SELF-

IDENTITY
In this lesson we will;

- Discuss the concept of “self” and “self-identity

- Identify attitudes that enhance self-worth
- Identify the strength and weaknesses of an individual
- Describe how an individual can develop their capabilities
introduction
• It is very important for each and every individual to know him or herself. This is because,
many people hardly find the opportunity to identify their capabilities in life.

• One’s inability to identify his or her capabilities results in his or her inability to set realistic
goals for life.

• This makes him or her unable to develop his or her potentials fully.

• In the first chapter, we will discuss attitudes that enhance self worth
 Definition of “self”
• It refers to the whole being of an individual, taking into
consideration his or her physical nature, psychological
nature, abilities, qualities. Etc.
• It is the sum total of an individual beliefs, feelings,
perception, abilities, behaviour and characteristics.

Self-identity
• It is the awareness of one’s unique identity. How an
individual feel, see, understand and know about
themselves.
• This means that the individual has knowledge about him
or herself, taking into account his or her physical nature,
psychological nature abilities, qualities. Etc.
 Real self Other self Real other Ideal other
• This is the present • This is what one will like to • This is the way a person • This is who or what a
character a person become. (future self/ideal thinks other people see or person thinks other people
possesses. For example the self) perceive him or her to be. would like him to be.
way you think, feel, look
and behave. (strengths and • Normally a person • If the real self (present
weaknesses) achieves the other self by character) and the real • Summary
working hard on his or her other(how people see you)
• This can be seen by others. desire through education, are not in the same line. • Real self – who I am
training, role-modelling, Then it calls for a change in • Other self – who I would
• For instance, Jesus Ask his personal improvements attitude. like to be.
disciples who do people and other things he or she
say I am. • When Jesus asked the • Real other – How others
has in mind. see me.
question, the disciples
• This is how one sees • E.g. One wishes to be a replied “ some say, you are
himself rather than what • Ideal other – how others
doctor, pilot, engineer, Elijah, others, you are John would like me to be
people see him or her teacher etc. the Baptist).
 Activity 1
• Give a brief account of yourself, taking into
consideration your;
• Real self
• Other self
• Real other self
• Ideal other self
 Self-worth
• Is the opinion one has about him or herself and the
value one places on him or herself.
• Investing in one self-worth is one of the safest and
smartest investment one can make.

Attitudes that enhance self-worth

• Having self confidence – trust in your abilities. Self
confidence leads to self esteem, which leads to high self-
worth. A confident person is bound to succeed more than a
timid person.
• Have a can do spirit/ self determination – believe you can
do all things you put your mind on. Failures on few occasion
should not make you quit.
• Positive attitude towards life – one must look at life
positively. E.g. I am going to be a great person. Also
surround yourself with positive people.
• Have good interpersonal relationship – interact positively
with family members and friends
• Create room for corrections – since we are humans and we
make mistakes, always be ready to accept criticism /
corrections
 Attitudes that enhance self-worth -
continue)
• Identify competencies and develop them – if you
are good at something, make every effort to develop
it. Display your talents and skills do not sit on your
skills.
• Have vision – have a sense of direction and set goals
to achieve.
• Master a new skill – when you become skilled in
something that correspond with your talents, you
increase your self worth.
• Do something creative – creativity stimulates the
brain. The more you use it the greater it benefits
• Risk taking – do not be afraid to try your ideas and
plans. When you have fear, you are unlikely to
succeed.
• Prevention of inferiority complex – everyone is
unique in his or her own way. Do not feel inferior
among your peers. If you feel you are talented in a
particular field, it boost your confidents level.
• Know your strength and weaknesses – What you
are good at and what you are not.
 Strengths Weaknesses
• Strengths - are inherent qualities • Weaknesses – are deficiencies or
that makes an individual perform a shortcomings that do not enable an
task well. individual to perform a task.
• Examples include; • Examples include;
• Ambitious, compassionate, • Timidity, shyness, talkative,
confident, creative, dedicated, busybody, gossip, dullness,
generous, knowledgeable, prudent, incapability, wicked, lying,
trustworthy, etc. procrastination, easily bored,
laziness, cannot take criticism, etc.
 How to identify your strength
• Know yourself / ask questions – examine yourself to
know things you can do well.
• Seek assistance – from parents, teachers, trusted friends
who know you well.
• Know the values you stand for – e.g. humility, patience,
self-control etc.
• Find clues in your attempts and failures – practice they
say makes perfect

How to identify your weaknesses

• Ask questions
• Which activity do I dislike or do not feel good about it.
• You feel lack of energy or you procrastinate when faced
with this area.
• You get things done, but it takes you more than others
• Others do it better
 How to turn weaknesses around
• Practice makes perfect
• Use the people around you – ask the people around
you that you trust and they will tell you all your
weaknesses if you do not know.

Importance of knowing yourself.

• Help you to accept who you are.
• Helps you to identify your potentials and abilities
• Helps you to find out positive qualities and achieve them
• Helps one to identify his strength and weaknesses
• Help ones to take the right decisions in life
• Helps one to accept others relate well with them
• Helps one to accept others opinions and perceptions
• Helps one plan for the future
• Helps one develop self confidence / self esteem
• Helps one to respect others
 SELF-
IDENTITY
Self - confidence
SELF-CONFIDENCE

Self – confidence – Is the assurance a person

holds about his or her abilities, it is a strong belief
in one’s abilities

attitudes that enhances self-confidence

- Can – do spirit – believe you can do something

- Sacrifice – time, energy, etc.

- Continuous practice – long practice on a thing

- Perseverance – never give up or quit

- Positive attitudes – love, care, kindness

- Surround yourself with positive people

- Discuss your self doubts – your challenges

- Think positive – believe you can do anything

 Definition of terms

Personal development – is the process by which

a person upgrades him or herself in preparation
for higher opportunities.

Human capabilities – it refers to what a person is

made up of or what he or she can do in life. It
includes the ability to create, invent, think, learn,
remember things, sing, solve problems or relate
well in society.

The individual can develop their capabilities

through the following;
- Education and training (formal and informal
and apprenticeship)
- Self determination – make firm decisions to
carry out plans and decisions to the end.
 continuation
- Guidance and counselling – seek direction and
coaching from experienced and professional
people in the field.
- Emulating role model – one can look up to
their well behaved role models who are
achievers in their businesses, entertainments,
sports etc.
- Continuous practice – people have become
experts in their fields due to long practice.
- Have vision and ambition – aim higher and
have a sense of direction (step by step
planning) to achieve your goals
- Have confidence – have confidence to always
solve or handle problems and not always
relying on people
- Encouragement – surround yourself with
relatives, parents and friends who want to see
you do better.
- Take risk – make sacrifice of time and energy.
Importance of self-confidence

- Helps you to take full control of your

life
- It gives the individual strength to
keep persevering even in times of
difficulties till success is achieved.
- It gives us courage to take greater
risk and achieve far more than we can
even imagine
- It is seen as a tool or yardstick to
distinguish a less successful person
from a successful person in life.
- It helps people to be more active or
productive in life.
 Factors that hinders the
development of one’s
capabilities
- Inadequate personal initiative and drive
- Having inferiority complex
- Inability to take risk and venture into new
ideas
- Unfavourable home environment created
by parents and other family members
- Low level of education
- Inadequate guidance and counselling
- Poverty or financial problems
- Inadequate government support
- Health challenges (bedridden)
- Personality and temperament (introverts
and extroverts)