Personal Development PDF

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT The Benefits of self-concept LESSON 1: Conduct Self-Exploration and Simple HAPPINESS Disclosure You will be happier when you can express who you...

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT The Benefits of self-concept LESSON 1: Conduct Self-Exploration and Simple HAPPINESS Disclosure You will be happier when you can express who you are. Expressing your desires will make it more likely SELF that you get what you want. Is the union of element namely: body, thoughts, LESS INNER CONFLICT feeling or emotion and sensations that constitute the When your outside actions are in accordance with individuality and identity of a person. your inside feelings and values, you will experience less inner conflict. IDEAL SELF BETTER DECISION MAKING Self that you aspire to be When you know yourself, you are able to make The one that you hope will possess characteristics better choices about everything, from small similar to that of a mentor or some wordly figure decisions like which sweater you’ll buy to big ACTUAL SELF decisions like which partner you’ll spend your life The one that you actually see with. You'll have guidelines you can apply to solve The self that has characteristics that you were life’s varied problems. nurtured or, in some case born to have SELF-CONTROL When you know yourself, you understand what ALIGNMENT IS IMPORTANT motivates you to resist bad habits and develop good If the way that you are (the actual self) aligned with ones. You'll have the insight to know which values the way that you want to be (the ideal self), then you and goals activate your willpower. will feel a sense of mental well-being or peace of RESISTANCE TO SOCIAL PRESSURE mind. If the way that you are not aligned with how When you are grounded in your values and you want to be, the incongruence, or lack of preferences, you are less likely to say “yes” when alignment, will result in mental distress or anxiety. you want to say “no.” TOLERANCE AND UNDERSTANDING OF OTHERS SELF-CONCEPT Your awareness of your own foibles and struggles 1. unique to the individual can help you empathize with others. 2. can be positive or negative VITALITY AND PLEASURE 3. has emotional, intellectual, and functional Being who you truly are helps you feel more alive 4. dimensions and makes your experience of life richer, larger, and 5. changes with the environmental context more exciting. 6. changes over time 7. has a powerful influence on one’s life PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS means making use of all the personal resources – According to CARL ROGERS, he believed that there were talents, skills, energy and time, to enable you to three different part of the self-concept. It includes the: achieve life goals. self-image self-esteem Here are some skills that will greatly increase the efficiency ideal self of any person who owns them: DETERMINATION SELF-ESTEEM allows you to focus only on achieving a specific goal Self-esteem, or how much you value yourself. A without being distracted by less important things or number of factors can impact self-esteem, including spontaneous desire. how we compare ourselves to others and how others SELF-CONFIDENCE respond to us. When people respond positively to our appears in the process of personal development, as a behavior, we are more likely to develop positive self- result of getting aware of yourself, your actions and esteem. their consequences. Self-confidence is manifested in  speech, appearance, dressing, gait, and physical All three aspects of the self work together in perfect harmony condition. when attention is paid to all three simultaneously. PERSISTENCE makes you keep moving forward regardless of PHYSICAL ASPECT emerging obstacles – problems, laziness, bad Many individuals put a strong emphasis on the emotional state, etc. It reduces the costs of physical aspect of the self. The body is tangible, overcoming obstacles. obvious, and we respond to it easily. More time and MANAGING STRESS money is spent on enhancing the physical helps combat stress that arises in daily life from the component than either of the other two aspects. This environment and other people. Stress arises from the does not mean, however, that the body is healthy or uncenrtainty in an unknown situation when a lack of strong. The body provides a place to house the spirit information creates the risk of negative (often experienced as feelings) and the mind (often consequences of your actions. experienced as thought). PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS INTELLECTUAL ASPECT help cope with the problems encountered with a lack It may be important to some that their mind be of experience. prominent and well educated. The mind is important, CREATIVITY as it is the part of the self that directs the other two allows you to find extraordinary ways to carry out a aspects. The mind learns what to do and specific action that no one has tried to use. communicates the information to the body and the GENERATING IDEAS feelings. What the mind believes, the body manifests helps you achieve goals using new, original, or acts on, and the emotions feel, or respond with. unconventional ideas. Idea is a mental image of an People store both healthy and destructive thoughts object formed by the human mind, which can be and beliefs and responds to life's circumstances in changed before being implemented in the real world. the most prominent manner. The