Unit I: Self-Development

Knowing and Understanding Oneself during Middle and Late

Adolescence
1. Self-Concept
The term self-concept is a general term used to refer to how someone thinks
about or perceives themselves. The self-concepts is the accumulation of knowledge
about the self. It is composed of relatively permanent self-assessments such as beliefs,
values, goals, and roles.

Definitions: Self-concept is the image we have of ourselves. It is influenced by many forces

including our interaction with the important people in our lives. It is how individuals
perceive their abilities, behaviors, and unique characteristics. Examples can be as simple as
“I am a good friend” or “ I am a kind person”, reflecting personal beliefs and attributes. More
complex examples might involve comparing oneself to others, such as students feeling
intelligent but not athletic, or an adult considering themselves a hard worker but poor
spouse.

Positive Self-Concept:
 Believing you can make a difference.
 Feeling on par with others.
 Receiving compliments without shame.
 Understanding that everyone has behaviors that may not be socially acceptable.
 Being willing to work on oneself and resolve unhelpful behaviors.

Negative Self-Concept:
 Feeling unlikeable or like a failure.
 An adult considering themselves hard worker but others perceiving them as a poor
spouse.
 A student feeling intelligent but not athletic, and envious of an athletic sibling.

Humanist psychologist Carl Rogers believed that self-concept is made up of three distinct
parts:
 SELF-IMAGE- Refers to how you see yourself at this moment in time. Physical
characteristics, personality traits, and social roles affect yourself image.
 SELF-ESTEEM- How much you like, accept, and value yourself contributes to your
self-concept. It can be affected by a number of factors including how other see you,
how you compare to others, and your role in the society.
 IDEAL-SELF- The ideal self is the person you want to be. This person how attributes or
qualities you are either working toward or want to possess.

Different Factors Affecting Self-Concept

Self-concept is shaped by many forces in persons life. Some of these factors include:
 Experiences
 Interactions with others
 Social and Cultural influences
 Personal characteristics
Implications: Self-concept is a multifaceted perception of oneself, encompassing self-image,
self-esteem, and the ideal self. It’s dynamic and evolving construct influenced by experience,
social interactions and the broader environment.

Difference between self-concept and self-identity

 Self-concept- How you see yourself overall — including your abilities, personality,
roles, and values. Broad view of yourself ("Who am I?")

Example: If you think, "I am a kind, hardworking student who enjoys helping
others," — that’s your self-concept.

 Self-identity- The specific parts of who you are, such as your gender, culture, beliefs,
and roles. More focused on your unique identity ("What makes me me?")

Example: If you say, "I am a Filipino, a sister, and a Christian," — that’s part of your
self-identity.

In short:
 Self-concept = full picture of how you see yourself.
 Self-identity = the specific parts that define your uniqueness.

2. Personal Effectiveness
Knowing and understanding oneself can make you accept your strengths,
limitations ability to deal with other people. It also helps you to value yourself.

Personal effectiveness is the way that a person makes use of their skills and how
they use those skills to improve their overall success.

 Experience includes the knowledge and skills that we acquire in the process of
cognitive and practical activities.
 Knowledge is required for setting goals, defining an action plan to achieve them, and
risk assessment.
 Skills also determine whether real actions are performed in accordance with a
person’s goals or self-concept

Here are some skills that will greatly increase your personal effectiveness:
1. Determination
It allows you to focus only on achieving a specific goal without being
distracted by less important things or spontaneous desires.

2. Self-confidence
It appears in the process of personal development, as a result of getting
aware of yourself, your actions, and their consequences.

3. Persistence
It makes you keep moving forward regardless of emerging obstacles-
problems, laziness, bad emotional state, etc.
 4. Managing Stress
It helps combat stress that arises in daily life from the environment and
other people.

5. Problem-solving stress
They help cope with the problems encountered with a lack of experience.

6. Creativity
It allows you to find extraordinary ways to carry out a specific action that
no one has tried to use.

7. Generating Ideas
It helps you achieve goals using new, original, unconventional ideas. The
idea is a mental image of an object formed by the human mind, which can be
changed before being implemented in the real world.

