08/18/2026
The Vicious Cycle Of Body Image
How can you feel good about your body?
Here are 7 steps:
1. Grab your journal
2. Now ask yourself:
→What assumptions am I making about my appearance that I want to change?
“What do you mean by “assumptions”?
I mean those negative phrases some people use, like:
→If I don’t look beautiful, I feel like I look awful.
→If I don’t look perfect, then others will reject me.
→If people notice how awful I look, they’ll be disgusted.
→If I don’t change my appearance, then I’ll never be happy.
You just need to identify those assumptions you tend to use and write them down.
For example, let’s imagine Chloe.
Chloe’s assumption is this:
→“If I don’t look perfect, I look awful.”
3. Now ask yourself this double question:
→Where might this assumption have come from?
→Why is it still here?
For example, here’s Chloe’s answer:
“This assumption might have come from social pressures.
Especially by seeing those perfect images on social media.
It’s still here because those influences are strong – and I believe them for a long time."
4. Now ask yourself:
→What impact does this assumption have on my life?
Here’s Chloe’s answer:
“This assumption has a significant impact on my life because it makes me overly critical of myself.
I constantly compare myself to unrealistic standards.
And I feel bad if I don’t meet them.
It affects my confidence.”
5. Now ask yourself:
→In what ways is this assumption unreasonable, unrealistic, or unhelpful?
Because it’s not reasonable, real, and helpful, right?!
Great! Let’s see Chloe’s answer:
“This assumption is unreasonable because it sets an impossible standard.
Nobody is perfect!
And expecting perfection from myself is unfair and unrealistic.
It also leads to negative self-talk.
Sometimes I feel inadequate.”
6. Now it’s time to reflect deeply.
Ask yourself:
→What might be a more balanced and healthier assumption?
Here’s Chloe’s answer:
“Instead of believing that I have to be perfect to be acceptable, I wanna adopt this more balanced belief:
→Imperfection is part of being human
Beauty is subjective, and I am more than just my appearance!”
7. We’re doing a great job!
Now ask yourself:
→What can I do every day to make this assumption a reality?
Here’s Chloe's answer:
“I’ll start by challenging negative thoughts about my appearance.
I’ll remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect.
I’ll focus on the things I like about myself.
I’ll also surround myself with positive people.
And I’ll practice self-care to boost my confidence.