What is a Glow Up?
A glow-up is a journey of personal transformation aimed at enhancing different facets of your life, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being, with the goal of evolving into the optimal version of yourself.
This process typically spans across six dimensions of life:
- Aesthetic Transformation
- Fitness and Health
- Mental Wellness
- Lifestyle Enhancements
- Self-Care Practices
While the specific areas of focus may vary, all glow-ups share a common thread — they signify a personal metamorphosis marked by increased self-confidence.
Why Do People Go For Glow Ups?
People pursue glow-ups for various reasons, often driven by a desire for positive change in their lives. These transformations can occur swiftly or unfold gradually over an extended period.
Glow-ups may occur organically as individuals naturally progress and mature (for example). Alternatively, individuals actively initiate a glow-up by engaging in growth-oriented experiences. This could involve enrolling in courses, adopting a new exercise regimen, or seeking guidance from a stylist, among other possibilities.
Now, let’s explore various types of glow-ups to inspire and encourage you to embrace your best self!
30 Concepts for Achieving Your Glow Up
Mental well-being
Embarking on an internal journey for a mental glow-up is a powerful means of transformation. By concentrating on enhancing your mental health, you have the potential to alleviate anxiety and elevate your overall emotional welfare.
Cultivate a Meditation Routine.
Individuals grappling with incessant thoughts and the pressures of daily life might find themselves overwhelmed, anxious, or scattered.
Numerous studies1 establish a correlation between consistent meditation and heightened tranquility, improved well-being, and increased focus, coupled with reduced levels of anxiety and depression.
Next Step: Investigate meditation centers in proximity to your residence. If you’re uncertain about where to begin, consider Insight Meditation, which is non-denominational and suitable for beginners. Alternatively, explore Kadampa Meditation. Can you commit to participating in a class once a week throughout this month?
Alternatively, you can explore meditation apps. Two notable ones include:
Embrace a Lifelong Learning Mindset.
Experiencing a sense of stagnation or unfulfillment may result in a feeling of purposelessness.
Dedicating yourself to a structured learning program can infuse your life with curiosity, vitality, and even a sense of wonder.
Enhancing your knowledge base can also contribute to increased confidence, altering your perspective on the world and creating room for deeper personal significance.
Next Step: Enroll in an online course relevant to a subject that piques your interest.
Consider these three outstanding platforms for course offerings:
Moreover, if you’re interested in refining your interpersonal skills, here are some excellent training options you can explore.
Discover Your Life’s Purpose.
Feelings of emptiness, grayness, and hollowness may arise when a robust sense of purpose is absent. The recurring question, “Who cares?” can be disheartening.
However, connecting with a sense of purpose has the potential to generate profound fulfillment, motivation, and a revitalized enthusiasm for life.
Next Step: Ponder on recent activities that have brought even a glimmer of meaning, no matter how small. How can you create more room for those experiences?
Larger Action Step: Consider seeking assistance from a life coach to delve deeper into your sense of purpose.
Explore one option for finding a life coach.
Pursue Your Desires with Determination!
Have you ever sensed that you’re playing it safe? Is the fear of potential regret too daunting to confront your aspirations head-on?
The journey to pursue our desires in life is undeniably challenging, demanding the vulnerability of exposing ourselves to the possibility of failure. For some, the prospect of attaining what they want is intimidating, often rooted in old beliefs that undermine their self-worth.
Renowned author and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson once expressed:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?… Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you… And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously permit other people to do the same.”
Striving for what you want in life can yield incredible fulfillment and liberation, empowering you to shape your destiny.
Next Step: If the fear of failure was non-existent, what is one thing you would like to achieve, whether big or small?
Can you take a step in that direction today, even if it’s a small one?
For a more extensive (and impactful) version of this activity, you can explore investor and podcaster Tim Ferriss’s approach.
It all commences with identifying your desires and making a conscious choice to pursue them. Elevate your effectiveness by strategically crafting goals to attain what you want. If you seek guidance on setting and achieving goals, consider exploring this free training for valuable insights.
Seek Guidance from a Therapist or Life Coach.
If you haven’t engaged with a therapist previously, it can be a transformative journey. Therapy offers a secure environment for processing emotions, enhancing self-awareness, addressing past wounds, and reframing limiting beliefs.