Personal Effectiveness Skills

1. Reflection
In your personal effectiveness journey, one of the first things you need to
master is – reflecting on what personal effectiveness looks like to you.

2. Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence facilitates personal effectiveness. Emotional
intelligence means the ability to recognize, assess and positively influence one’s
emotions.

3. Determination
Personal effectiveness stems from determination. Determination helps
achieve specific goals without being distracted by external things.

4. Self-Confidence
One thing that’s common in people with personal effectiveness is that
they are usually more confident. That’s because they better understand
themselves and their abilities.

5. Time Management
A crucial part of personal effectiveness is the ability to accurately plan and
carry out tasks to reach your goals.

6. Optimism
People with personal effectiveness are driven to bring positive changes in
the world.

7. Stress Management
Most people are affected by stress to some extent, at work or in their
personal life or both. But unfortunately, stress can quickly turn an effective
person into an unproductive one.
 8. Persistence
Persistence is key. Persistence is quite similar to determination, but it
requires one to be more resilient.

9. Self-Motivation
A prerequisite for personal effectiveness is finding motivation within
yourself without relying on external factors.

10. Problem-Solving
Problems are part of everyday life. No matter what you do or what your
responsibilities are – you can not avoid problems.

11. Growth and Development

Growth and development are ongoing processes. It involves self-
awareness, continuous assessment and conscious efforts for improvement.

12. Communication
Communication is an integral part of our lives. That’s true for both
personal and professional aspects.

13. Organizational skills

Organizational skills are one of the most critical skills for acquiring
personal effectiveness. To consistently be on top of your game, give your best and
develop yourself, you need to be well-organized.

Johari Window

As a teacher, how can you use the concept of the Johari Window to improve your
relationship with your students and colleagues?

 As a teacher, you can use the Johari Window model to build stronger, more open, and
trusting relationships with both students and colleagues.
  As a teacher, using the Johari Window can improve relationships with students and
colleagues by promoting openness, feedback, and trust. Sharing appropriate
information (open self) builds connection, while being receptive to feedback (blind
self) supports professional growth. Carefully revealing personal experiences (hidden
self) encourages mutual understanding, and being open to learning and self-discovery
(unknown self) models a growth mindset. This approach fosters a more supportive,
reflective, and collaborative learning environment.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” – Aristotle

3. Build On Your Strengths and Work on Your Weaknesses

During middle and late adolescence, individuals undergo major changes—
physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is a critical time for self-discovery.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is key to building self-confidence,
setting goals, and shaping a strong sense of identity.
Most failures emanate from weaknesses that are not recognized or probably
recognized but not given appropriate attention or remedy. This could be a weakness
in communications, personality or ability. Instead of giving up or indulging in self-pity,
take action. Go for speech lessons, get skills upgrading, attend personality
development sessions or whatever appropriate remedies to your perceived
weakness.
Instead of simply focusing on your weaknesses, recognize your own talents
and abilities, build on them, utilized them to your greatest advantage. This is where
you can build your name and popularity.

What are personal strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths are positive qualities, abilities, or traits that a person naturally excels at or
has developed over time. They help individuals perform tasks well and contribute
positively to personal or professional goals.

Examples of strengths:

1. Good Communication Skills – Expressing thoughts clearly and listening

effectively.
2. Leadership – Guiding and motivating others with confidence.
3. Creativity – Thinking of original ideas or solving problems innovatively.
4. Empathy – Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
5. Time Management – Completing tasks efficiently and on schedule.
Effective ways to build your strengths:
1. Identify your strengths.
2. Practice regularly
3. Set goals using your strengths
4. Learn from role models
5. Step out of your comfort zone
6. Continue learning
 7. Help others
Why is it important to know your strengths and weaknesses during adolescence?
 Helps in making better decisions (career, relationships, academic)
 Encourages realistic self-esteem and growth mindset.
 Allows you to focus energy on what makes you unique while improving areas of
challenge.

