Understanding and integrating your self-image is a powerful way to overcome any barrier to growth or change. Your will to unify and integrate your self-image and personality depends on the process of individuation. Individuation is a process in which the person moves away from environmental support to self-support. The person becomes self-sufficient, determining his or her own way, rather than depending solely on others for support.

Individuated people are self-actualized and live in the present, accepting life for what it is, right now. As an individuated person, you're also influenced by your courage and willingness to change - the courage to accept yourself for who you are, and the willingness to change and become authentic and self-responsible. When you respect and trust yourself, you become fully responsible for your decisions and your life.

The process of individuation also helps you listen to your innermost needs. It helps you to become totally self-accepting and recognize yourself as a person with conviction. This conviction, or strong belief you have about yourself, means that you count and exist as a unique part of the human race. Once you commit yourself to higher achievement, you act and speak in a more congruent way, and you're encouraged to take more risks. When you make a commitment to achieve more financially, emotionally, mentally and physically, or find personal meaning in your life, you become more enthusiastic. Your ability to concentrate also increases.

When you establish new perceptions about who you are, and what you want to achieve, you become more sensitive to your environment and to others. Becoming aware of your authentic self-image facilitates a dynamic, creative process through which you affirm yourself and give new meaning to your relationships with others.

Becoming aware of your authentic self-image awakens you to a new attitude. Your new attitude and positive self-image promotes changes in your habitual, routine way of doing things. Creating empowering beliefs and behaviors redefines your self-image, encouraging you to take positive action. Become aware of your self-determination and self-confidence that are always available within you. These qualities increase your ability to communicate more effectively and build relationships based on a concern for the growth, protection, and welfare of others. As you become more self-determined, you become more motivated to contribute to the welfare of others. You recognize ability and like to be recognized for your ability. Developing self-reliance and self-confidence, while actively and assertively helping others, is the mark of a truly courageous person.

Your success self-image consists of healthy feelings and behaviors needed to achieve your desires. Empowering beliefs and actions will keep you on the road to continual self improvement. Awaken the happiness and joy that exist within you.
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