Make the Most of Your Life Chapter 1 Creative Living Skills

Objectives Describe characteristics of personality Distinguish between self concept and self esteem Suggest strategies for boosting self esteem Explain the connection between competence and confidence Identify the benefits of a positive attitude

Getting to Know Yourself Personality – the combination of characteristics that makes you different from every other person. Emotional Social Intellectual Become apparent to others through our behavior

Personality Combination of feelings, character traits, attitudes and habits you display to others Makes you unique-one of a kind Heredity-traits from parents Environment- everything around you

Self- Concept – sometimes referred to as self image or identity is based on our own perceptions of what we are good at and what our skills and talents our. Self concept is influenced by what we have experienced, what people say, and what we say to ourselves. Do you have a realistic self concept?

Self concept The picture you have of yourself and the way you believe other see you Shaped by experiences throughout life Parents and family Friends and peers Changes with new experiences Age of person Life cycle Heredity and environment influences

Negative vs. Positive Negative – focus on my weaknesses, lose confidence Positive – realistic about successes and failures, does not mean you are perfect.

Self-esteem The value or importance a person places on themselves. It is important because it has a strong influence on behavior and well being.

Learn to accept praise Focus on your strengths Accept your self as you are Learn from your mistakes Use your strengths to help others Take responsibility for your own life

Positive or high self esteem- feeling good about who you are Accept who you are Set high but realistic goals Look at your strengths and be proud of accomplishments Believe in your self Get involved in worth while activities

Negative or low self esteem – not feeling really good about who you are Put others down Doesn’t try to meet new challenges Unhappy with self Easy to become involved in outward things (drugs, gangs) to make self feel better Give up easily Put self down

Be all that you can be Realize your potential – the capability of becoming more than you are right now. Sidetracked from reaching your potential by our own attitudes and circumstances block progress. Procrastination- may reflect an inability to set priorities and to be self disciplined. If you constantly procrastinate you fail to make use of your potential.

Personal growth-working toward your potential. Involves learning and practicing new skills, you are never to old to change and learn.

Make a change for the Better Barriers to change-fear, thinking you have to do it all yourself, forgetting that it takes time. Opportunities for change-develop a plan, need 2 qualities: competence and confidence Competence-having the qualities and the skills needed to perform a task or participate fully in an activity.

Gain some confidence-believe in yourself Self assurance Self control Willingness to take reasonable risks Positive self concept and high self esteem

Set goals for change Feeling confident and competence provides a sense of power and purpose. Set goals and then make them a reality

Challenges are a part of life and everyone has to deal with them. Life’s challenges Change isn’t always something you work toward, some changes happen whether you want them to or not. Special challenges during your teen years. Look ahead Think positive Take advantage of new abilities Get help when you need it Challenges are a part of life and everyone has to deal with them.

Positive attitude Resilient- able to recover from or adjust to change or misfortune Persevere-to work patiently to overcome challenges Accept that some things cannot be changed Work on those that can be changed

Develop a positive attitude Count your blessings, not your misfortunes Work with what you have Welcome change Find the right opportunity Don’t fear failure

Taking Care of Yourself Chapter 2

Objectives: Define the concept of wellness Discuss ways to promote physical, mental/emotional, and social health Propose strategies for managing stress Describe safety precautions appropriate for various situations Explain the connection between abstinence and wellness Identify sources of information about health

Health and Wellness Health has 3 main aspects: physical, mental and social Each aspect is interrelated Wellness is an approach to life. That emphasizes taking positive steps toward overall good health. Taking responsibility for you well being, being informed and making appropriate decisions

Physical Health Nutrition Physical activity – body is designed to move Healthy eating can reduce the risks of weight problems, heart disease, diabetes and some forms of cancer. Physical activity – body is designed to move Look and feel better Greater strength and endurance Maintain weight Manage stress Feel alert Rest – need 8 hours of sleep to repair and revitalize Problems concentrating

Medical care –regular checkups help detect problems early Hygiene-cleanliness A matter of simple good habits, shower or bath, brushing & flossing, keeping hair and nails clean Medical care –regular checkups help detect problems early

Mental/Emotional Health Can you think clearly, feel good about yourself and able to cope with life’s demands. Maximize your mental/emotional health Challenge to learn new things Put your talents to good use Learn from mistakes Focus on the positive Take responsibility for your choices Be open minded and flexible Develop positive ways to handle emotions

Social Health Concerns the relationships you have with the friends and family Treat others with kindness and respect Good communication Your role in society –are you making a difference

Managing Stress Stress is your body’s response to feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities and demands The Key-to learn how to manage

Managing Multiple Roles Causes of Stress Family and Friends Pressure on yourself Major life events –divorce, death, serious illness Daily hassles Not all stress is bad – in a crisis stress helps focus the mind and body to act Managing Multiple Roles Roles are the parts you play when you interact with others.

Stress Management Techniques Get Moving Make time for yourself Talk to someone Plan ahead Be realistic Learn from experience Learn to say no

Stay Safe Take responsibility for your safety Be aware of the risks Be prepared Stay within your limits Follow the rules Know how to protect your self from accidents

On the Road Wear a safety belt Follow traffic laws Never mix alcohol and vehicles Stay focused Drive defensively

Protect yourself from violence & crime Wherever you are, stay aware of surroundings At home Keep doors and windows locked If family violence seek help Online Internet safety a major concern You do not know who you can trust School Tell if it sounds dangerous Community Walk well lighted areas, keep valuables out of sight. Appear confident

Avoid risky behavior Abstinence of sexual activity, tobacco, alcohol and other drugs

Developing Character Chapter 3

Objectives: Explain how character impacts individuals and society. Analyze the relationship between values and character Compare ways people acquire values. Explain the importance of living according to one’s personal standards. Describe how people can make ethical choices.

What is character? People who have character possess moral strength and integrity. They understand the difference between right and wrong. Accept and live by moral principles – such as honesty, respect and caring. Developing character is an important responsibility it promotes well being of self and society Developing character is something you must work at Mentor-someone who acts as a teacher or guide.

Importance of values Values are the foundation which character is built. Values are beliefs and ideas about what is important. Your actions, the decisions you make and the kind of person you are all reflect our values. Universal values- values for all in society – respect, fairness, responsibility, caring and honesty Values are learned both directly and indirectly.

Living by your values Consider the consequences Listen to your conscience Turn to your family Gain knowledge Evaluate the source Talk to others

Setting your Standards A personal standard is a rule or principle you set for yourself. It guides your behavior by defining what you do and don’t do. Personal standards prevent you from making choices based on the mood of the moment or on peer pressure. Setting personal standards ahead of time is a way of being proactive-taking the initiative to think and plan ahead for situations they might encounter. A proactive person takes control of life experiences rather then letting life experiences control them.

Making Ethical choices Ethical choices are the choices you make based on your ethics – the principles and values that guide the way you live. They are based on what is fair, right, just , caring and best for all people involved. Developing character is a learning process Character is rooted in positive values and exhibited in a person’s actions. It withstands the test of time and it is always there –even when no one is looking.

Making a Difference Chapter 4

Doing your Part As you think about making a difference, remember this important point: every effort counts.

Showing responsibility Being responsible means you are both reliable and accountable- willing to accept the consequences of your actions and words. Take on Leadership roles Leadership involves giving people the direction they need to achieve their goals. Success comes from collaboration, the cooperative efforts of everyone