Self-Image and Self-Improvement

We are all complex and unique individuals

Defining Self-Image

Turn to “Worksheet 1 - How I see myself” in the Student Study Guide Workbook.

Defining Self-Image

What do we mean by Self Image?

Defining Self-Image

Self-Image: is the beliefs and attitudes (or mental pictures) we

have of ourselves.

Self-Image is formed from our past experiences - successes and failures. It can also be influenced by what others think.

Defining Self-Image

We tend to act like the person we believe ourself to be.

Example: If we believe that we are really bad at math, then our grades will likely prove it - we will act like poor math students!

Defining Self-Image

Self-Image is also important because it affects how good we feel about ourselves.

Example: People who feel good about themselves are more confident, more successful, and do better in school.

Defining Self-Image

Although we have a general self-image, our self images may be as numerous as our activities.

Example: One person might be a good baseball player, slow swimmer, a good writer, and an average swimmer.

Defining Self-Image

We should NEVER generalize from one or two poor experiences.

Example: If someone is bad at one sport, they shouldn’t generalize and assume they are bad at all sports.

Defining Self-Image

Defining Self-Image

Since self-image is linked to our experience with specific situations, we can develop a more positive self-image by focusing not only on what we do well, but how we can improve in those situations.

How to set goals

Pick a goal that is realistic: Set a long term goal that is possible to accomplish within a reasonable amount of time. (for example by the end of the unit) Pick a goal that is manageable, that you can break down into small, short term goals: The best way to change a behavior is to do it in small steps. Pick a goal which is measurable: (For example, how far you can jog) so you can tell whether you have achieved it or how much further you have to improve before you do.

Pick something that is meaningful to you: Something that you really want to do rather than something you feel you should do.