Self-conceptOne'sself-concept(also calledself-construction,self-identity,self-perspectiveorself-structure) is a collection of beliefs about oneselfthat includes elements such asacademic performance,gender rolesandsexuality,andracial identity.[11]Generally, self-concept embodies the answer to "Who am I?" Self-concept is distinguishable fromself-awareness, which refers to the extent to whichself-knowledgeis defined, consistent, and currently applicable to one'sattitudesanddispositions.[13]Self-concept also differs from self-esteem: self-concept is a cognitive or descriptive component of one's self (e.g. "I am a fast runner"), whileself-esteemis evaluative and opinionated (e.g. "I feel good about being a fast runner").

Academic self-conceptAcademicself-concept refers to the personal beliefs about their academic abilities or skills.Some research suggests that it begins developing from ages 3 to 5 due to influence from parents and early educators.By age 10 or 11, children assess their academic abilities by comparing themselves to their peers.These social comparisons are also referred to asself-estimates.[Self-estimates of cognitive ability are most accurate when evaluating subjects that deal with numbers, such as math.Self-estimates were more likely to be poor in other areas, such as reasoning speed.Some researchers suggest that, to raise academic self-concept, parents and teachers need to provide children with specific feedback that focuses on their particular skills or abilities.Others also state that learning opportunities should be conducted in groups (both mixed-ability and like-ability) that downplay social comparison, as too much of either type of grouping can have adverse effects on children's academic self-concept and the way they view themselves in relation to their peers.You know the steps for dealing with a predictable universe (Plans)1. You (or your parents, teachers, or bosses) forecast how the future will be and how you can have a successful life in it.2. You construct a number of plans for achieving that life, picking the optimal one, i.e. the one that will get you there in the shortest time, or with the least amount of effort or will produce the most pleasant journey.3. You assemble the resources (education, money, etc.) necessary to achieve your plan.4. And then you go out and implement it.We have become so indoctrinated with this way of thinking by our education (with the way they taught us to think) and our organizations (with the way they go about solving problems) that it is more or less the only way we approach anything.But what is very smart approach to a knowable or predictable future is not smart at all when things cant be predictedlike now. And that fact is at the heart of the frustrationsand fearmost of us feel. Things simply arent as predictable as they once were when it comes to plotting out a superior (and satisfying) career.