fireplace in their living room. I stood there in amazement - "A woman can do that? Wow," my little five year old mind said!!! (Up until then I had only seen my father and other men doing those jobs.) And, at that instant my mind concluded that if a woman can build a fireplace, they must be able to do anything! Thus, my self image options took an expansive leap!

3 Second FOCUS TIP - Take a moment now to reflect on YOUR SELF IMAGE EXPANSION. Are there functions that you can't imagine yourself doing? How about speaking in front of 10,000 people? No, why not? It's simply because you didn't have a role model growing up who did that. Few people you knew did that. On the other hand, if your mother had been Prime Minister, or President, you would take that form of leadership, as a normal course of activity. So what else don't you picture doing?

Do you realize that by having limiting self images, you are holding your talent back from the world? You're holding your ideas back. You're holding yourself back! And in the process of holding yourself back, you are limiting the self image of women and girls around you. Ask yourself what action you can take today, to step outside your normal box, and immediately expand you self image.

When the opportunity presents itself (and it will,) step forward. Try this and you'll be amazed at your results and self image.