Self-Awareness & Personality Notes   Interpersonal Relationships

WHO ARE YOU?

Personality - the group of behavioral and emotional traits that distinguishes and individual. Or (from the Greek word “persona”, meaning mask) or sum of all hereditary and inherited traits one has. Influences on Personality: Heredity – ( Inherited) biological genetic traits Biological family Basic physical appearance Gender Behavior Temperament Attitude   Environment– (Aquired) the result of experiences Family situation Relationships within family Skills Beliefs/religion Friends Life Events School Culture Do you feel there is anything a person cannot change or control about their personality? 3 Categories of Personality Traits: 1. Emotional Traits 2. Social Traits 3. Intellectual Traits

Don’t carry your “issues” around with you. Instead, place them under your feet and use them as stepping stones. Never regret. If it’s good, it’s wonderful. If it’s bad, it’s experience.

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

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 / intellectual (thought processes) Inherited potential w/ growth resulting from responses to experiences and environment. Logical Processes – making deductions and predicting consequences Critical Thinking – evaluating situations, recognizing bias, examining alternatives Creativity – imagination, vision, resourcefulness

Anatomy of Attitude: 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 “Fake it Until you Make It” – Eric Clark, CHS Dean

Attitude – An outlook that is made up by 3 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.

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 self confidence

Steps to a good self esteem Measure yourself honestly Practice Positive Self Talk Forgive yourself Accept Things You Cannot Change Learn a new skill Reach out to others Focus on the Present Be positive Take One Step At A Time Be assertive Be a Friend to Yourself

Steps to Building Self-Esteem 1. Accept yourself/ Measure yourself honestly A. See your strengths, talents and abilities. See yourself for who you Are, not who you AREN’T. B. See 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 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.

Reach out to others - shift the focus from yourself to other people. Help someone in need. 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.” Be assertive – you have the right to your opinion and your feelings. Stand up for yourself and your beliefs.

Steps to a Good Self Esteem Measure Yourself Honestly Practice Positive Self Talk Accept Things You Cannot Change Focus on the Present Take One step At A Time Be a Friend to Yourself Contemporary Living GW 2066 pg 71-72

Self Awareness Vocabulary Compassion- understanding and feeling “ sorry “ for someone’s feelings or situation and wanting to help them. First Impression- The 1st opinion formed. What you think the first time you see, hear, or hear about something, someplace, or someone. Uniqueness- Something that makes you different from others. A difference

Find and discuss appropriate songs that reflect the steps for a good self esteem.

Measure yourself honestly Practice Positive Self Talk Forgive yourself Accept Things You Cannot Change Learn a new skill Reach out to others Focus on the Present Be positive Take One Step At A Time Be assertive Be a Friend to Yourself