12 Days of Self-Concept: The Countdown To Your Most AUTHENTIC Self
Without coming off as too much of a bore because let’s face it, no one wants to focus on self-development when it’s the season of sofa bingeing films and TV shows, and snacking on chocolate truffles.
But if you want to give yourself the gift of one last push toward becoming the best version of yourself, I have just the thing.
Within your self-concept holds your attention, your attitude, your beliefs, your emotions and your identity that determine the frequency you put out into the energy you project into the world, ultimately deciding what you get back and experience here in your current 3-dimensional reality.
In this article (and just in time for the slicing of the turkey), I will share how you can align with the most authentic and empowered version of yourself.
Grab a pen or your notes app because here’s your festive roadmap to transformation:
Day 1: Redefine Your Ideal Self
The first step in any transformation is to become clear on what you are asking for. This means painting a detailed picture of your desired self. Use today to get clear who your desired version is.
Most people know they want to live a different life but they don’t know exactly what it looks like.
Who is the desired version of you?
What are their habits, routines, and values? How do they dress, speak, and carry themselves? Write these down in vivid detail.
Don’t be shy, dream big, don’t let your insecurities, doubts and fears get in the way, and definitely don’t let other people’s opinions stop you.
Task:
Who is your dream self?
How do they act, feel, and live their life?
Redefining your ideal self helps you align your actions and decisions with the version of yourself you truly want to embody.
Day 2: Rewrite Your Story
Your current identity has been built on the stories you tell yourself daily. If those stories are rooted in self-doubt or limitation, they’ll keep you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you.
For example, do you often think, “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m not good with money”?
Once you’ve identified this limiting belief, challenge it. Replace it with an empowering affirmation, such as, “I am good enough at every stage of my life,” or, “I’m so much better at managing .”
If you want to live a different life, you must tell a different story
Task:
Identify one limiting belief that holds you back.
Replace it with a positive, empowering affirmation.
Changing your story changes your internal dialogue, it changes the conversations you have with yourself to reshape how you see yourself, which naturally influences your actions and choices.
Day 3: Romanticise Your Life
As the global ambassador of a romanticised lifestyle, it only makes sense that I reinforce how important it is to work on building the relationship you have with yourself.
Life can be such a drag. But it doesn’t have to be.
Turn the boring, mundane aspects into a movie, you’re already the main character, so why not?
Romanticising your life isn’t about ignoring reality, it’s about finding beauty in the present moment and turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Whether it’s lighting an oud-scented candle while working, plating your meals like you’re at Scott’s, or playing Al Green while doing chores, these small actions can completely change how you experience your day.
Task
Download 81 Ways to Romanticise Your Life
Start turning small tasks into something to look forward to
Small shifts in perspective can make everyday moments feel magical and align you with the elevated version of yourself.
Day 4: Set Festive Boundaries
The holidays can be overwhelming, with countless events and obligations.
And just because it’s a time of laughter and joy doesn’t mean forcing fake smiles on the aunty who keeps asking when you’re getting married but doesn’t want to discuss why she’s in the middle of processing her third divorce.
Learning to say no to what doesn’t align with your energy is a powerful act of self-respect.
What truly brings you joy during the holidays? Prioritise those activities without feeling guilty.
Set boundaries with friends and family to protect your peace, you’re not obligated to do anything you don’t want to do.
Setting boundaries strengthens your self-worth and ensures that your time and energy are spent on what matters most to you.
Day 5: Dress for the Dream Version of You
How you show up for yourself externally can influence how you feel internally.
I know for me I tend to feel much better about myself when I’m wearing an outfit I love, or my hair is done, or wearing even a weep of mascara.
Dressing intentionally helps you embody confidence and align with the idea in your mind of who the dream version of you is.
Use the Christmas period as an opportunity to show up in the same way your future self would.
You don’t even have to have an event planned or somewhere to go, but if the best version of yourself wears a gorgeous matching wool blend loungewear set around the house, then you can too.
Doing this sends a powerful signal to your subconscious mind indicating you are already the person you aspire to be.
