10 Ways to Embrace your Flaws & Reframe your Life
I recently came across a new word (for me, at least): flawsome and its definition: (adj.) an individual who embraces their “flaws” and knows they’re awesome regardless. What a great word and concept!
Let’s face it; as humans, we are all flawed…….in some way. We may try to hide our flaws but we know that they’re there and are inescapable.
What we don’t often realize is that when we accept these flaws and even embrace them, then we become more whole. We learn to love every side of us, even the shadow side……………..with its flaws, faults and all. When we see, understand and have compassion for our flaws, then we can do the same with others.
Just imagine what the world and people would be like if no one had flaws………………….boring!
The present world of constant communication: social media, touched up photos of seemingly perfect lives, gives us the illusion that others don’t have flaws, that only we do. Not true.
For many, self-acceptance and self-love are not so easy to achieve. We do have a negativity bias in our minds, which means that we are more focused on the negative to begin with. Originally, this was for our safety and survival. Now, it’s just a leftover habit from primitive times and because we don’t have to be so hypervigilant to the danger in our environment (ie: tigers), we use it against ourselves.
The good news is that self-acceptance is something that we can become aware of and nurture in our everyday lives…….a skill.
We spend so much time trying to be perfect or, at least, to appear perfect, that we spend much of our time trying to hide, ignore or do away with our flaws. The truth is that you feel better about yourself, your life and others when you not only accept but………….celebrate your flaws. When you do this, you’re able to look within, and understand who you really are………..the authentic you, the great you, the unique you!
Here are 10 Ways to Accept & Embrace your Flaws:
1)Embrace your Uniqueness & Individuality
As humans, we all have quirks, faults and flaws. These may be what set us apart from others and makes us unique.
Maybe you don’t love that beauty mark on your face but it may be that others remember you for it. It makes you interesting and special.
Or maybe you’re not strong in math subjects in school like some other kids, but you’re creative and sensitive when it comes to writing and art.
These differences are what make you interesting and how others think of you or remember you.
2)Find role models who have similar flaws.
Look to people who you admire who have similar flaws and also have other skills that you really enjoy. You’ll start accepting yourself more.
3)Stop Comparing Yourself to Others.
Everyone is different and this is what makes the world interesting and wonderful.
Though we all know that no one is perfect, we often try to reach and live up to arbitrary standards of perfection. Not only is it unrealistic; it’s unhealthy.
Your flaws are often your strengths in disguise. When you start embracing your flaws and are even grateful for them, you’ll learn a lot about yourself and who you are and what makes you beautifully unique. You can reframe or change the things that are not working for you……to become a better you.
4)Perfectionism is the enemy of joy.
The author, Anne Lamott says it beautifully: “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life.”
In my work as a Life & Mindset Coach/Hypnotist, we do a lot of repetition and practice, practice, practice, to change our automatic and ingrained beliefs and thought patterns. Perfectionism is never the goal. Awareness and practice making progress is where we want to go.
5)Understand the difference between a quirk or unique trait and a problem.
Your quirks don’t need to change. We all have them. If you have a problem though, that’s something you want to work on.
If you get excited when seeing or doing art, that’s a quirk. If you have a short temper, this may be a problem that you want to look at and work through. Try to redirect the energy behind your problem or get help with a professional, who can help you to become the whole, healthy and beautifully unique person you are.
6)Relate to others better.
Everyone has flaws, so when you show them and your vulnerability, others like it and feel comfortable with you. Also, when you discover that others have flaws, too, you feel less alone.
7)Look at your Flaws as Art.
As a visual artist, I don’t look for perfection in my artwork or perfect symmetry; it’s the emotion the artwork conveys that makes the difference. Just as art is unique, so are we………with our talents, skills and flaws.
Can you imagine life or art that’s perfect: monotonous, boring? That sure would make life uninteresting, wouldn’t it?
What makes you different and unique is often what makes you special and interesting.
8)Reframe your Limiting and Negative thoughts and Flaws.
If you try to get to perfection (you never will, by the way), you’re just making your imperfections or flaws look so much worse.
Reframe what you think are your flaws. Focus on and have gratitude for what’s right in your life.
Tell yourself that everything is happening for a reason, . If you lose money or are struggling with debt, you can reframe it and tell yourself that it’s time to learn how to manage money better. If you have an illness or disease, you may have the opportunity to show yourself and others your strength and courage and you may just appreciate your life more and be willing to take more risks and live the life you dream of.
9)Surround yourself with people who support you, compliment you and have your back.
Surround yourself with people who really want what’s best for you, who understand and appreciate your worth and remind you of it.
The other side of this is to watch out for people who bring you down or are envious or tend to point out your flaws often. In other words, avoid people who don’t have your best interests or well-being at heart and spend less time with them.
The people who you surround yourself with make a difference…….
10)Ask for help and support.
Talk to a professional if you’re struggling with your self-esteem, with perfectionism and more. A mental health professional: ie: therapist, coach, etc., can help you work through your feelings and can give you the tools needed to reframe your thoughts, to become a happier, more confident, and more wonderfully unique and joyful person!
With smiles & love,
Dr Gigi
PS: Please be in touch for more ways to accept your flaws, your shadow side and your light……..
@www.gigiarnaud.com
Or send me a message at the social media links below
It’s time to become the most beautiful, unique and successful version of yourself!
Change your Thoughts, Change your Mind, Change your World