Personality - the blend of all of the characteristics and qualities that make a person unique (from the Greek word “persona”, meaning mask) Influences on Personality: Heredity – genetic traits Gender Temperament Environment – the result of experiences Skills Beliefs Friends Life Events School Family Culture 3 Categories of Personality Traits: 1. Emotional Traits 2. Social Traits 3. Intellectual Traits 3 Categories of Personality Traits: 1. Emotional Traits 2. Social Traits 3. Intellectual Traits

1. Emotional Traits – anger, fear, sadness, disgust, anticipation, joy, acceptance, etc. Controlling Emotional Traits: ▪ Identify the emotion that is causing the problem ▪ Identify the cause of the emotion ▪ List what you can do to manage the emotion – steps to take, tools needed ▪ Take action Your friend says something at lunch that hurts your feelings, so you get angry and leave the cafeteria – but what you’re really feeling is hurt. To manage the emotion, you could… punch your friend end the friendship say something mean to them to hurt them too ignore it and act like it didn’t happen talk it out with your friend Your friend says something at lunch that hurts your feelings, so you get angry and leave the cafeteria – but what you’re really feeling is hurt. To manage the emotion, you could… punch your friend end the friendship say something mean to them to hurt them too ignore it and act like it didn’t happen talk it out with your friend

2. Social Traits – interactions with and treatment of others Introvert - a person who enjoys time alone and is content or satisfied with individual pursuits; tends to internalize feelings and emotions; is not very “social”; is often perceived as “shy” or “quiet” Extrovert – a person who enjoys and prefers being around and talking with others; tends to be outgoing; is often perceived as “the center of attention” or “life of the party”

3. Intellectual Traits – mental abilities (thought processes) Logical Processes – making deductions and predicting consequences Critical Thinking – evaluating situations, recognizing bias, examining alternatives Creativity – imagination, vision, resourcefulness

Attitude – one’s basic outlook on life that is made up by 3 basic reactions: 1. Mental – your beliefs about the topic/situation THOUGHTS 2. Emotional – your feelings related to the topic/situation FEELINGS 3. Behavioral – your reactions to your beliefs and feelings ACTIONS Example of the 3 reactions of attitude: 1. You believe a project is “stupid and a waste of time.” 2.You feel angry and frustrated that you have to do it. 3. You act uninterested and procrastinate, and put little effort, thought or creativity into it.

has some basis in heredity affected by serotonin – a brain chemical that affects mood, sleep, appetite, etc. and plays a major role in emotional and mental health (depression, bi-polar disorder, etc.). Exercise and proper nutrition can increase serotonin production. ▪ can be controlled and changed Anatomy of Attitude:

Benefits of a Positive Attitude: ▪ helps build healthy relationships ▪ aids problem solving ▪ helps attainment of goals ▪ helps maintain health

Self-Esteem – the way you feel about yourself; your level of confidence in yourself Steps to Building Self-Esteem 1. Accept yourself A. Recognize your strengths, talents and abilities. See yourself for who you Are, not who you AREN’T. B. Recognize any limitations as differences, not barriers. Learn to get past your limitations and accept yourself the way you are willing to accept others. Steps to Building Self-Esteem 1. Accept yourself A. Recognize your strengths, talents and abilities. See yourself for who you Are, not who you AREN’T. B. Recognize any limitations as differences, not barriers. Learn to get past your limitations and accept yourself the way you are willing to accept others.

2.Forgive yourself – no one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. Learn to accept criticism. 3. Learn a new skill – find something you like to do, then DO it. Choose something that is realistic for you that you can accomplish.

4.Reach out to others - shift the focus from yourself to other people. Help someone in need. 5.Be positive – make a conscious effort to see the brighter side of every situation. Try to surround yourself with other positive individuals – attitude tends to be “contagious.” 6.Be assertive – you have the right to your opinion and your feelings. Stand up for yourself and your beliefs.