mind provides For generating ideas you can use a method mental access creativity and serenity which are necessary maps, which allows you to materialize, visualize, for such processes as prayer, forgiveness, acceptance, and scrutinize all your ideas, which in turn and passion. contributes to the emergence of new ideas. EMOTIONAL ASPECT The human emotions are the most feared aspect of 7 Reasons Why We Should Put Our Talents, Gifts or the self, as individuals are reluctant and unprepared Strengths to Use: to manage them. Managing feelings is like trying to 1. Other people can benefit from them hold water in the palm of your hand. They are 2. Ither lives may change because of our talents illusive and deceptive. A decision made under 3. Leads to a more satisfying life emotional stress and strain usually impacts emotions 4. We can make money out of them negatively. Negative emotions that are not managed 5. Let us leave a lasting impression to people are stored and repressed. Repression is destructive to 6. Leads to faster growth and development a content self since all feelings, not only negative 7. Show appreciation to the giver ones are stored away. Accessing feelings when they are needed now becomes difficult, leaving the individual numb and hopeless. Lesson 2: Developing the Whole Person DEVELOPING THE WHOLE PERSON 5 Areas of Personal Development An individual is composed of three basic but very different PHYSIOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT aspects of the self. They are the: the physical changes in the body as well as the senses physical or tangible aspects as they relate to the body, and changes in skills related to movement. the intellectual and conscious aspects as they relate Physical health is defined as the condition of your to the mind, and body, taking into consideration everything from the the emotional and intuitive aspects as they relate to absence of disease to fitness level. the spirit. Physical health is critical for overall well-being and can SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT be affected by: It is about our innate capacity to relate with others, Lifestyle: diet, level of physical activity, and to connect, and to feel the sense of belongingness. behavior (eating unhealthy foods); refers to how people develop social and emotional Human biology: a person’s genetics and physiology skills across the lifespan, with particular attention to may make it easier or harder to achieve good childhood and adolescence. Healthy social physical health; development allows us to form positive relationships Environment: our surroundings and exposure to with family, friends, teachers, and other people in factors such as sunlight or toxic substances; and our lives. Healthcare service: good healthcare can help Social Development most often refers to how a prevent illness, as well as to detect and treat illness. person develops friendships and other relationships and how a person handles conflict with peers. EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT It has something to do with the feelings that you Healthy social development can help you: experience. Develop Communication Skills. An ability to Emotional health is an important part of overall interact with others allows us for more opportunities health. Emotionally healthy people are in control of to practice communication skills. their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. They can Build self-esteem. When a person is unable to make cope with life’s challenges. Emotions are responses friends, it can be frustrating or even painful. A good that generate biochemical reactions in our bodies, circle of friends reinforces a person’s comfort level changing the physical state. with her individuality. Strengthen learning skills. Studies show that There are many ways to improve or maintain good children who have a hard time getting along with emotional health. classmates as early as a preschool are more likely to Be aware of your emotions and reactions. Notice experience later academic difficulties. what in your life makes you sad, frustrated, or angry. Resolve conflicts. Stronger self-esteem and better Try to address or change those things. language skills can ultimately lead to a better ability Think before you act. Emotions can be powerful. to resolve differences with peers. Give yourself time to think, and be calm before you Establish a positive attitude. A positive attitude say or do something you might regret. ultimately leads to a better relationships with others Manage stress. Try to change situations, causing and higher levels or self-confidence. you stress. Learn relaxation methods to cope with stress COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT Strive for balance. Find a healthy balance between to a person’s intellectual abilities as shown in his/her work and play and between activity and rest. Make thoughts, attitudes, beliefs, and values. time for things you enjoy. Focus on positive things means how people think, explore, and figure things in your life. out. Take care of yours physical health. Your physical It is the development of knowledge, skills, problem- health can affect your emotional health. Exercise solving, and dispositions, which helps a person to regularly, eat healthy meals and get enough sleep. think about and understand the world around them. Do not abuse drugs or alcohol. Brain development is part of cognitive development. Connect with others. We are social creatures. We