Making the Most of your life Chapter 1

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

Key Terms Personality Self-Concept Self-Esteem Potential Procrastination Personal Growth Competence Resilient Persevere

Personal Growth Adolescent Development – Adolescent comes from a Latin word meaning “to grow up.” It includes: Becoming physically mature Coming to a greater acceptance of physical appearance Thinking abstractly Establishing a sense of identity Balancing family and peer influences Developing closer relationships

Continued Transitioning to independent living, work, or college Realistically assessing risks Recognizing and managing emotions Developing a sense of values and ethical behaviors Ages 12 or 13 to 21

Quick Write Who are you? Jot down five things you might say if you needed to introduce yourself to someone.

Life Life is like sailing It takes skills, effort and practice to navigate the waters. It is not always easy. Because, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get.”

Your Personality Your journey begins with understanding who you are right now. Personality – combination of characteristics that makes you different from every other person.

Characteristics of Personality Emotional – Happiness, love, fear, anger. Social – How you relate to others. Do you like being around people or do you like to be by yourself? Intellectual – How do you express yourself? Through words, actions or art?

Self-Concept Self-Concept – The way you see yourself. Self-Concept influences your life in many different ways: ◦ It affects the way you feel about yourself ◦ Your relationships with others ◦ The goals you set your yourself and your effectiveness in school and the workplace

Self-Concept Cont.... Negative Messages – focusing too much on their weaknesses instead of their strengths. Positive Messages – Focusing on the encouraging and strengths of yourself.

Building Self-Esteem Self-Esteem – the value or importance you place on yourself. ◦ Learn to accept praise ◦ Focus on your strengths ◦ Accept yourself as you are ◦ Learn from your mistakes ◦ Use your strengths to help others ◦ Take responsibility for your own life

Realizing your Potential Potential – the capability of becoming more than you are right now. Procrastination – the tendency to put off doing something until later.

Personal Growth Personal Growth – the process of working toward your potential. ◦ Involves learning and practicing new skills ◦ The more you learn, the more you are able to learn ◦ Get closer to your potential growth ◦ Is a lifelong process ◦ Never to old to change and learn

Making Positive Changes There is always something that all of us would like to change. Some changes can be quick, others take time and need to be completed on step at a time.

Barriers to Change Don’t want to make the effort. Think that they have to do it all themselves Procrastinating ◦ Making a plan, setting goals, and becoming accountable are ways to overcome these barriers.

Opportunities for Change Some want to change in order to make life better or more interesting. ◦ If you are dissatisfied with something about your life you are able to change and make it better. You will need two qualities:  Competence  Confidence

Developing Competence Competence – having the qualities and skills needed to perform a task or participate fully in an activity. ◦ You are competent in many areas, use those strengths and move forward

Gaining Confidence Confidence means believing in yourself and your abilities. ◦ Self-assurance ◦ Self-control ◦ Willingness to take reasonable risks ◦ Positive self-concept and high self-esteem Confidence grows stronger each time you succeed. Competence builds confidence and vice versa.

Setting Goals for Change Feeling confident and competent provides a sense of power and purpose. Set goals that you can attain. Change is a gradual process. Do it one step at a time.

Meeting Life’s Challenges It isn’t always something that you work toward. Sometimes they happen by themselves. ◦ Look ahead ◦ Think positive ◦ Take advantage of new abilities ◦ Get help when you need it

A Positive Attitude Resilient – able to recover from or adjust to change or misfortune. Persevere – to work patiently to overcome challenges ◦ When you are feeling discouraged this is when you need to focus on positive thoughts. I always enjoy the Serenity Prayer. When you feel alone look towards someone that can help. (family, religious leaders, school counselours)

Developing a Positive Attitude Count your blessings not your misfortunes Work with what you have Welcome change Find the right opportunity Don’t fear failure