Engaging in therapy can foster emotional resilience and cultivate a profound sense of empowerment.
Next Step: Explore therapists or counselors in your vicinity and arrange an initial consultation. You can utilize this platform to discover available therapists.
Enhancements for a Positive Lifestyle
The following suggestions revolve around instigating constructive changes in diverse facets of life, encompassing the improvement of relationships, the establishment and accomplishment of personal goals, and the adoption of more effective time management practices.
Time Management
Feeling consistently overwhelmed and rushed can impede your ability to relax and relish life. The sensation of time scarcity may provoke anxiety about completing everything on your plate.
Implementing efficient time management strategies can enhance productivity, alleviate stress, and carve out more time for activities that bring joy and a sense of spaciousness.
Next Step: Develop a to-do list for the remaining tasks this week. Categorize each item as one of the following:
- It’s imperative to complete this task.
- It would be beneficial to finish this task.
- It would be pleasant to find time for this.
Then, structure your time to prioritize tasks in category “a” as much as possible! Can you transform this into a habitual practice?
Additionally, consider delving into time-management literature for further insights. Here’s a recommended book to initiate your exploration.
Financial Well-being
Experiencing a sense of financial scarcity can be an incredibly distressing ordeal, akin to struggling to stay afloat, with the fear of sinking slowly taking hold.
However daunting it may seem, taking charge of your financial situation is achievable. Doing so has the potential to significantly alleviate anxiety and instill a newfound sense of empowerment.
Next Step: Dedicate a month to meticulously tracking all your expenses and categorize them into the following buckets:
- Rent
- Transportation
- Groceries
- Donations/gifts
- Savings
- Bills
- Bars and restaurants
- Clothes
- Activities
- Other
Subsequently, compare your total spending with your overall earnings. If your spending surpasses your earnings, your options are either to reduce expenses or increase income.
For cutting back on spending, contemplate which expense categories you can trim.
If saving money has been a challenge, consider exploring this insightful book as a source of inspiration for cultivating the habit.
Digital Detox
Excessive screen time has been associated with mental health challenges 2. Staring at a screen throughout the day can also foster a sense of disconnection from your body and, at times, even lead to nausea.
A digital detox serves as a crucial reset. It has the potential to enhance focus, improve relationships, and pave the way for a more balanced and mindful lifestyle.
Next Step: Allocate a specific period today (e.g., one hour) to completely disconnect from screens. Utilize this time for an outdoor walk, reading a physical book, or engaging with loved ones. Can you transform this into a daily practice?
Larger Action Step: Institute screen time boundaries by incorporating tech-free hours or days into your routine. Consider utilizing apps like StayFree to monitor and limit screen time if necessary.
Career Progression
Experiencing a sense of stagnation in your career can breed frustration and an overall feeling of unfulfillment, akin to navigating in endless circles.
However, channeling your energy into skill development and career advancement has the potential to bring about heightened job satisfaction, financial growth, and personal fulfillment.
Immediate Action Step: Take a proactive approach today by pinpointing one skill or competency you wish to develop for the betterment of your career prospects. Initiate research on resources or courses linked to that particular skill.
Cultivate a Fulfilling Social Circle
The impact of loneliness and isolation on mental health can be profound.
Equally detrimental is surrounding yourself with friends you may have outgrown, as this can impede personal growth. Such individuals might inadvertently hinder your progress or perpetually exude negativity and complaint.
In contrast, enveloping yourself in the company of those who share similar values and genuinely care about your development can significantly elevate feelings of happiness, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.
Immediate Action Step: Identify someone in your life who exudes a positive influence, and reach out to them for a catch-up.
If no such person comes to mind, consider attending a social event to meet new individuals. Explore classes related to a hobby, join a book club, or engage in volunteering opportunities.
Are there individuals in your life who seem to be dragging you down? Can you create space from them?
Embrace Travel and Adventure
The monotony of a scripted daily routine can leave you feeling stuck, bored, and lacking motivation.
Considering you only have one life to live, injecting a sense of fun becomes essential 
Travel and adventure have the power to evoke wonder, enhance creativity, and provide a broader perspective on life.
