Chapter 1 Personal Development 9
personality for a long time may not be easy. It will take time and effort. You
can do it, however, if you really want to change. You are in control of your
behavior and actions.
Your Self-Concept
Have you ever asked yourself “How do other people see me?” The mental
image you have of yourself is called your self-concept. Your self-concept is an
important part of your personality.
Your self-concept is formed from your contacts with other people. You
get an idea of what others think of you from what they tell you and the ways
they treat you. Suppose classmates often ask you to help them with their math
homework. This might give you the idea they think you do well in math. An
experience like this can affect your self-concept because you might become
more confi dent and begin to believe in your ability.
Your mental picture of yourself impacts your decisions and actions, 1-4.
If a boy believes he is shy, he may not try to make friends. If he believes he is
outgoing, however, he may fi nd it easier to make friends.
Having a Healthy
Self-Esteem
Do you like the person you see
in the mental picture of yourself? Is
there anything about yourself that
you wish you could change? Maybe
you like the way you are. How you
feel about yourself is called your
self-esteem. It is how you view
your worth as a person.
People who have a healthy
self-esteem feel good about
themselves. They accept qualities
about themselves they cannot
change. They are confi dent they can
change what needs to be changed.
People who have a healthy
self-esteem like who they are. They
have a positive outlook on life.
These people are fun to be with
because they do not let challenges
get them down. They do not worry
about what other people say. They
know how to use suggestions
for improvement and overlook
the negative. People who have a
healthy self-esteem can help others
feel good about themselves, too.
1-4 Receiving a trophy supports this girl’s mental
picture of herself as a good soccer player.
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