Life is a journey, and so is the path to mastering your mindset. It’s a long (and often quite painful) process, but once you start to get there, you realise it is so much worth it! Just as muscles can be a mask for one’s inner struggles, height can be the subject of unfair stereotypes. I feel it is my mission to help break them, and while being on my own journey to self-discovery and understanding, I want it to be an inspiration and a way to support others, too, in mastering their mindset and breaking free from the constraints of height-based assumptions.

What have I learned so far? You will know all about it if you’ve read my book… but I wrote that three years ago, and have not stopped in my personal development since then, so I like to think I am a bit of a better person now. Let’s dive in.

Embrace Self-Reflection

I recently wrote about my musings over the link between fitness and mental health. Much like the young man at the gym who appeared confident and strong, height can be deceptive. Begin your journey by embracing self-reflection. Take a moment to ponder the times when you may have been judged or have judged others based on height. Acknowledge these moments as opportunities for growth instead of letting them get you down, depressed, unappreciated or misunderstood.

As this quote from my book goes, try to perceive what you think is a disadvantage as an advantage:

Challenge Your Assumptions

As you evolve on your journey, challenge your own assumptions about people based on their height, or any other physical features you may not necessarily like. Remember, there’s far more to an individual than their appearance. If you want others to see you as a person and not just as a tall woman/man, you need to apply this strategy to them, too: it is a two-way street. Keep an open heart and an open mind, and you’ll discover that height does not define a person’s character, neither do any other aspects of their looks. It is not always easy, and I am guilty just as anyone else of judging others sometimes… but it is all work in progress!

Celebrate Individuality

Celebrate the uniqueness of every individual you encounter. Just as the gym-goer had his own journey behind those impressive muscles, everyone has their personal experiences and stories. Appreciate the diversity of humanity and recognise that there’s beauty in our differences. I don’t expect others to be the same as me, and, frankly, I wouldn’t like them to be. That’s what I love the most about communicating with people: exploring differences and learning from that! Which is one more reason I love to connect with my fans/followers: they are all different, but have one thing in common: appreciation for height – which is a great starting point.

Engage in Open Dialogue

Engage in open, meaningful conversations with people of all heights (or all physical attributes, for that matter). By doing so, you can break down the barriers that height stereotypes create. These conversations will not only deepen your understanding but also reveal the true essence of each person you meet. Prepare to hear stuff you may find offensive sometimes: after all, not everyone is on the same page as you.

Be even more open minded when communicating with people from other nationalities who may not be aware that something they say offends you. I recently challenged a follower who called me a giant… on my own Facebook page. It turned out, he meant that in a good way, just his knowledge of English wasn’t as extensive, so he clearly struggled to convey his message of admiration well enough.

Having said that, there was another one who reinforced his message that yes, he did actually mean to insult me, and went further by calling me a monster. Well, being open minded is not endless… so don’t hesitate to use the “block” button!

Spread Positivity and Awareness

Take your newfound wisdom and spread it to others. Encourage a more open-minded approach to height and help people understand the importance of not making assumptions based on physical attributes. In doing so, you contribute to creating a world where everyone is valued for their true selves.

Just as the journey behind the muscles can be filled with ups and downs, the journey beyond height stereotypes is one of growth and enlightenment. Your mindset is a powerful tool for transforming the world around you, and by breaking free from these stereotypes, you’re not only changing your perspective but also the lives of those you touch.