Chapter 2 : Attitude, Motivation, and Integrity

The Importance of Positive and Motivated Attitudes A positive attitude encourages: Higher productivity An openness to learning at school and on the job School and job satisfaction Creativity in solving problems and finding solutions The ability to work with diverse people Enthusiasm and a “can do” outlook Confidence and higher self esteem The ability to channel stress and increase energy A sense of purpose and direction

Success in your personal life, school, and career, is more dependent on positive attitude, motivation, and effort than on inborn ability or intelligence.

People who have a negative attitude tend to: Feel that they are victims and helpless to make changes Focus on the worst that can happen in a situation Blame external circumstances for their attitude Focus on the negative in people and situations Look at adversity as something that will last forever Be angry and blame other people

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow, a well known psychologist, developed the theory of hierarchy of needs According to his theory, the lower level needs such as physiological needs (like food and water) must first be met before satisfying higher order needs. 1.Physiological needs (food and water) 2.Safety and security (shelter) 3.Recognition 4.Self-Esteem 5.Self-Actualization

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Self- Actualization Self-Esteem Recognition Safety and Security Physiological Needs

Motivational Strategies: How to become motivated when you need a push Act as if you ARE motivated Use affirmations Use visualization Use goals as motivational tools Understand expectations Study in teams Stay physically and mentally healthy Learn to reframe-choosing to see a situation in the best possible light Reward yourself Make learning relevant-make the connection between college and work

The POWER of Affirmation and Visualization

Let’s take a minute and explore the differences between high school and college

What are some of the benefits of higher education? Besides economic benefits (more $$), people who attend at least 2 years of college tend to: Make better decisions Be willing to learn new skills Have more hobbies and leisure activities Have a longer life expectancy Be healthier Be more involved in the community Have more discipline and perseverance Have more self-confidence Learn to adapt to change

The most common reasons students do not graduate Poor study skills and habits Lack of time-management skills Lack of preparation for the demands and requirements of college Inability to handle the freedom of college Too much partying Lack of motivation or purpose Failure to attend class regularly Failure to ask for help early Lack of effort and time spent in studying Failure to take responsibility for education (getting to know instructors, knowing expectations, setting goals, understanding deadlines, making up tests, redoing papers)

Succeeding in college is not always a matter of ability, but of effort, commitment, motivation, and responsibility. These personal qualities are essential for school and work success.

Personal qualities are important competencies for success at school and in the workplace Responsibility Self-Management Motivation Honesty Self-Control Integrity Character

Self Esteem and confidence are positive qualities.

There are ways to build self esteem and confidence. Here are some tips: Focus on your strengths and positive qualities. Learn to be resilient and bounce back after disappointments. Use affirmations and visualizations to replace negative thoughts. Take responsibility for your life instead of blaming others Learn skills that give you opportunities and confidence in your abilities Focus on giving, not receiving, and make others feel appreciated. Create a support system for yourself

Your beliefs and expectations about yourself can also limit or expand success. Other people’s expectations of you may cause you to redefine who you think you are and what you are capable of achieving.