I was in a small town in Texas and hungry. The dilemma? I needed a quick bite to eat, and there are no restaurants in this town. This is the literal sign you will see when entering Hawley, Texas (pop. 545):

My decision had already been made for me as far as selection goes. But, my self-image had been made up for me prior to this restriction on where to eat.

My self-image says a key phrase: “I am a healthy person, and I do what healthy people do.” This is a constant in my life and a value that I honor. I entered the Allsup’s doors and I went straight over to where I saw the protein food of beef jerky, grabbed some peanuts, and snagged a Vitamin Water out of the fridge to drink. I went to go check out, and y’all, I had FORGOTTEN about “Allsup’s World Famous Burritos” until I saw them under the heating lamps! But by that point, I already made my selection that resonated with my self-image.

The person behind me also made a decision based on self-image with his two Allsup’s burritos, 44 oz fountain Dr Pepper, and a can of a Monster energy drink for later.

The difference in our approach is hundreds (if not thousands) of calories, but more significantly, a mindset shift.

Which Person Are You?

When we’re trying to get healthier, we often focus on things like eating right and exercising but forget about how we talk to ourselves inside our heads. How we see ourselves can really affect how well we stick to healthy habits. If we don’t like our bodies, we’re less likely to do things that are good for us. But if we have a good self-image and see ourselves as healthy (regardless of how your body looks), we’re more likely to make choices that show we care about ourselves. Changing how we think about ourselves isn’t just a mental thing—it’s a big step toward lasting health.

Appreciate Your Body

To start seeing yourself in a better light, appreciate what your body can do instead of criticizing how it looks. This could mean noticing how strong your legs are when you walk or your smile in the mirror. By focusing on these good things, you’ll start seeing your body as a friend, not an enemy. This appreciation makes you feel grateful and encourages you to treat your body kindly.

Identify as the Healthy Person

Once you have a better self-image, identify as the healthy person you see yourself becoming. Ask yourself what a healthy person would do each day. Would they pick a healthy meal instead of fast food? Would they choose water instead of soda? Would they schedule a time this week to exercise? By seeing yourself as a healthy person, you’ll naturally start making choices that match that image. It’s about living in a way that fits how you see yourself.

Consistency Through Self-Love

Staying consistent is super important, and it comes from loving yourself. When you care about yourself, you’re more likely to do things that are good for you. This love motivates you to keep going with your health goals. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about getting better little by little. Celebrate the small wins and be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned. Every step you take towards being healthier is a way to show yourself love and build a positive self-image!

I wish you well,
Brody Powell