One basic exercise is to tell yourself daily positive affirmations. As individuals we empower ourselves with daily reminders of those qualities that we know are important to us. For example, if Jane wanted to improve her grades as a student she might tell herself on a daily basis that she can study and learn because she has the capability to retain information. Thinking positive will allow her to be a better student and improve her grades.

As individuals most people look for external approval, whether it be in the workplace, school, or friendships. But having an inner positive self image will be more important to achieve those more realistic goals and dreams we have.

Another way to improve self image is to be goal oriented. It may be long range goals or short range goals that help us monitor our success and allow us to keep motivated to achieve certain tasks. Setting goals and achieving them can bring great self image to know that we have made it. We can increase our motivation by allowing ourselves to celebrate goals that have been met. It might be graduating, or learning a new hobby, or even the infamous weight loss and actually keeping it off. It would be great cause for celebration. So of course, some goals will be ongoing but recognizing personal achievements will enhance and focus on having better self image.

Many professional motivators have said that it is also important to find things that give us self motivation and enthusiasm as we seek to improve ourselves. We can use a rewards system and give ourselves a personal pat on the back for achieving our goals. Some people may want to use clothes as a reward, while others will want monetary reward. Nevertheless, use whatever personal recompense interests you the most for hard work. Rewards are individual so decide what is best for you.

Time management is another way to exercise and plan out your daily routine. In our busy world we have to find time for all the hectic daily events in our lives. We have the "stress factor" which can weigh us down and discourage us from achieving our goals. We can take baby steps and start doing small tasks and then more complicated ones. This will be a lifetime exercise as we learn to pace ourselves and not get overwhelmed. Time management has become a common way to be more organized and feel that more things are being accomplished on a daily basis. We have no better way to set our personal goals until we are able to organize the time to do it.

Finally, we have to visualize our success. The power of seeing what is at the end of the road can give us those last positive reinforcements to get there. We can use our imagination for self-improvement and see ourselves in those situations where we want to be. Our minds have a power that can take us to the highest level of achievements. We have often heard people say you can do anything if you put your mind to it. That is visualization and it is great for achieving a strong self image and is a great quality to have as we try to improve on our personal characteristics These are the tools that will give us a healthy and positive self image.