Weaknesses are areas where you may struggle or need improvement.

Examples of Weaknesses:
1. Procrastination – Delaying tasks until the last minute.
2. Public Speaking Anxiety – Feeling nervous or uncomfortable speaking in front of
others.
3. Lack of Confidence – Doubting one’s abilities or decisions.
4. Poor Organization – Struggling to keep things in order or meet deadlines.
5. Difficulty Accepting Criticism – Reacting defensively to feedback.

Weaknesses are areas where a person may struggle or lack skills, often requiring
improvement or support. Recognizing weaknesses is the first step toward personal
growth.
How can you work on your weaknesses without losing confidence?
Working on your Weaknesses
1. Identify your weaknesses
2. Accept and own them
3. Set small and clear goals
4. Create a plan for improvement
5. Learn new skills
6. Seek help and support
7. Track progress and celebrate small wins

Why should we work on our weaknesses instead of ignoring them?

We should work on our weaknesses instead of ignoring them because they can
limit our growth, performance, and relationships if left unaddressed. By improving
our weak areas, we build confidence, become more well-rounded, and increase our
chances of success. Ignoring weaknesses may lead to repeated mistakes or missed
opportunities, while working on them helps us reach our full potential and handle
challenges more effectively.
 Can a strength ever become a weakness, or vice versa?
Yes, a strength can become a weakness, and a weakness can become a strength,
depending on how they are used or managed.
 Strength to Weakness: If overused, a strength can backfire. For example, confidence
is a strength, but too much confidence can become arrogance or cause someone to
ignore feedback.
 Weakness to Strength: With effort and practice, a weakness can improve and even
become a strength. For instance, someone who struggles with public speaking might
become a powerful communicator through training and persistence.
Why is it important to focus on both your strengths and weaknesses instead of just
one?
It's important to focus on both your strengths and weaknesses because they
work together to shape your overall growth. Strengths help you succeed, build
confidence, and make the most of opportunities, while improving your weaknesses
helps you overcome challenges, avoid failure, and become more balanced. Ignoring
either one can hold you back—just focusing on strengths may lead to blind spots,
and focusing only on weaknesses may lower your confidence. Working on both helps
you grow smarter, stronger, and more prepared for real-life situations.
What strength makes you capable of succeeding?
4. You Need to Take Charge of Your Actions
Core ideas:
1. Focus on your mindset
Take control of your actions
Let go of the uncontrollable
2. Responsibility = Power
Own your decisions
Learn from mistakes
Take proactive steps
3. Victim vs. Creator Mindset
Shift your perspective
Become proactive
Embrace challenges as growth opportunities
4. Clarity + Action = Momentum
Get clear on your goals
Take consistent action
Keep the momentum going

Empowering Mindset:
 You always have a choice.
 Self-awareness is the starting point of change.
 Progress starts with small, committed actions.

My Future Blueprint
1. Goal (academic, career, personal)
 2. Obstacle (inner or outer)
3. Choice (what you can take charge of)
4. Support system (who or what can help)

“You are not a product of your circumstances. You are a product of your decisions.” -Stephen
Covey

Developing the Whole Person

1. Aspects of the Self
It refers to the different parts of dimensions that make up a person’s identity and
personality. These are the ways we understand, experience, and express who we are.
Each aspect helps explain how we think, feel, and act in different situations.

Physical Aspect
Your awareness and perception of your physical body, including appearance,
health, and physical abilities.

Emotional Aspect
How you recognize, understand, express, and manage your emotions.

Social Aspect
How you see yourself in relation to others, including your roles, relationships, and
social identity.

Mental Aspect
Your thoughts, beliefs, values, and intellectual understanding of yourself and the
world.

Spiritual Aspect
Your beliefs about purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than
yourself.

Talk & Share

Which aspect of yourself do you think influences your leadership style the most—physical,
emotional, social, mental, or spiritual? Why?

