So the old saying goes, but here at Models Direct we like to think that everyone is capable of going that one step further in the goal of self-improvement.

No doubt most models are content in one way or another in the way their careers are shaping up. Some of you might even have exceeded your expectations over the past few months…to which we say, “Good on you!”

However, it’s basic human nature to strive to be better. This progression could take several guises, and sometimes a personal improvement occurs when you least expect it. Whether it’s conquering a challenge or just making a slight alteration in your daily routine (wow – you really did manage to eat your “five-a-day”!), being the best version of you is realistically achievable. It’s just that some people only need a little push in the right direction, whilst others need a kick up the “you know what”.     

No one claims to know everything, and certainly no one is perfect. That said, being the best you can be is a success in its own right, and will have numerous beneficial knock-on effects: more self-esteem, more motivation, more happiness, a healthier mindset…the list is endless.

The decision to be the best you can be starts with someone that you’ll all know well – because that someone is YOU! We’ve talked a lot about what we can do for our models and our clients. Models should already know we’re in the best position to place models in front of renowned clients looking for the best talent in the industry. But it’s not as simple as this. Motivation, drive and steely resolve are essential traits models must possess to progress. Success doesn’t happen overnight, so whilst our booking team are always at the top of their game, it helps immensely for individuals to be confident and determined. That hunger – the desire to not be content with the bare minimums in life – can really only be achieved by an unwavering tenacity and a realistic outlook by you, and no one else.

Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself if you’ve done everything in your capacity to advance up the rungs of the accomplishment ladder. Don’t worry if you think you’ve been resting too much on your laurels; though we’ve said it’s natural to want to improve, it’s equally common to be happy with the occasional achievement and to leave it at that. But, wait! Could you be doing something more to fulfil your hopes and to tick more boxes? Most probably.

If you haven’t applied with us yet, and you think you’re at the stage where the version of you is primed, ready to go and hungry for success, have a look at the links below to get you in the mood (the reviews alone should really whet your appetite!)

If you’re already a model with us, then you’re probably on the right track in the quest of self-awareness and realisation. There’s no reason, however, to push yourself a little further, and we’re with you all the way!

Be yourself, but don’t be satisfied with second or third best. This sentiment is echoed for the younger generation, where many are starting out on their own paths of self-awareness. Behavioural changes are seen more in the transgression from teenager to adult. Mistakes will be made, success will be experienced, there’ll be highs and lows…in short, that’s the rollercoaster of life!

As long as you’re true to yourself and have the desire to learn new things and become better, you won’t go far wrong. Above all, yearn to improve in all aspects of life, and learn to enjoy the ride.     

Body confidence is an important topic which we’ll talk about here, lending advice to everyone, whether you’re a model – current, soon-to-be or not. It doesn’t matter, to be honest – we hope this reading will benefit everyone reading it.

Can we ever be body positive?

Do you hate it when the summer comes and you don’t know what to wear? You would rather sweat it out than wear something that might even give a sneak peek of your ankles! We know the feeling!

Gaining body confidence is achievable (even if it’s hang-ups about your ankles!) but you’ll need to work at it, a bit like exercising but exercising your thought process. Those niggling thoughts can persistently whisper in the background. Utterly annoying, right?

We deserve to cheer ourselves on because only we can turn our feelings around. We’re unique creatures but mustn’t destroy even a nugget’s worth of positive emotion we have towards ourselves. Those nuggets are precious gems which can then snowball into something bigger, something much more liberating and powerful. Being accepting of who we are and being true to ourselves is the key to freeing our minds of negativity towards ourselves and in turn, just loving who we are! We want to look in the mirror and say, “wow” no matter what! We know it won’t always happen but we can certainly give it our best shot. 

2022 should be your year of trying to love who you are and letting go

Whether that’s letting go of thoughts, ideas, routines, habits and maybe people that bring you down, this year and for the many years to come, should be about enhancing your thought process and promoting body positivity for you and those around you too.

How can we be confident about our bodies?

Here are some ways you can capture the essence of this hot topic.

Positive affirmations

We have thousands of thoughts that run through our minds every day. It is estimated that 50,000 (some sources even state 70,000) are processed so you can say that our brains are prettttty busy! Unfortunately for us, around 70% to 80% of those are not the good ones according to Sarah Lambersky’s Financial Post article. They’re negative, therefore need zoning out and managing efficiently. Can we do this? Yes, of course, we can. It’s no easy task for one person but it’s not impossible either. Positive affirmations can be the beginning of that journey. Repeating only good words to yourself over and over will embed reinforced good thoughts where confidence will come more naturally to you. In the end, hopefully, you’ll give yourself more hope, determination and self-love.

