A Model’s Essential Guide to Body Positivity and Lasting Confidence

Embrace your body, build confidence, and foster genuine positivity with expert strategies and real-world insight.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Body positivity isn’t just a movement—it’s a foundational shift in how we view ourselves and the world around us. For countless people, embracing authentic confidence means resisting impossible beauty standards, celebrating our individuality, and supporting each other in self-love and acceptance. Drawing inspiration from a leading curve model’s real-life routines and advice, this guide provides practical, affirming strategies that anyone can use to foster lasting body positivity and genuine self-confidence.

Why Body Positivity Matters More Than Ever

Glamorous images online and in the media often portray an edited, narrow standard of beauty. But genuine confidence is forged in authenticity and acceptance. Leading curve model Kayla Jane Jones emphasizes that representation is powerful, and knowing that there are models who look like you can make all the difference. “There are young girls who now have women who look like them that they can look up to. When I was growing up, that wasn’t necessarily the case,” she shares.

Body positivity is about more than appearances. It means:

  • Valuing your physical and emotional well-being over arbitrary standards.
  • Prioritizing self-care and compassion, not criticism.
  • Celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the beauty of individuality.

Daily Confidence Rituals: Small Actions, Big Impact

No one feels confident every day, but consistent routines can set the stage for a positive mindset. Jones credits her daily habits for much of her self-assurance. Here’s her approach:

Start the Day With a Workout

Exercise isn’t about conforming to standards, but about feeling strong and joyful in your body. Jones starts her day with a morning workout—her favorite is tennis, a sport she loved as a child. “Every time I play, it brings back happy memories and reminds me to be confident in my abilities,” she says.

  • Choose joyful movement: Whether it’s yoga, dancing, tennis, or a brisk walk, pick an activity that you enjoy and helps boost your endorphins.
  • Focus on feelings, not calories: Ask yourself, “How does my body feel after this? Am I more energized, clearer-minded, happier?”
  • Remember, every body is meant to move differently. Find what’s right for you.

Wear What Makes You Feel Great

The right outfit is more than fabric—it’s armor and self-expression. For Jones, accentuating her favorite features through thoughtful dressing lifts her mood instantly. “It helps me remember I am good enough and that I am beautiful,” she notes.

  • Dress for yourself: Don’t be ruled by trends or expectations. Highlight the features you love.
  • Select textures, colors, and fits that align with your mood or aspirations for the day.
  • Keep a go-to feel-good outfit ready for days when confidence wanes.

Freshen Up With Feel-Good Rituals

Sometimes, the simplest self-care routines can lift your spirits. Whether it’s misting your favorite fragrance, doing a quick skincare routine, or taking a few deep breaths with a calming oil, short rituals can invigorate your self-image.

  • Skincare as self-care: Take time each morning and evening to care for your skin not out of necessity, but as a mindful ritual.
  • Indulge in small pleasures—a favorite lotion, a quick inspiring playlist, or a bright lip color that makes you smile.

Remind Yourself of Your Worth: The Power of Affirmations

Self-doubt is normal, but it doesn’t have to define you. Jones practices daily positive affirmations to drown out negativity. Stand in front of a mirror or simply close your eyes and say:

  • “You are worthy.”
  • “You are worthy of love and everything that is coming to you.”
  • “You are enough exactly where you are right now.”

This practice may feel awkward at first, but with repetition it becomes empowering. Positive self-talk can rewire the brain and foster lasting resilience.

Lean on Your Support System

Confidence thrives in nurturing environments. Jones credits her mother, friends, and family for reinforcing self-love. “My mom always told me, rather than placing value on what’s on the outside, to place more value in what you put out and what’s on the inside,” she recalls.

  • Confide in a trusted friend or family member whenever you’re doubting yourself.
  • Surround yourself with people who genuinely encourage your growth and authenticity.
  • Support others in their body confidence journey for mutual empowerment.

