Section 1-1 Planning Your Future 7
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Most individuals are more complex than the two distinct personality
types identifi ed. People generally possess various personality traits. For
example, they can be both social and inquisitive. More types of work will
appeal to those who possess a wider variety of personality traits.
Do you already know what your key personality traits are? You can
learn your personality type by talking with your school counselor and
taking an appropriate test.
Self-Concept and Self-Esteem
When you think about the future, in what careers do you imagine
yourself? Your view of yourself is your self-concept. You began
developing your self-concept or self-identity at an early age. This view
is largely infl uenced by how people behave around you and how you
interpret their behaviors toward you. Your view of yourself can be
positive or negative.
When people show approval of you and your behavior, you react
with positive feelings. Such feelings help you develop a positive self-
concept. These feelings are also called self-esteem. Self-esteem is the
sense of worth you attach to yourself. Taking pride in yourself and your
accomplishments refl ects self-esteem. If you feel that you are worthwhile,
it will show in your relationships with others and the confi dence you
have in yourself.
When people possess self-esteem, they use their best judgments and
make their own decisions. They know that others do not shape their sense of
worth, so they pay little attention to negative comments. Their demonstration
of responsible behavior makes them positive examples for others.
Having self-esteem does not mean everything you do will be
successful. However, it helps you to keep a realistic view of your
successes and failures. With self-esteem, you work harder at reaching
your goals and fulfi lling your responsibilities.
Sometimes people show disapproval, and when they do, you feel
their dislike or rejection of you. Messages such as these tend to promote
a negative self-concept. You may feel uncomfortable about yourself and
avoid reaching out to others in fear of possible rejection. On the other
hand, you may recognize some truth in the message and learn from it.
Every person receives some positive and some negative messages.
However, it lies within the individual to fi lter out any unhelpful
messages. Self-esteem gives a person the confi dence to shape his or her
own self-worth.
Needs Versus Wants
Understanding your needs helps you pursue everything you
want in life. Needs are the basics required for living. All people
have the same basic needs that must be met for proper growth and
Improving Self-Esteem
Everyone has days when
they have feelings of low
self-esteem. Here are some
helpful tips for improving
your self-esteem:
• Stop yourself from thinking
over-critical thoughts.
Instead, take a moment
to start a self-affi rmation
fi le. Write a note about
something positive in your
life, put it in folder, and read
it when you feel low. Also,
add affi rming notes you
receive from others.
• Choose excellence over
perfection. Trying to
achieve perfectionism
can be emotionally and
intellectually draining. Strive
for excellence and do your
best.
• Learn from your mistakes.
Everyone makes mistakes—
it’s all part of learning.
Making a mistake and
learning from it can make
you stronger.
Mental
Health
Awareness