This aspect of the self is enhanced when one attend need positive connections with other people. school to study and learn or engages in other mental endeavors. Mental abilities are developed by engaging in intellectual pursuits, such as studies, work, and figuring out how best to deal with challenges—  thinking, planning, organizing, evaluating, and maximizing cognitive abilities. The more we study, the more we learn; while the more we learn, the more we can study better. SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT discovering oneself beyond the ego known as the soul, spirit, or the “inner essence” that is often disregarded or taken for granted. It is experiencing a glimpse of the “inner guide” of One’s Thoughts, Feelings and Behavior one’s beliefs and values in discovering the meaning of life. THOUGHTS also allows people to connect with a Higher Power Thoughts are the product of our mental activity, that is called by many names like”God, Buddha, including reasoning, imagining, reflecting, and Allah.” “We are Christians, we are committed to the contemplating. poor, we value people, we are partners, and are They can be influenced by our emotions and experiences. responsive. We can be intentional about influencing our thoughts to make better decisions and achieve our goal Connecting Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior for FEELINGS Evaluating One’s Self Feelings are both emotional experiences and physical sensations, such as hunger or pain. The Autopilot System They are a conscious experience, but not all This system is largely driven by emotions and conscious experiences are feelings, such as seeing or intuitions, operating automatically and quickly. believing. Its cognitive processes take place mainly in the amygdala and other part of the brain that developed BEHAVIOR Behavior consists of an organism's external reactions early in evolution to its environment. Guides our daily habits, help us make snap decision It can be influenced by emotions, thoughts, and other and react instantly to dangerous life-and-death internal mental processes. situation. Behavior can be modified through positive or While it's essential for survival, it can sometimes negative reinforcement. lead to stress and poor decisions in modern life. The Intentional System WHOLE PERSON DEVELOPMENT This system is more deliberate and rational, It involves utilizing our heart, soul, mind, and requiring conscious effort to activate. strength in an integrated and holistic manner. Reflects our rational thinking and center around the It encompasses physical, emotional, cognitive, prefrontal cortex: part of the brain that evolved more social, and spiritual aspects. recently It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these It developed as humans started to live within a larger aspects and the importance of balancing different social group areas of life for overall well-being and fulfillment. Help us handle more complex mental activities, such as managing individual and group relationship, logical reasoning, and so on. It's responsible for complex thinking, planning, and learning. This system can help us override the autopilot system and make more informed choices Lesson 3: Development Stages in Middle and Late Based on Erikson's Psychosocial Development Adolescence Stages, adolescents face the challenge as identity Age Definitions of Adolescence versus role confusion. Republic Act (RA) 10354, the Responsible They work at enhancing a sense of self by testing Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of roles, then combining them to create a single identity. 2012 uses the term adolescents for people aged 10- Adolescence stage is a milestone to all individuals 19 years. since it serves as the metamorphosis in becoming an This distinguishes the term from youth for those adult. aged 15-24 years and young people, aged 10-24 In this stage, adolescents started to grasp various years. information, engage themselves to different groups In the Philippines, adolescents comprise 21.5% of and community, as well as explore the ways of life. the country's population (NSO, 2010). These haps, however, pose some challenges to every The Department of Health (DOH) and the Philippine adolescent such as striving to find an answer to the Pediatric Society (PPS) divides the adolescence question "Who am I?". period into: Early adolescence (10-13 years old), Middle adolescence (14-16 years old), and Late Three Stages of Adolescence adolescence (17-19 years old). THREE STAGES OF ADOLESCENCE 1 Early adolescence (10-13 years old) is the At each stage, adolescents have different concerns. beginning stages of puberty where both sexes For example, girls in early adolescence may have experience significant physical growth and just begun menstruating and are concerned with their increased sexual interest. menstrual hygiene. 2 Middle Adolescence (14-16 years old) is a stage In comparison, girls in late adolescence are where puberty is already completed. concerned with romantic relationships. In this stage, both sexes continue to experience Early adolescents who are attending school have growing capacity for abstract ideas. unique concerns compared to late adolescents who This is also where numerous social and emotional are employed. changes occur. 