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The most overlooked critical aspect of high performance: your self-image
Valeriya Patrei
April 22, 2024
In our journey towards high performance, one critical yet often overlooked aspect is our self-image.
How you see yourself not only influences your thoughts and actions but also sets the tone for your daily interactions and long-term aspirations.
It affects every area of your life.
The good news is you don’t have to be featured in Forbes to perceive yourself as capable and worthy.
Though it certainly doesn't hurt!
Shameless plug: check out my feature in Forbes this month! 💃
In this edition of The Productivist, I’m sharing strategies that will transform the way you view and present yourself, no matter where you are in your journey.
Read time: 5.3 minutes
Before we begin: Here’s what you might have missed in the past few weeks…
Which one was your favourite? Just hit reply and let me know! 🫶
Big idea #1: The power of visualizing the best version of you
Cultivating a positive self-image is foundational to personal growth.
The challenge: It’s a habit. And because our habits shape us, constantly focusing on your flaws and what you lack doesn't just maintain the status quo — it actively undermines you.
Visual by @valuethe.mind
The opportunity: It’s a habit! And we can change habits with intentional practice.
As you may know, adopting the identity of someone who already embodies the habits you desire can facilitate change.
For example, embracing the statement "I am an athlete" can motivate you to exercise and eat healthily, whereas lamenting "I am so out of shape" would discourage you.
Here’s how you can leverage visualization to connect with your best self:
Reflect on qualities the best version of you would have.
Consider how these qualities translate into small daily actions.
Think about the accomplishments that these habits could lead to.
Close your eyes and envision yourself embodying these qualities today.
By mentally rehearsing these qualities through visualization, you condition your mind to adopt this improved behaviour as your default response.
There’s one caveat: It’s essential to begin from a place of self-acceptance, not lack and shame.
Recognize your inherent value and the unique strengths you bring to the table.
Remember, you can do both simultaneously:
understand you are worthy and
strive for better.
It’s what our life’s journey is all about.
Change the self-image and you change the personality and the behavior.
Big idea #2: The power of personal integrity
Enhancing your self-image isn't just about visualizing the best of you; it's also about living up to it.
A powerful way to boost your perception of yourself is by simply:
Doing what you said you would do.
Each time you actually follow through on your word to yourself, no matter how small, you signal to your mind that you are reliable and competent.
Whether it's making your bed, calling your parents, or finishing a book, these acts of follow-through strengthen your trust in yourself.
On the other hand, not keeping your promises can paint an internal picture of unreliability.
This misalignment can erode self-confidence and contribute to a fragile self-image.
Where to start?
Stop saying you will do things that you won’t.
Start saying you will do things that are easy.
E.g., begin with three manageable habits that are easy to keep:
Make my bed ✅
Drink a glass of water ✅
Stretch for 5 minutes ✅
These seem small but they do:
build the momentum you need and
lay the foundation for bigger commitments.
This simple, yet profound approach can transform not only how you see yourself but also how others perceive you.
Big idea #3: The power of conscious framing
We all experience days when we're at our best:
completing tasks,
making healthy choices, and
treating others with kindness.
However, there are also times when we fall short:
struggling with procrastination,
making poor choices, or
being impatient.
While you're learning how to have more "best self" days, here's a transformative tool to help maintain a positive self-image through the ups and downs.
This approach, introduced by Olympic gold medalist Lanny Bassham in his book “With Winning in Mind”, is designed to:
enhance your connection to your higher self and
minimize ties to your lower self.
Here’s how to practically apply it.
Whenever you do things right, overcome challenges, or get better at something, reaffirm “That’s like me!”
Whenever you behave not in your best self or make mistakes, say “Needs work!” or “That’s not like me.”
Examples:
Got featured in Forbes! → “That’s like me!”
Helped my client overcome a challenge! → “That’s like me!”
Surprised my partner with a bouquet! → “That’s like me!”
Didn’t close a potential client… → “Needs work.”
Made a rude comment about someone… → “That’s not like me.”
This is how you reinforce positive behaviours and keep setbacks in perspective.
This method is rooted in the psychological principle that our brains tend to latch onto negative experiences more easily than positive ones — a tendency you can counteract with conscious framing.
Big idea #4: The power of attention
As a coach, one effective strategy I often suggest to clients who struggle with self-criticism and habitual negative self-talk is daily journaling focused on positive self-reflection.
I encourage them to pause each day — perhaps midday or whenever suits them best — and ask themselves:
What did I do well today?
I ask them to record everything.
No matter how small, acknowledging all victories is key, including things like:
Waking up without hitting a snooze button.
Making a healthy breakfast for them and their family.
Choosing to take their time rather than rushing through tasks.
Why it’s important:
It's easy to become preoccupied with the gap between where we are and an imagined perfect version of ourselves, experiencing a perfect day.
This not only sets an unrealistic standard but also obscures the gains we achieve daily.
Visual by Colby Kultgen
By directing your attention to what you do well and how you contribute positively to your world you can begin to rewire your focus from what you lack to what you excel in.
This practice isn't just about recognition; it's about building the muscle.
Each entry acts as a mindset workout towards a more positive and resilient self-image.
Remember, progress over perfection.
Not only will you end up more productive, you’ll feel happier and more fulfilled.
Big idea #5: The power of being your own biggest fan
If you still think that dissatisfaction with your progress is your key to success, think again.
For some reason, we tend to be our own worst critics.
Actually, it is obvious why:
From a young age, society encourages comparison that extends into the corporate world and is amplified by social media.
This habitual comparison often involves measuring the entirety of our own experiences against the selectively curated presentations of others. No wonder you feel less than.
While you may find that it motivates you to perform, relentless comparison and self-criticism will catch up with you and lead to burnout or neglect of other priorities in life.
Now, if you want to achieve long-term high performance without sacrificing your well-being and relationships, you have to start being your own biggest cheerleader.
How?
Talk yourself up.
Instead of focusing on shortcomings, recognize and celebrate your achievements.
Notice all the good things.
Actively acknowledging small successes and positive traits builds a more balanced and supportive self-narrative.
Optimize your choices for well-being.
Making decisions that prioritize your mental and physical health will reinforce a positive self-image and lead to sustained high performance.
When in doubt, use the "best friend" filter for self-talk.
Ask, "How would I support my best friend in this situation?"
It helps cultivate a more compassionate and supportive self-dialogue.
The Productivist Challenge & Question:
7 days of spotlighting wins
Earlier in this newsletter, I introduced a daily journaling practice I often recommend to my clients:
to combat negative self-talk and
cultivate a positive self-image.
This week, I challenge you to put this strategy into action.
Each day, take a moment to reflect and answer a crucial question:
What did I do well today?
Record everything, no matter how small, from meeting a deadline at work to showing kindness in a stressful situation.
The aim is to shift your focus from what's missing to the abundance of your daily achievements.
This adjustment in perspective can significantly alter how you view yourself, turning thoughts of insufficiency into recognition of your capabilities and accomplishments.
As you go with this exercise, observe any changes in your self-perception and your interactions with others.
How does acknowledging your daily wins impact your feelings of self-worth and your productivity?
Have a beautiful week ahead! You deserve it!
Valeriya