2. The Power Triad: Thoughts, Feelings and Actions

Your Power Triad

Overcoming life’s annoying problem

The development of the whole person involves nurturing various dimensions of

human experience --- intellectual, emotional, and behavioral. Central to this holistic
development is the Power Triad composed of thoughts, feelings, and actions. These three
elements are intricately connected, influencing how individuals perceive the word,

Thoughts
 The act of thinking about something to form ideas and opinions, or an idea or
opinions, or an idea or opinion produced by thinking.

Watch your Thoughts, they become words.

Watch your Words, they become actions.
Watch your Actions, they become habits.
Watch your Habits, they become your character.
Watch your Character, it becomes your destiny.

Thoughts are the foundation of how we interpret and respond to our environment.
They shape our beliefs, judgements, and decisions. A person’s mindset—whether positive or
negative – can significantly influence emotions and behavior.

For example, a thought such as “I can overcome this challenge can empower an
individual to act with confidence and optimism. Cognitive awareness and self-reflection are
essential tools for developing constructive thought patterns and dismantling limiting beliefs.

Power #1: Power of Thought

 By controlling my thoughts, I control my life.
 Listen to your thoughts
Our thought creates our perception of reality, and the only TRUE reality, that matters,
is the one we perceive.

Feelings
Your feelings about something are the things that you think and feel about it, or your
attitude towards it.

In the midst of painful and confused feelings, we can ask ourselves whether we would
be better off without feelings?

Feelings provide vital information about our internal states and external
circumstances. They act as a compass that helps us understand what we value, what affects
us, and where we need healing or growth. Emotions such as joy, fear, anger, or empathy can
either motivate or hinder action depending on how they are processed and expressed.

Emotional intelligence
-recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions-is a component of personal
development and meaningful relationships

Power #2: Power of Emotions

 Put feeling behind your thoughts
What are you feeling right now?
 Changing your emotional state:
-By focus, intention & choice
-Put yourself in situations that make you feel good
 Empowering thoughts + Empowering Feelings = Empowered actions and outcomes
This simple equation highlights how positive thinking and constructive emotions can
lead to confident behavior and successful results.
What feelings or emotions can you create to change this situation?

To change a difficult or negative situation, you can intentionally create and focus on
empowering emotions that help shift your mindset and actions. Some powerful feelings to
create include:
 Hope – believing that things can get better
 Confidence – trusting in your ability to handle the challenge
 Gratitude – focusing on what’s going well, even in hard times
 Compassion – being kind to yourself and others
 Determination – choosing not to give up
 Calmness – staying centered instead of reacting with panic or anger
By choosing these emotions, you can respond more effectively and create a more positive
outcome.

What can you do to put yourself in the right mindset?

If so, here are a few things you can do:

1. Practice positive self-talk – Remind yourself of your strengths and abilities.
2. Visualize success – Picture yourself handling the situation well.
3. Breathe deeply – Calm your body and focus your thoughts.
4. Set a small goal – Focus on one positive action you can take right now.
5. Surround yourself with support – Talk to someone who encourages you.
These strategies help shift your mindset into a more focused, confident, and empowered
state.

How can you change your emotional state?

You can change your emotional state by shifting your thoughts, body, and focus. Here are
some effective ways:
1. Change your thoughts – Replace negative thoughts with positive or empowering
ones.
Example: Instead of “I can’t do this,” say “I’ll try my best and learn from it.”
2. Change your body – Move your body to shift your energy.
Try: Standing tall, smiling, stretching, or going for a walk.
3. Change your focus – Pay attention to what’s going well or what you’re grateful for.
Ask yourself: “What’s one good thing about this moment?”
4. Breathe and pause – Slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system and help you
think more clearly.
5. Listen to music or do something you enjoy – Activities you love can instantly boost
your mood.

Actions

Action is doing something for a particular purpose. We cannot be held accountable

for how we feel, and for how we think. But we can and will be held accountable for what we
do.

Actions are the outward expressions of our internal states. They complete the Power
Triad by translating thoughts and feelings into observable behavior. Consistent and mindful
actions help solidify personal goals and values, creating a sense of purpose and direction.
Moreover, positive actions can reinforce healthy thoughts and emotions, creating a cycle of
personal empowerment and growth.

