Your SelfConcept How to build a positive selfconcept

Your Self-Concept How to build a positive self-concept How to accept constructive criticism How good health habits can contribute to a positive self-concept

Vocabulary n 1. Self-concept – mental picture of yourself n 2. Self-esteem – the ability to respect yourself n 3. Self-confidence – faith in your abilities n 4. Constructive criticism – someone’s evaluation of you that encourages you and helps you become a better person

How You See Yourself n During the teen years – and throughout life – it is important to have a positive self-concept n It includes your views about your personality traits and about what activities you do well n Your self-concept is influenced by the people around you n It will develop throughout your life n Another term is self-image n Your self-image does not always stay the same

A Positive You n Success in life depends on developing a positive self-concept n A positive self-concept will give you the confidence to try new things, make new friends, etc.

Improving Your Self-Concept n 1. Cheerfulness – being cheerful means being happy, friendly, and seeing the bright side of life n 2. Cleanliness and Neatness – start each day by wearing fresh, clean clothes, and practicing good grooming habits. In addition to being neat with your personal appearance, take care of your possessions

n 3. Honesty – telling the truth, being sincere, and being loyal are ways to show your honesty n 4. Thoughtfulness – think about how your actions affect other people. Help others without being asked. Use good manners, and remember to say “please” and “thank you” n 5. Responsibility – being responsible means doing your chores and your homework and coming home on time. It also involves accepting the consequences of your actions and decisions

n 6. Resourcefulness – resourcefulness means knowing when to ask for help and where to find information when you need it n 7. Self-control – thinking before you act and setting limits are ways to practice self-control. It includes using your knowledge of right and wrong as a guide for your actions. Selfcontrol could mean learning to control your anger or refusing to try tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.

Building Self-Esteem n When you have a positive self-concept – you like yourself – in turn – you will develop selfesteem n Respecting yourself helps you to use your own judgment, resist peer pressure, and set and achieve your own goals n When you care about yourself – you will not do anything to hurt yourself

Gaining Self-Confidence n n You need to have self-confidence to have a positive self-concept You gain self-confidence every time you do something well – even small things Success helps you gain confidence in your abilities Recognize things you do well – give credit for success instead of dwelling on mistakes

Accepting Constructive Criticism n Learning to accept constructive criticism is a good way to improve your self-concept n Constructive criticism helps you improve yourself n Accepting and using constructive criticism will help you to improve your skills

Taking Care of Your Health n Practice good grooming. Brush and floss teeth twice a day. Take care of your skin, hair, eyes, and nails. n Get enough sleep – about eight hours each night n Eat nutritious foods. Balance your diet to include a variety of foods at each meal

n Keep your body in shape. Exercise regularly. Play tennis, jump rope, ride a bike, jog, or just walk n Learn to handle stress. Talk to someone you trust about your problems

Making Improvements n You can make a difference in your life by developing personal qualities. Getting to know yourself and accepting constructive criticism are two ways to begin. Once you identify the areas in your life that need improvement, you will be on your way toward a positive self-concept.