Next Step: Dedicate today to researching a nearby destination or local attraction you’ve never explored. Plan a day trip or a weekend adventure to immerse yourself in new experiences.
If the idea of a more extended travel journey appeals to you, this book might offer the inspiration you need.
Elevate Your Self-Care Practices
Prioritizing self-care involves a fundamental shift in how you perceive and treat yourself. It’s about recognizing your worth and acknowledging that you deserve care, attention, and respect. Here are a few areas to enhance your self-care routine.
Establish a Relaxation Ritual
For individuals constantly on the move or grappling with stress, a relaxation routine can serve as a lifeline to tranquility.
It has the potential to alleviate anxiety, sharpen mental clarity, and contribute to overall well-being, offering a sanctuary in a tumultuous world.
Next Step: Tonight, indulge in a hot bath for yourself. Consider going the extra mile with a bath bomb, flower petals, candles, and soothing music.
Moreover, contemplate incorporating a relaxation block into every evening throughout this week.
Boost Your Liquid Intake
Hydration often takes a back seat in the realm of self-care.
Consider yourself as a plant, with water being your life source. Just as a plant droops and shrivels without adequate water, your energy levels may experience a similar decline.
Dehydration, although easily overlooked, can result in feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even confusion. Inadequate hydration can cause a significant dip in energy levels, making it challenging to stay focused and alert.
Picture your inner landscape as a shriveled flower if you neglect to consume enough water throughout the day.
Prioritizing ample water intake can contribute to clearer skin 3, increased energy levels, and enhanced mental clarity 4—all crucial elements for a successful glow-up.
Next Step: Commit today to track your water intake. For optimal health, it’s recommended that females consume about 3/5 of a gallon of water daily (9.6 cups), while males aim for about 4/5 of a gallon (12.8 cups).
If you need assistance in monitoring your daily water consumption, here’s a water-tracking app you can explore.
Can you elevate your water intake for the next week or month?
Prioritize Your Sleep
Erratic or insufficient sleep patterns can lead to feelings of tiredness, lack of focus, emotional instability, and even compromised health.
Regulating your sleep5 can contribute to enhanced emotional stability, improved concentration, and an overall better mood.
Next Step: Imagine not using an alarm – how much sleep would you need each night to feel fully rested? Consider testing this for about a week. Afterwards, can you establish a consistent bedtime that aligns with your ideal amount of sleep?
If you have kids or your life feels exceptionally hectic, making it challenging to achieve the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep, consider small adjustments like adding 30 minutes of sleep each night or incorporating a 20-minute nap during the day.
For assistance in tracking your sleep, explore apps like RISE.
Declutter Your Living Space
Inhabiting cluttered spaces can contribute to stress, anxiety, and an overall sense of chaos. Investing effort in organizing your home can foster a feeling of order, reduce mental clutter, and establish a more serene and productive living environment.
A well-cared-for home communicates self-care every time you glance around your space.
Consider the transformation in the show “Hoarders,” where professionals assist individuals with an organizational glow-up. Even if you’re not a full-fledged hoarder, draw inspiration from these impactful before-and-after changes:
[Source]
Next Step: Implement the following steps, inspired by tidying expert Marie Kondo:
- Does it spark joy? Assess items in your home, and when deciding whether to keep something, ask yourself, “Does this item spark joy for me?”
- Organize by category, not location: Instead of tidying one specific area, gather items by category (e.g., pens from various locations like bags and pen jars). This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of your possessions.
- Express gratitude: As you part with each item, take a moment to express gratitude and reflect on why you acquired it. Contemplate whether you’d make similar purchases in the future.
- Larger Action Step: If you’re eager to overhaul this aspect of your life, consider enlisting the assistance of a professional organizer.
Explore Marie Kondo’s widely acclaimed book about tidying up for additional insights. You might also find value in watching this documentary about minimalism.
Prioritize “Me Time”
Consistently placing others’ needs above your own can leave you feeling drained and depleted, especially if you’re prone to people-pleasing.
However, embracing the concept of prioritizing “me time” can foster increased self-respect, mitigate burnout, and enhance mental and emotional well-being.
