Want to stop being a slave to magazines, diet books, and TV shows that say you're still 30 pounds away from perfect? We know it's tough to break the concept that you're no one unless you look like Jessica Simpson or George Clooney, but by changing your outlook, you'll start to see what's already special about you. Here are a few great ways to empower yourself and others around you.

1.    Don't mention weight in conversation. Discussions of weight loss and dieting can be damaging, especially to young girls who might overhear you. To set a positive example for children, it's important that they see you accepting your own body, with whatever imperfections you might have. If you want to eat a salad, eat a salad – just don't spend the whole lunch talking about your weight loss plan.

2.    Focus on your strengths. Are you the star goalie in your weekly soccer game? Could you thrash Jimi Hendrix on guitar? Do you know how to make the best oatmeal raisin cookies on Earth? No matter what your talents, we're sure you've got plenty of them – so don't worry about what you see in the mirror. When you feel confident and proud of your accomplishments, you naturally feel better about your looks.

3.    Exercise for the right reasons. Don't think of your work-out routine as punishment for that brownie you ate last night – just think of it as fun. If your current workout isn't so inspiring, try getting outdoors. There's nothing like a bike ride on a mountain trail or a snowshoe walk in a forest to get your adrenaline pumping in a good way.

4.     Talk with your wallet. How much of your money are you spending on diet books, exercise equipment, and hair and skin care? Even plenty of guys spend thousands each year on hair dye and weight loss treatments – but do you really need all that? Look at what you're spending, and see where you can cut back. You'll probably save enough for a year's worth of Starbucks.

5.    Speak out. Are you peeved at Redbook for airbrushing Faith Hill's wrinkles into oblivion? Guys, do the ads in Maxim make you ashamed of your gender? If something a company is doing bothers you, send them a letter or email. When we make enough noise, they can't help but listen. To find company addresses, visit Media Watch.


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