Gradual Body Acceptance: Change Your Mindset Step By Step

Building positive body image takes time and gentle persistence. Here are steps to gradually shift your thinking:

  • Trace your story: Reflect on when you first felt differently about your body. What life events influenced that change?
  • Honor your journey: Acknowledge challenges you’ve faced—illness, puberty, trauma—and appreciate your body’s resilience and healing.
  • Practice gratitude for simple things your body allows you to do each day.

Plus-size model Kitty shares, “It’s important to bear in mind that it’s okay to not love your body all the time—being confident and loving your body is awesome, but it won’t be an achievable goal for everyone.” This reminder can relieve the pressure for perfection and open the path to acceptance instead of relentless self-critique.

Practical Confidence Tips for Every Day

If you struggle with self-esteem, try these trusted tools:

  • At the end of each day, write down one thing you’re proud of—big or small.
  • Take pride in your appearance by dressing up even for low-key occasions.
  • Embrace new opportunities, even if they feel intimidating. Courage builds self-trust.
  • Shift your language from “I can’t” to “I’ll try.”
  • Ask for help when you need it, and accept support graciously.

Social media can be uplifting or toxic—often both. Recently, more influencers are sharing ‘Instagram vs Reality’ images to show how poses, lighting, and editing create deceptive beauty standards. This transparency helps reveal that nobody is flawless—even those who seem to fit traditional standards experience acne, cellulite, rolls, or scars.

  • Curate your feed: Follow accounts that promote diversity, authenticity, and body acceptance. Unfollow pages that make you feel inadequate.
  • Remember: Most images represent curated highlights, not reality.
  • Body positivity means all bodies—all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds—deserve respect and visibility.
What Hurts ConfidenceWhat Builds Confidence
Comparing yourself to others onlinePracticing daily affirmations
Judging your body harshly in photosNurturing positive real-life connections
Focusing on perceived flawsCelebrating your strengths and milestones
Internalizing toxic standardsCurating a healthy, inclusive media diet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I practice body positivity if I don’t love my body all the time?

A: Yes. Body positivity is about acceptance and respect, not constant love or perfection. Allowing yourself neutral or complex feelings about your body is still progress.

Q: What can I do daily to feel more confident?

A: Establish morning rituals such as exercise, affirmations, or choosing a confidence-boosting outfit. Take small steps toward self-care and record things you’re proud of each day.

Q: How do I handle setbacks or bad body image days?

A: Recognize that all feelings are valid. Lean on your support system, revisit your affirmations, or engage in a self-care ritual. Most importantly, remind yourself you are your own toughest critic.

Q: What should I do if social media makes me feel inadequate?

A: Curate your feed intentionally—follow accounts that celebrate real bodies and mute those that diminish your self-worth. Remember: Images are curated and often edited. Reality is always more complex and beautiful.

Q: How can I support others in their body positivity journey?

A: Offer encouragement and focus on non-appearance-based compliments. Foster open, honest dialogue, and celebrate each other’s wins—no matter how small.

Additional Resources and Support Lines

  • National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): Offers information and support for those struggling with body image and eating disorders.
  • Body Positive: An organization providing educational resources and community for all ages and backgrounds.
  • Online Communities: Seek positive, moderated groups and hashtags promoting diverse voices and self-love journeys.

Key Takeaways

  • Body positivity isn’t contingent on size, shape, or ‘flawlessness’—everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated.
  • Daily rituals, affirmations, and supportive relationships are essential tools for building self-confidence.
  • Media and society may set narrow standards, but you define your own worth.
  • Growth, healing, and self-acceptance are nonlinear; allow yourself time and compassion along the journey.

Embracing genuine body positivity isn’t an endpoint. It’s a process—a continual relearning to see the beauty in yourself and others every single day. As model Kayla Jane Jones and so many others show, lasting confidence is possible when it’s rooted in compassion, inclusion, and daily mindful practice. Let today be the start of that journey for you.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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