Imagine your calendar as a public park where anyone can enter and leave freely. Now, visualize adding a door with a lock and a bouncer, allowing you to be selective about who gets access. Consider the sense of spaciousness and liberation that could permeate the room of your life.
Next Step: Choose a 2-hour block within this week and designate it in your calendar as “ME-TIME!” Ensure that no other commitments encroach upon this block. It’s dedicated solely to what you want and need
Embark on a New Hobby
Breaking free from the monotony of feeling stuck and uninspired often involves discovering fresh interests. Engaging in new hobbies can rekindle passion, stimulate creativity, and amplify personal satisfaction.
Next Step: Identify a hobby that has piqued your curiosity or interest, even if you know nothing about it. Search for classes in your area and give it a try!
Aesthetic Transformation
An aesthetic transformation encompasses alterations in physical appearance, including skincare routines, hair care, and wardrobe updates.
If you’ve ever watched the show Queer Eye, you’re aware of the powerful and emotionally moving impact an aesthetic glow-up can have. For inspiration, here are some standout moments from the TV show: https://youtu.be/t6M_LfnPOxY
Here are some ideas for your glow-up.
Wardrobe and Style Evolution
Revamping your wardrobe and refining your style has the power to elevate your confidence and reshape how you perceive both yourself and others.
Our clothing serves as a symbolic representation of our personality, taste, boldness, and the communities that influence us. Every time you gaze into the mirror, the reflection reflects a distinct image of you.
In the words of fashion designer Rachel Zoe, “Style is a way to say who you are without speaking.”
I’ve personally explored this glow-up extensively. In my mid-twenties, I desired to transition from a bohemian traveler to someone perceived as an ambitious professional. I aimed not only for others to take me more seriously but also to cultivate a greater sense of self-respect. Consequently, I cut my long hair and enlisted the help of a stylist to craft a sleek, young, professional look.
If you’re contemplating a shift in self-perception, refining your style can be an impactful starting point.
Small Action Step: Part ways with one piece of clothing you’re ready to release and acquire one new item that reflects the person you aspire to become.
Here is a website for outfit ideas to inspire your style evolution.
Medium Action Step: Clear out your wardrobe by donating or selling all clothing you no longer love wearing. Establish a budget for acquiring new clothes. Delve into research on styles and fashion trends that align with the person you aspire to become. Allow yourself to experiment with a few key pieces, gradually curating a wardrobe that authentically reflects your unique style.
Another effective strategy for finding inspiration is to explore celebrity outfits and create a Pinterest board showcasing all the styles you admire.
Big Action Step: Consider taking a substantial leap by hiring a professional stylist to guide your transformation. Utilize platforms like Yelp to discover nearby stylist options.
Hair Makeover
A fresh hairstyle can be a transformative experience for those who have felt constrained by their current look.
When your hair resonates with your personality and style, it can enhance your comfort and attractiveness, ultimately boosting self-esteem. A hair transformation goes beyond appearance; it’s about embracing change, feeling empowered, and expressing your unique style.
Next Step: Experiment with one of these hairstyle apps to envision yourself with a different cut.
Skincare Routine
A personalized skincare routine holds the potential to make a significant impact for those grappling with skin issues or lacking confidence in their complexion. It’s about taking charge of your skin’s health and appearance.
A radiant complexion not only boosts self-esteem but also signifies a commitment to self-care. It can contribute to a heightened comfort in your own skin, fostering greater self-assurance and overall well-being.
Next Step: Identify a skincare role model—someone whose skin and self-care practices you admire. Learn about their skincare routine as inspiration for crafting your own.
Tattoos and Piercings
Getting a tattoo or piercing can be a profound statement for individuals seeking to express themselves uniquely and meaningfully.
For many, there’s a sense of not entirely owning our bodies, feeling tethered to societal norms or parental expectations. Personally, breaking free from the perception of being the “good boy” only occurred when I got my first piercing. It marked a visceral realization that this is my body and my life, and I can choose to do what I want with both. Taking ownership of your body is a powerful act of rewriting the narrative, regaining control, and showcasing your individuality.
Moreover, tattoos often hold symbolic meanings, reflecting powerful lessons or chapters in one’s life. In the words of Johnny Depp, “My body is my journal, and my tattoos are my story.”