Power #3: Power of Physiology

 Physiology assists in making our behavior and actions fall in line.
 Harness both levels of physiology:
-Verbal language
-Body language
-hand movement
-facial expression
-walking, standing, sitting
-posture

Act the part. Fake it ‘til you make it!

How can you change your physiology to get better outcome?

You can change your physiology—how you use your body—to get a better outcome by using
posture, movement, and breathing to influence your mood and performance. Here's how:
1. Stand or sit up straight – Good posture boosts confidence and energy.
2. Breathe deeply – Calm, deep breaths lower stress and increase focus.
3. Move with purpose – Walk, stretch, or exercise to release tension and increase
motivation.
4. Smile intentionally – Even a simple smile can send positive signals to your brain.
5. Use powerful body language – Open, relaxed, and confident gestures help you feel
more in control.

What can you out loud (verbal language) to change your situation?

To change your situation using verbal language (out loud), you can speak words that shift
your mindset, boost your confidence, and guide your actions. Here are some powerful things
you can say:
1. Positive affirmations
o “I can handle this.”
o “I am strong and capable.”
o “This is a challenge, not a failure.”
2. Empowering questions
o “What can I learn from this?”
o “What’s one thing I can do right now to make it better?”
3. Gratitude statements
o “I’m thankful for the chance to grow.”
o “I appreciate the support I have.”
4. Clear goals or intentions
o “I’m going to stay calm and focused.”
o “I will take one step forward today.”

What you say out loud affects how you think and feel—so use your voice to lift yourself up
and take control.
How could you change your body language?

You can change your body language to feel more confident, positive, and in control. Here are
a few simple ways to do it:
1. Stand or sit up straight – Good posture makes you feel and look more confident.
2. Lift your head and make eye contact – Shows confidence and helps you connect with
others.
3. Relax your shoulders – Releases tension and signals calmness.
4. Smile – Even a small smile can improve your mood and make you seem more
approachable.
5. Use open gestures – Avoid crossing your arms; keep your hands open and relaxed.
6. Walk with purpose – Move like you know where you're going and why.

Changing your body language not only affects how others see you—but also how you feel
inside.

What kind of actions would you take in this new state of mind?
In a new, empowered state of mind, you’re more likely to take positive, intentional actions
that move you forward. Here are some examples of actions you might take:
1. Set a clear goal – Decide what you want to achieve and make a simple plan.
2. Take the first small step – Start with something manageable, like making a call,
asking for help, or starting a task.
3. Speak up with confidence – Share your ideas, ask questions, or express how you feel.
4. Stay calm under pressure – Respond with patience instead of reacting with
frustration.
5. Support others – Offer encouragement or kindness, which also boosts your own
mindset.
6. Keep going after setbacks – Use mistakes as lessons and keep trying.

When your mind is focused and positive, your actions reflect that—and better outcomes
follow.

The Interconnected of the Triad

Thoughts, feelings, and actions are not isolated; they continuously interact. A
negative thought can lead to negative emotions, which may result in harmful actions.
Conversely, shifting one component—such as changing a self-critical thought – can lead to
better emotional well-being and more constructive behavior. Awareness of this dynamic can
help individuals make intentional changes that promote balance and well-being.

REVIEW OF POWER TRIAD

Power Step #1: Thoughts

1. Thoughts are the seeds that grow our reality
2. Take control of our thoughts.
3. Ask powerful “what” and “how” action questions

Power Step #2: Emotions

1. Focus on feelings
 2. Choose to feel new emotions
3. Put ourselves in empowering situations

Power Step #3: Physiology

1. Physiology falls in line with new emotional state, including:
a. Body language
b. Verbal language
c. Actions

Developmental Stages in Middle and Late Adolescence

1. Developmental Stages
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2. Havighurst’s Developmental Tasks During the Life Span

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3. Challenges of Late Adolescence

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