Day 6: Practice Gratitude Daily
Gratitude is one of the most transformative mindset shifts you can ever make.
Since like attracts like, when you practice the emotion of gratitude and pay attention to the good in your life, you create a feeling of abundance and self-assurance to which the universe must respond with circumstances that match.
Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning. If you don’t want to write them down, at least reflect on them.
It could be the health of a family member, having enough money to travel the world, or just being grateful that you have been given another chance to have a go at life
Remember to include things about yourself that you’re grateful for. Think about specific aspects of yourself, such as your resilience or creativity.
Gratitude builds your self-concept by helping you recognise your strengths and the blessings in your life.
Day 7: Surround Yourself with Uplifting Energy
Your environment significantly impacts your self-concept.
When you’re surrounded by an uplifting energy, inspiring and encouraging you naturally begin to feel more aligned with your best self.
Who are the people who make you feel good after you’ve spent time with them? Who inspires you? Who lifts you up?
Your environment isn’t just the company you keep, it’s also the space you keep. Tidy your space whether it be your home, your desk or your room to create an environment that reflects the life you’re building.
Becoming aware of your environment will allow you to thrive emotionally and mentally.
Day 8: Visualise the Next Level
I probably don’t need to tell you how powerful visualisation is for reprogramming your subconscious mind. But what do you know about sensory visualisation?
When you’re imagining the next level of yourself use all of your senses to bring the vision to life.
Can you smell the coffee in the morning when waking up in your dream home?
Can you feel the cashmere of your new elevated wardrobe?
Can you hear the humming engine of your new car?
Align your thoughts, emotions and your senses with that vision.
This practice helps you internalise your transformation, making it feel not only possible but inevitable.
Day 9: Step Into Confidence
I knew if I wanted to really transform into my higher self I was going to have to pull up my big girl panties and face my inner fear of showing my face on camera. In fact, it was the only thing left in the confidence box that was holding me back.
I was confident in creating content, I had become confident with my writing, and I was already confident in social settings among family and friends.
What I learned is that confidence isn’t something you wait to feel (because trust me it never comes), it’s something you build through action. Each small step of courage strengthens your belief in yourself, sometimes to the point of delusion which gives you a final push.
Where do you wish you had more confidence?
Speak up in situations where you’d normally stay quiet.
Try something new, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Every time you take a bold step, you reinforce the idea that you are capable and ready to live inside your desired reality.
Day 10: Give Yourself the Gift of Forgiveness
Holding onto past mistakes or grudges can weigh heavily on your heart altering your self-concept. Go easy on yourself. As amazing as I believe you are, you are only human.
Let go of the things you can’t change. Free yourself from guilt, shame and regret. Give yourself permission to move forward with self-compassion.
Write a letter to yourself forgiving any past mistakes.
Consider forgiving others, even if they don’t apologise. Instead of looking for closure, offer it to yourself. Besides, if they don’t want to give you closure, you get to control the narrative lol! Let it be in your favour.
Forgiveness isn’t about excusing sh*t behaviour, it’s about releasing the emotional burden and toll to make space for a better you.
Day 11: Celebrate Small Wins
And of course, none of this happens overnight. But celebrating your progress and the changes you see no matter how big or small, will help you stay motivated and reinforce your self-concept.
Reflect on the wins you’ve achieved this year, no matter how small.
Treat yourself to something special to honour your journey.
Acknowledging your growth reminds you of your capabilities and gives you the confidence to achieve even more.
Day 12: Commit to the Glow-Up
Now that you know what it takes to transform your self-concept, the only step left is to commit to the process.
A true glow-up requires a conscious effort, aligned action, and the intention of committing to your future self with an attitude that sets the tone for the new year.
Sign up for a class, schedule a new habit, or create a vision board for 2025.
Make a promise to yourself (and perhaps even others) that you’re all in.
By committing to your glow-up, you solidify the intention to live as your most authentic and empowered self.
Finally…
Living as your most authentic self is the ultimate act of freedom. Remembering it’s not about perfection but alignment and showing up as the real you, flaws and all.
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