It’s crucial to note that in certain industries, having a tattoo may still be perceived as taboo, potentially impacting job opportunities.
Small Action Step: Brainstorm ideas for tattoos you may want. Experiment with a tattoo marker to draw it on yourself (or recruit a friend to help). This temporary option lasts about two weeks, offering a chance to clarify if you want something permanent.
Medium Action Step: If there’s a piercing you’ve always secretly desired, go for it! Remember, if you don’t like it, you can always remove it.
Large Action Step: Reflect deeply if you’re ready for a tattoo. Given its permanence, take your time with the decision. If you choose to move forward, consider consulting with a professional and collaborating on the design process.
Dental Care
Your smile is a powerful expression of joy to the world. A dental transformation can be a life-changing journey for those who feel self-conscious about their smile, leading to newfound self-assurance and a source of pride as they confidently showcase their transformed smile.
To gain insight into the possibilities, explore this impressive before-and-after video featuring individuals who underwent braces transformations: Before-and-After Braces
Action Step: Schedule a check-up with an orthodontist to understand the potential changes for your teeth, including the estimated time and costs involved.
As a smaller step, consider getting your teeth whitened by a dentist.
Grooming and Hygiene
Imagine hosting a dinner party attended by distinguished guests like the President of the United States (or a former one), the Dalai Lama, and members of English Royalty. With such esteemed company, you’d likely ensure the floors are impeccably swept, the toilets thoroughly scrubbed, and yourself freshly showered.
We often exhibit a strong impulse to care for our spaces to show respect for others. However, maintaining that level of care can be challenging when there are no guests, and the effort is solely for ourselves.
The same principle applies to our bodies. While it may be easy to neglect grooming routines, like infrequent showers or neglecting flossing and deodorant, it’s essential to treat ourselves with the same level of care and respect we’d offer esteemed guests.
You don’t need an immediate dinner party with dignitaries or a romantic interest to prioritize self-care—you deserve it!
Action Step: Consider taking at least one (or all!) of these actions:
- Get a haircut
- Shave or trim body hairs according to your preference
- Attend to your nails with a manicure and pedicure
- Purchase floss or floss sticks
- Invest in perfume, cologne, or essential oils (exercise caution with essential oils, especially around pets, as they can be toxic to them!)
Fitness and Health
Prioritizing health is one of the most impactful areas for a glow-up. Caring for your body not only boosts energy levels but also enhances overall well-being and transforms your physical appearance.
Flexibility and Mobility Enhancement
Improving flexibility and mobility is synonymous with reclaiming physical freedom. Individuals seeking enhanced flexibility may often feel stiff or constrained in their movements. Regular engagement in yoga not only contributes to increased flexibility but is also linked to reduced stress and an improved quality of life.
Feeling flexible and committed to a stretching or yoga 6 practice can foster overall comfort and confidence.
Immediate Action Step: Dedicate 10 minutes twice this week to practicing basic stretches and yoga poses. Explore this YouTube video featuring excellent stretches from a physiotherapist: Physiotherapist Stretches
Longer-Term Action Step: Consider investing in a membership to a yoga studio and undertaking a 30-day yoga challenge. Alternatively, you might explore working towards a yoga teacher certification for a more comprehensive journey.
Examine Your Weight Narrative
While embracing body self-love is a crucial starting point, delving into one’s physical health can become a profound journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
What narratives are you constructing about your weight?
As Katrina Scott, the founder of Tone It Up, wisely stated, “Fitness isn’t a destination; it’s a lifelong journey of self-love, self-care, and self-discovery.”
Immediate Action Step: Clarify your “why.” Write down the following:
- How is my relationship with food, weight, and body causing me pain?
- How would I feel if I made no changes?
- How do I aspire to feel in my body?
Longer-Term Action Step: Develop a comprehensive health plan incorporating balanced meals, a regular workout routine, and progress tracking. Consider seeking guidance from a registered dietitian or personal trainer.
Explore fitness apps to help maintain your focus and progress.
Building Strength
For those aspiring to build muscle and strength, the journey not only enhances physical capability but also fosters greater self-esteem.
