Written by Ranson Mercieca
You wouldn’t expect the events guy of the organisation to be writing an article, would you? Truth be told, I have been exploring the world of writing over the past few years, primarily in poetry. Safe to say it is a world ripe with fun, knowledge, and overall, very therapeutic. This is one thing in the long list of uncomfortable things I want to do in life, together with opening a business and asking out people for some hot chocolate (I don’t like coffee, I know I know, I’m terrible). Quite ironic considering I’m usually the guy who jumps in headfirst when The Third Eye does interviews, Vox pops, and whatnot.
The topic of discussion today is about the individual’s self-image and social value, reason being that people are starting to care more about themselves. With more awareness about mental health and the power of social media, there is more help that is easily accessible such as online therapy services. Also, there is more information and books that are more convenient than going to your traditional library.
You can access summaries of books and helpful tips through platforms like Goodreads, Notion, and YouTube among other sites. This roughly translates to things that can help you become a better businessman, communicator or teach you how to bake some dope-a$$ cookies.
Of course, with every Pope visit and cat video, comes a price increase for pastizzi. More people nowadays are insecure about their image, linking their self-esteem to how their body looks or worse, how other people look in comparision, how many likes they get on a post or what they own. Why do you think demand for plastic surgery has shot up over the years? Or why so many gym supplements without any scientific evidence are sold?
In the book 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Dr. Jordan Peterson, he notices that male lobsters challenge each other in their ecosystems for food, shelter and female companions. Usually those who win the most, have access to the best of these things. In turn, this lets them win even more because they are getting more and more confident.
It’s in human nature to have this desire. We want to be the best, so we go searching for the prettiest partner even though they are emotionally unavailable, the quickest way to shed 5kgs of fat to try and get that six pack whilst risking malnutrition or the best mobile phone with features that you will probably never use but you still somehow brag about. The fear of missing out and falling behind is unreal nowadays.
These fears and decisions breed habits that are inherently detrimental to everyone. In the book How to Not Die Alone, The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love by Logan Ury (Don’t judge what I read), she explains that there is an architype of people who constantly search for the best partner and if they find a better partner than their current one, they’ll leave them there and then. Now that’s only one example, you can think of the rest.
With that, I want to share a few tips from my perspective that may help you become a better version of yourself and avoid the simultaneous pressure of worrying about self-image:
- Consistency and patience are your best friends: “Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years.” – Bill Gates. To get good at something, it takes quite a long time to get good at it. You will suck at something the first time you try it, a lot of times. If you keep at it, as per the lobster example, more good things will happen in the future. Just keep punching the same wall, eventually it will break sometime. (Disclaimer: The Third Eye is not responsible for people punching walls and breaking the walls and/or their hands.)
- Treat yourself like you’re treating your Pokémon: In line with the theme of wanting the best things, we tend to forget to want the best for the most important thing, your mind and body! For your mind, I would recommend reflecting and journaling, exploring nature and the greenery more or trying out some therapy. When it comes to your body, change your favourite foods to more healthier versions of it, perform some exercise, at home, at a gym with some friends or even when outside. Having a well-trained Pokémon is essential to winning the tough battles, same principle applies here.
- Be hungry for knowledge like you forgot to eat for 3 days: This doesn’t necessarily mean “lock yourself in your room, do nothing but read books only for entire days.” Although it is very good to do so, we’re students, we’re already tired of reading notes, nanna’s Facebook posts and the endless wave of advertisements (and probably this article). Instead, what about trying out new stuff such as voluntary service? A new hobby? Doing something bold or funny? Sometimes, learning from our adventures and mistakes is much more effective and fun than listening to a lecture about it or reading some book about it.
- Find the boots that suit you and that YOU like: It is a very long and difficult process but buy and post things that are quintessentially you. Not what others think is best for you or out of fear, but what YOU want. Trust me, it lifts a heavy load off your shoulders.
When you have a healthy self-image and act in a kind, healthy way towards others, good things almost gravitate towards you. You’ll naturally create an environment of growth, where you will grow even further.
I’m no guru on the subject, but its what I got from a few people that are way wiser than me, some books, and a bit (quite a lot) of contemplation. There’s a unique beauty in everyone, waiting to grace this world. However, you have to be the one to unleash this. Let us grow together, for a budding today may create a blossoming tomorrow.