Show yourself that you care

The idea of self-care might not come easily to you especially if you care for others more than yourself. But you matter! You have a right to take care of your thoughts, opinions, feelings and ideas. Learn to love yourself and your body better. Appreciate yourself, your skills, your abilities, your successes and your accomplishments! You are amazing!

It’s me-time

How many times a day do you take time out for yourself? Once? Twice? Maybe no time whatsoever? Well, it’s time to make a change and dedicate some valuable me-time because you deserve to reconnect with yourself. Find yourself, who you are, what makes you tick, what you like and don’t like (preferably not your body), and unleash your confidence, drive and zest for life.

We hope you enjoyed reading this. Let the negativity fizzle away and enjoy life with a more positive outlook on your body.

Regrets are natural. They could be in your personal life or in your career. You may regret not trying out for a sports team or playing an instrument. Sometimes the reason is logical; at other times a little bit of self-doubt creeps in to ruin a perfectly good opportunity. Occasionally this self-doubt is irreversible: that is to say, once you have a feeling of scepticism or uncertainty, you never get over it and won’t look to conquer these negative sentiments. When this happens, self-doubt has won. They’ll be other chances to beat it, but for now, the only thing that has stopped you in your tracks is a lack of confidence…

Confidence – a “faith” in oneself or one’s abilities – is an important factor in modelling. Let’s go back to the original question, “What if…?” If you’ve ever given real consideration to becoming a model, you might already be half-way there. It’s probably a bit of self-awareness and lack of confidence that has proved the defining obstacle to your modelling dreams. 

A lot of people aren’t aware of the genuine prospects modelling can provide: the industry is now openly looking for models of all sizes, shapes, backgrounds, talents and ages (yes, that includes toddlers to the more mature models). And it’s not just clothes or fashion modelling that clients look for either. Unique features are like gold dust, so if you have a distinctive physical characteristic or a particular attribute that stands out, use it to your advantage! Note: we use the word “unique” to mean “special” or “exceptional”, not “different”. As a prospective model, you need to identify your valued assets and have the confidence to take the next step into modelling – and that’s knowing your plus points and getting in touch with Models Direct!

Allow us to be philosophical for a minute. The above definition of confidence is true enough (“A faith in oneself or one’s abilities”), but let’s delve deeper. “Faith” is regarded as a belief without evidence. Here are two examples of confidence and faith, both with different connotations:

1. If you tell a friend that you have “faith” in them in running a full marathon in two hours, you’re not being sincere (after all, no one has ever accomplished a sub-two hour marathon!). All you’re really doing is being over-optimistic to show your support and to psych up your friend. It’s harmless, but ultimately doesn’t mean a lot – you’re not confident at all they’ll be able to run 26 miles in under 120 minutes…who would be?

2. You earnestly tell a would-be model friend they should consider modelling. “But why?” you hear them cry, “I couldn’t do it, could I?” You tell them you have “faith” in their qualities – whether facial features, unique selling points or simply because you know a bit about the industry and what some clients are looking for. You are being genuine in your “faith” because the evidence is there in front of you – the evidence is your friend, staring at you! Your sincere comments then get your friend to thinking about becoming a model. And what did it take? Just a few honest words to increase their confidence. Perhaps, simply, no one ever told your friend they’ve got modelling potential in the first place. What a shame.

Confidence can be either self-appointed or gained. A lot of famous models questioned their potential before their successful careers. In many interviews, Cara Delevingne stated frankly she was bullied at school and felt no sense of self-worth. Look at her now! Leading up to inventing the light bulb, Thomas Edison failed so many times he nearly gave up. But, as we know, he didn’t, and went on to quip, “I have not failed ten thousand times—I’ve successfully found ten thousand ways that will not work.”

There are many things that hold certain people back: children, work, lack of motivation. These are all viable, and people shouldn’t be judged on these alone. A fear of failure is also justifiable, but is easier to overcome. It comes down to needing that spark of confidence to take them to the next level. Don’t give up at the first sign of failure: use it as a learning curve to gain more knowledge and to come back stronger. 

Confidence – everyone has the ability to have it and to use it. But treat it with respect. Too much of it can sour a relationship (personal or business) and can even prevent you from accepting help or ideas from others. Use it wisely. “Confidence won’t always produce results, but it will give you the best possible chance.”

Our advice is straightforward. Do a little research, and if you’re seriously thinking about modelling in any capacity, please get in touch. We’ll consider your look and are happy to discuss anything with you. We know what to look for. Don’t look back at a missed opportunity by mulling over the “What if…?” question. Have the confidence to take the first move. After all, you have nothing to lose.

We’ll leave you on a humorous note. There’s one activity where self-doubt is absolutely necessary to avoid repeat disasters: “If at first you don’t succeed, maybe skydiving isn’t for you.” And if you try it again after an unsuccessful first time, you must be really confident. Or bonkers.