PSYC 126PERSONALITY ENHANCEMENT

Chapter 2 Self-Development

Self-improvement plan – life-long process that changes with your growth and experiences.

- Involves a realistic vision of your future self, long-term goals, and an action plan.

Self-confidence: John Wesley defines it as, “the difference between feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits.”

- Sense of personal strength and a belief that you are worthy and talented.

Techniques to Build Self-Confidence:1. Use positive self-talk2. Increase your knowledge and skills 3. Learn from mistakes4. Expect to Succeed5. Conquer shyness6. Accept responsibility for your success

I. VISUALIZE YOUR FUTUREImaging – refers to deliberately picturing your life as you would like it to be.

Self-actualization – the process of growing to reach your greatest potential.

II. SET GOALSGoals – clearly stated results they want to achieve within a specified time period.Action plan – is an organized series of actions to achieve a specific goal.Goal-setting – the overall process for achieving your goals.

Vague goals Clear goalsGet an education Earn an associate’s

degree in graphic design within two years.

Reduce my stress level Lower my blood pressure 8 points by attending yoga classes 3 nights a week this fall.

Develop my musical talents

Take guitar lessons next semester at the community college.

Figure 2-2 vague vs. clear goals

Specific (What exactly do you want to accomplish?)Measurable (How will you assess your progress?)Attainable (Is your goal within your reach?)Relevant (Is your goal important to your plan for life?)Timely (What is your deadline for completing this goal?)FIGURE 2-3 Criteria for SMART goals

III. DEVELOP ACTION PLANS- Write down the steps and timeframe that will bring

you closer to achieving your long-term goals.Example:Goal: To be promoted to the position of web specialist within two years.Action Plan:1. Investigate the requirement for the web specialist

position.2. Shadow a web specialist to better understand the

duties.3. Enroll and complete two courses at the community

college.4. Develop a website for a charitable group.5. Apply for the position of web specialist.

Behavior Modification – refers to the use of techniques to improve or change behavior.

Rewards or benefit – can be a strong motivational tool to change behavior; referred to as reinforcement.

SELF-IMPROVEMENT TIPS: Start small Involve others Don’t give up Stay focused on your goals Acknowledge your improvements Let every success trigger a new goal Focus on gratitude

Mentor or coach – the person who helps an individual develop on the job; may offer advice, answer questions, help a new employee understand the culture of the business, share expertise and experiences, and serve as a role model.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely affect their job performance, health, or well-being.

Career Interest and Aptitude Tests – can help you better understand your potential for success in various career fields; some tests measure characteristics that relate to the demands of various work situations.

Try-out experience – provides an actual on-the-job opportunity for a limited period of time.

Internship – coordinates classroom and laboratory training with on-the-job training in the work environment.

POINTS TO REMEMBER: Signs of a self-confident person include a pleasant

demeanor, a positive outlook on life, a circle of friends, and a sense of satisfaction with life in general.

Improve your self-confidence by reviewing your positive characteristics, talking positively to yourself, taking

advantage of opportunities to build your knowledge and skills, moving on despite setbacks, increasing your expectations for yourself, and planning for self-improvement.

Self-improvement begins with a vision of your future self, involves identifying specific goals, and devising action plans that will help you accomplish your long-term goals.

Put your goals and action plans in writing. Stay focused on your goals and hold yourself accountable for your action plans.

Self-actualization is a lifelong process. Expect to reassess and redefine your identity throughout your career and life.

Behavior modification requires developing your own system. Make contracts with yourself about your goals action plans—and keep the contracts!

A mentoring relationship with a coworker or supervisor can help you achieve your plans for self-improvement. Mentoring relationships require open communication and a commitment from both parties.

Employee Assistance Programs, aptitude and interest testing, try-out experiences, and internship programs are valuable self-improvement resources.

Reference:Masters, L.A., et al. (2011). Personal Development for Work and Life. Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd.

Prepared by:Mrs. Maria Angela L. Diopol

Instructor