3 Late Adolescence (17-19 years old) is a mark of What is Special about Adolescents? the final preparations for adult roles. The Adolescence stage is one of the most rapid and developmental demands of the late adolescence formative phases of human development. extend up to the period of young adulthood. Adolescence is rooted in the Latin verb adolescere which denotes "to grow" or "to grow to maturity". Middle Adolescence (Ages 14-16) This stage signifies the period of growth: from During this stage, adolescents become morally childhood to adulthood. aware (Morality refers to the beliefs about what is Apparently, there are distinctive physical, cognitive, right behavior and what is wrong behavior). social, emotional, and sexual developmental They have the potential ability for abstract thinking changes that take place during adolescence. which is characterized by the ability to apply Adolescents experience hormonal changes and concepts and to create and comprehend puberty, new and complex sensations and emotions, generalizations. and burst of emotional and physiological brain They also experience desire for independence, development. which is the freedom from the control or influence They also experience sexual awareness and gender of other people. identity. Gender identity refers to a person's internal sense of Late Adolescence (Ages 17-19) gender, which may or may not match with the sex During this stage, adolescents attain increased assigned at birth. independence and emotional stability, which enables They also experience evolving cognitive ability and a person to manage her emotions and life. context-influenced emotional impulse control. Adolescents also attain the ability to think about Cognitive ability enables adolescents to perform ideas logically, make plans, and gain a firm sense of mental activities such problem solving and learning. identity (Identity refers to the set of qualities and Adolescents are also concerned about their physical beliefs that make one person or group different from identity. others). Physical identity refers to an individual's awareness of his/her own appearance. They are also concerned with romantic relationships. Family relationship STAGES OF HEALTHY ADOLESCENT involves relationship with immediate family DEVELOPMENT members including parents and siblings. An adolescent with a good family relationship makes Stages with Age Range him/her feel secured and loved. 1. Physical Growth Romantic relationship 2. Intellectual/cognition is an interpersonal relationship that involves 3. Autonomy emotional intimacy and passion with the opposite 4. Body image sex. 5. Peer group 6. Identity EXAMPLE OF SOCIAL CHALLENGES DURING MIDDLE AND LATE ADOLESCENCE Middle Adolescence YOUTH VIOLENCE 1. Secondary sexual characteristics advanced 95% refers to the intentional use of physical force or adult height reached power to threaten or harm young people. 2. Growth in abstract thought; reverts to concrete o Bullying refers to the abuse and thought under stress Cause - effect relationships mistreatment of someone vulnerable by better understood Very self-absorbed someone stronger or more powerful. 3. Conflict with family predominates due to o Sexual assqult is the illegal sexual contact ambivalence about emerging independence that usually involves force \ upon a person 4. Less concern about physical changes but increased without consent or is inflicted upon a person interest in personal attractiveness Excessive physical who is incapable of giving consent because activity alternating with lethargy of age or physical or mental incapacity. 5. Strong peer alliances - fad behaviours Sexual drives emerge and teens begin to explore ability to date and SUBSTANCE ABUSE attract a partner is a long-term, pathological use of alcohol or drugs, 6. Experimentation - sex, drugs, friends, jobs, risk- characterized by daily intoxication, inability to taking behaviour reduce consumption, and impairment in social or occupational functioning; broadly, alcohol or drug Late Adolescence addiction. 1. Physical maturity and reproductive off and ending 2. Abstract thought established Future oriented; able to MALNUTRITION understand, plan and pursue long range goals refers to faulty nutrition due to inadequate or Philosophical and idealistic unbalanced intake of nutrients or their impaired 3. Emancipation: vocational/ technical/ college and/or assimilation or utilization. work adult lifestyle 4. Usually comfortable with body image REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 5. Decision values less influenced by peers Relates to is a condition in which the reproductive functions individuals more than to peer group Selection of and processes are accomplished in a state of partner based on individual preference complete physical, mental and social well-being. 6. Pursue realistic vocational goals with training or career employment; Relate to family as adult; LACK OF EDUCATION Realizations of own limitations and mortality; is a condition in which a person has a below-average Establishment of sexual identity, sexual activity is level of knowledge in basic things in life due to little more common; Establishment of ethical and moral or no formal schooling. value system; More capable of intimate, complex relationship FAMILY PROBLEMS involve conflict with family members, parenting Adolescents also experience challenges in peer, family, issues, sibling rivalry, separation of parents, and and romantic relationship. financial problems. Peer relationship includes relationships with friends, neighbors, teammates, and classmates; it enables an adolescent to have independence from their parents and to develop his/her own personal identity.