Working on your Self-Concept is everything!
The first quarter is done!
The first quarter flew by.
It is April already I cannot believe it.
How have the first few months been for you?
For me, there have been a lot of changes.
I started my apprenticeship! I’m still processing the fact that I have to work and go to university.
My schedule is less consistent, but that is ok. I am learning to go with the flow and adapt to my environment.
Aside from work life, I have been working on my self-concept. Taking time every single day to be kind to myself, show myself love, and constantly and consistently work on being the best version of myself possible.
What is self-concept?
I learnt about self-concept through TikTok. Essentially, self-concept means our image of ourselves, including our morals, thoughts and behaviours. You must work on your self-concept to show up and love yourself unconditionally. There is simply no escaping it.
Before working on my self-concept, I became aware that although I am a cheerleader for my loved ones, I don’t hype myself up as I should. I always try to downplay the good things that happen, my qualities and the praise I get from others. I always squirm when I receive praise because the attention it renders is more than enough for me. So, I thought. Now, I know that I welcome praise with open arms; why? Because I have been spending my time singing my praises. I don’t shun myself or try to dim my light like I used to. The ample pep talks that I have given myself, especially over the last few months, have changed my self-concept and increased my self-esteem.
Before, I didn’t want to admit I looked to others for validation. I looked for everything outside of myself to give me my boost. Now I give myself my boost. Now I compliment myself frequently. No matter what the mood is. When I didn’t have the mindset I have now, I always thought that those who speak highly of themselves are arrogant and walk around like their s*** doesn’t stink. Why are we taught that if we speak highly of ourselves, it means that we think that we are better than others? That’s what I was taught and observed subconsciously. Growth has shown me that we must stop playing ourselves, speak up and put ourselves on a pedestal. We need to give ourselves what we want to attract what we want. We need to raise our vibration and align with what and who we want to align ourselves with. It is easier said than done.
Interested in improving your concept? This is what worked for me.
Meditation
Meditation has been a part of my life for years, but recently, I have been able to meditate for longer periods. Candice 1, ADHD 0! When I meditated for 45+ minutes, I was blown away. I was so calm. I focused on my breathing and did some visualization as well. The thoughts came, and they went. I was tapped into me, and it was amazing.
Affirmations
It is a staple, and it is never going anywhere. I use different affirmations depending on what I am attracting into my life. If you need ideas on the different affirmations you can say, check here!
Journaling
Getting things out of your head and onto paper is a good way to release them. I have been journaling for a long time now, and I like to occasionally look back on what I’ve written to see how much I have grown. You don’t have to spend a lot of time journaling. I choose to do it before I go to sleep. I like to reflect on my day and write 3 things that I am grateful for.
Saying thank you
Even if life is lifing, I am happy to say thank you. Gratitude opens up the floodgates for more things to come that you will be grateful for. If I’m upset or tired, I still say thank you as soon as I wake up. I made it to another day; that’s something to be grateful for!
Sitting in silence
I am thankful to be living in a quiet area; it can be so peaceful. I’m an early riser; sometimes, I just like to sit and listen to birds chirping. It’s something so small, but It helps me to remain present.
Subliminals
Now, this is something I am still learning about. Subliminal messages work to reprogram our subconscious mind. I have been listening to subliminal audios for the past couple of months. Me, I feel less negative than I used to. I wouldn’t say this is down to subliminal alone, but this, combined with other methods, has made me feel better overall. *Please do research into subliminal if you choose to. What works for some may not work for others. *
Exercising
At the end of the year, I started jogging again. I wasn’t consistent with my exercise routine for a while, and I finally decided that it is time to get moving again. I started jogging 3 times a week, and although it was difficult some days when I wasn’t in the mood, I did it anyway, and it helped me feel better. I have been more disciplined, which is more important than motivation. We will not always remain motivated, but if you have the routine and the discipline, you will do it. Your mindset is key.
A couple of weeks ago, I went back to the gym. The last time I went to the gym was in August 2022, and boy, oh boy, did I miss it. I was so friggin happy when I got home. Going to the gym and pushing weights was my first love. LOL! But honestly, pushing myself and seeing results…nothing beats it. There are so many health benefits, both physically and mentally. If going to the gym isn’t your thing, that is fine too. As long as you move your body a few times a week, that is all that matters.
Showing myself more grace
I was my worst critic. I got really on myself if I didn’t achieve all the goals/tasks I set out to do. Why did I do that? I was so focused on achieving and ticking things off that I wasn’t in the moment. I was always thinking of the next things I must do and not allowing myself to just be. Now, I am way more relaxed. I am still disciplined, but I don’t beat myself up if I don’t complete the 101 tasks I set for myself. I give myself more grace and know that everything will work out, and I don’t need to constantly stress about things. I choose to show myself more love and grace, which helped with it.
Take Away
There are other things that you can do to work on your self-concept. If you are a religious person, you can turn to religion. You can alter your diet and be more intuitive when preparing/eating meals. You can go to counselling which I love. You can do many things to enhance your being, but you must find what is right for you. Take your time and do what you feel is right.
Thanks for reading. Take care and stay safe.