Moreover, strength training contributes to the development of good posture. As osteopath Michelle Funder explains, “Muscles provide the force that allows us to move our joints; when we don’t use our muscles regularly, they may deteriorate. This may lead to many problems, including poor posture or injury. Strength training may help reverse the effects of muscle deterioration and improve your posture.”
Having more muscle mass and increased strength can instill a sense of physical safety, especially when navigating urban environments alone. It can also cultivate a feeling of capability, whether it’s conquering a mountain hike or rearranging furniture in your living room.
Immediate Action Step: Incorporate bodyweight exercises into your routine for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times weekly. Begin with exercises like pushups, situps, and squats to initiate strength building.
Longer-Term Action Step: Develop a progressive strength training routine using weights or resistance bands. Consider collaborating with a fitness trainer to craft a personalized plan and provide accountability.
Cardiovascular Endurance Improvement
Enhancing cardiovascular endurance can infuse newfound vitality into daily life, increasing energy levels, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.
This transformation is particularly empowering for those who may easily feel tired or out of breath. Even if you’re already engaged in regular exercise, focusing on cardio for an extended period can be surprisingly energizing. I personally undertook a rigorous month-long running program a few years ago, culminating in running 8 miles a day. By the end, I was astonished at the heightened energy levels, feeling like I had a supercharged battery ready to go on indefinitely.
Hope Ricciotti, M.D. 7, highlights the connection between exercise and increased energy, explaining that regular physical activity induces cellular-level changes, such as heightened mitochondria production for energy, improved oxygen circulation, hormone release for increased vitality, and enhanced nighttime sleep for overall well-being.
Immediate Action Step: Schedule three brisk walks or jogs this week, aiming for 10-15 minutes each time.
Longer-Term Action Step: Establish a running, swimming, or biking goal, such as running a 5k or biking 50 miles. Look up a training regimen and commit to following it. Achieving this goal can significantly boost your sense of accomplishment.
Mindful Eating and Portion Control
For those struggling with overeating or emotional eating, a sense of disconnection from the body’s signals may prevail. Engaging in mindful eating and adopting portion control practices can foster a healthier relationship with food, addressing both physical and emotional aspects.
Moreover, incorporating mindfulness into your eating habits can contribute to better digestion, weight management, and enhanced self-awareness.
Immediate Action Step: Self-assess your hunger levels throughout the day on a scale of 1-10, where 1 signifies painfully famished and 10 indicates feeling overly stuffed. Regularly check your position on this scale before and after each meal to cultivate awareness.
Here’s a helpful graphic from nutritionist Katie Hake:
Longer-Term Action Step: Initiate a food journal for the next two weeks, meticulously documenting your daily food intake alongside the emotions experienced during each meal. For personalized guidance, consider consulting with a certified nutrition therapist.
Posture
The impact of posture on self-image is often underestimated. Slumping or slouching not only makes you appear smaller and less confident but can also contribute to back pain 8.
Perfecting your posture goes beyond the visual impression of appearing taller and more confident; it’s about feeling that way too. Graceful walking and sitting can provide an instant boost in self-esteem, changing how others perceive you and reinforcing that perception within yourself.
Furthermore, if you’ve grappled with back pain, investing in your posture can significantly benefit your spine health.
Immediate Action Step: Practice the “wall test.” Stand with your back against a wall, heels touching it, and the back of your head lightly touching the wall. Step away while maintaining that posture, repeating the process several times to internalize the correct alignment.
Longer-Term Action Step: Integrate posture-improving exercises such as planks or yoga into your routine. For personalized guidance, especially if you have specific posture concerns, consider consulting with a professional like a physical therapist or chiropractor.
The Psychological Benefits of a Glow-Up
Seeking change is a universal desire, encompassing not only external transformations but also profound internal shifts.
A glow-up transcends mere physical changes and becomes a journey of self-discovery, aimed at uncovering the best version of oneself mentally and emotionally. Consider the psychological well-being benefits:
- Boosted Self-Esteem: Self-esteem forms the foundation of emotional well-being. A glow-up serves as a potent tool for building and enhancing self-esteem. Witnessing personal evolution and achieving goals naturally fosters belief in one’s capabilities. This newfound self-confidence empowers individuals to confront challenges and embrace opportunities previously avoided.
- Cultivation of Positive Self-View: A glow-up is a narrative rewrite, shifting from self-doubt to self-acceptance and from criticism to self-compassion. By acknowledging progress and celebrating achievements, individuals can nurture a more positive self-view. This process encourages a mindset shift towards self-appreciation.
- Increased Resilience and Adaptability: The glow-up journey often necessitates stepping out of the comfort zone and embracing change. This experience enhances resilience and adaptability, fostering openness to new challenges and personal growth. The result is heightened mental flexibility and the ability to navigate life’s fluctuations with confidence.
Remember, a glow-up is not a fixed destination but an ongoing process. Embrace it as an opportunity for discovery, learning, and continuous evolution. It emphasizes progress over perfection and self-appreciation over comparison.
Toxic Glow-Up Culture
When initiating a glow-up journey, it’s crucial to examine your motivations. Consider carefully if your reasons fall into any of the following categories:
Seeking External Validation:
- Trying to make someone like you
- Attempting to make someone regret not liking you
- Striving to gain the approval of your peers
In such cases, engaging in inner shadow work to address and heal old wounds can be beneficial.
Positive Glow-Up Motivations:
- Desiring to feel better
- Seeking to gain self-confidence
- Working to cultivate a belief in yourself
If your desire to glow up aligns with these positive motivations, then it’s a worthwhile journey.
In the current era of social media and heightened beauty standards, it’s commonplace to encounter glow-up posts featuring captivating before-and-after photos showcasing significant weight or makeup transformations. It’s essential, however, to be mindful of the intentions behind such transformations and to avoid using them as a means to make someone else feel bad for rejecting you during your perceived “ugly duckling” stage.
Toxic glow-up culture is marked by the pursuit of transformation primarily for external validation, often neglecting genuine personal growth and overall well-being. It feeds on comparisons, unrealistic standards, and a perpetual need for approval from others.
While acknowledging and celebrating personal transformations is entirely valid, it is crucial to approach it in a healthy and balanced manner. Opt for inspiration over envy, recognizing that your true worth goes beyond mere appearances.
Ultimately, the most meaningful glow-up is one that facilitates becoming the best version of yourself, encompassing both internal and external aspects. Importantly, this transformation should not compromise your authenticity or well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions on How to Have a Glow Up
Is a glow-up only about physical appearance?
No, a glow-up encompasses more than physical changes; it also involves mental and emotional growth, self-improvement, and personal development.
How long does it take to achieve a noticeable glow-up?
The timeline for a noticeable glow-up varies for each individual, but it often depends on the goals and changes one aims to make. It can be a gradual process that unfolds over weeks, months, or even years.
Can anyone go through a glow-up, or are there specific prerequisites?
Anyone can embark on a glow-up journey; there are no specific prerequisites. It’s about personal growth and improvement, tailored to your unique goals and aspirations.
What are the key factors that contribute to a successful glow-up?
Key factors for a successful glow-up include setting clear goals, consistent efforts, self-reflection, seeking support when needed, and maintaining a positive mindset. It can help with your glow-up challenge by using positive affirmations and practicing gratitude.
Are there common challenges people face during their glow-up journey?
Common challenges during a glow-up journey include self-doubt, setbacks, and the temptation to compare oneself to others. Overcoming these challenges often requires resilience and self-compassion.
How can a glow-up positively impact one’s self-esteem and confidence?
A glow-up can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence by fostering self-improvement and a more positive self-image. Achieving personal goals and embracing self-love contribute to increased self-assurance.
Takeaways on How To Have a Glow-Up
Best of luck in your glow-up challenge! If you are ready for the transformation, you can make it happen. Feel free to recruit support by hiring trainers and coaches to help you.
Here are a few ideas for your glow-up:
- Revamp your style
- Hit the gym and build strength
- Take a big leap into something you want
- Dive into your finances and get clear on your budget
- Prioritize your “me time”
And if you’d like more tips on how to be more confident, you may enjoy this course.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7908241/
- https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-probes-connection-between-excessive-screen-media-activity-and-mental-health-problems-in-youth/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29933347/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6281147/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/exercise-and-fitness/does-exercise-really-boost-energy-levels
- https://news.osu.edu/study–body-posture-affects-confidence-in-your-own-thoughts/
