Unit 1: Self-Development

Module 1: Knowing and Understanding Oneself during • Our personal effectiveness depends on our innate
Middle and Late Adolescence characteristics - talent and experience accumulated in the process of
personal development.
Self-concept - refers to your awareness of yourself. Talents first are needed to be identified and then developed to be used in a
particular subject area (science, literature, sports, politics, etc.).
There are two broad categories of Self-Concept: Experience includes knowledge and skills that we acquire in the process of
1. Actual self - it is who we actually are. It is how we think, how we feel, cognitive and practical activities.
look, and act. The actual self can be seen by others, but because we have Knowledge is required for setting goals, defining an action plan to achieve
no way of truly knowing how others view us, the actual self is our self-image.
them and risk assessment.
Self-knowledge - is derived from social interactions that provide insight Skills also determine whether real actions are performed in accordance with
into how others react to you. Actual self is built on this. the plan.
If the same ability is used many times in the same situation, then it
2. Ideal self - is the self that you aspire to be. It could include components of becomes a habit that runs automatically, subconsciously.
what our parents have taught us, what we admire in others, what our society
promotes, and what we think is in our best interest. Here are some skills that will greatly increase the efficiency of any
person who owns them:
There is negotiation that exists between the two selves which is
complex because there are numerous exchanges between the ideal and 1. Determination - it allows you to focus only on achieving a specific goal
actual self. These exchanges are exemplified in social roles that are without being distracted by less important things or spontaneous desires. It
adjusted and re-adjusted, and are derived from outcomes of social may be developed with the help of self-discipline exercise.
interactions from infant to adult development.
2. Self-confidence - it appears in the process of personal development, as
Alignment is very important. If the way that I am (the actual self is aligned
a result of getting aware of yourself, your actions and their consequences.
with the way that I want to be (the ideal self), then I will feel a sense of
mental-being or peace of mind. Self-confidence is manifested in speech, appearance, dressing, gait, and
physical condition. To develop it, you need to learn about yourself and your
If the way that I am is not aligned with how I want to be, the incongruence, capabilities, gain a positive attitude and believe that by performing the right
or lack of alignment, will result in mental distress or anxiety. The greater the actions and achieving right goals you will certainly reach success.
level of incongruence between the ideal self and real self, the greater the
level of resulting distress. 3. Persistence - it makes you keep moving forward regardless of
emerging obstacles - problems, laziness, bad emotional state, etc. It reduces
Personal development modules ultimate aim is greater self-knowledge that
will lead to higher alignment between these two personality domains. the costs of overcoming obstacles. It can also be developed with the help of
self-discipline exercise.
Personal Effectiveness - means making use of all the personal resources -
talents, skills, energy and time, to enable you to achieve life goals. 4. Managing stress - it helps combat stress that arises in daily life from the
• Your knowledge of yourself and how you manage yourself environment and other people. Stress arises from the uncertainty in an
impacts directly on your personal effectiveness. unknown situation when a lack of information creates the risk of negative
• Being self-aware, making the most of your strengths, learning
consequences of your actions. It increases efficiency in the actively
new skills and techniques and behavioral flexibility are all keys to improving
changing environment.
your personal performance.
5. Problem-solving skills - they help cope with the problems
encountered with a lack of experience. It increases efficiency by adopting 3. Scriptwriter - this person does not only watch, and she doesn't only
new ways of achieving goals when obtaining a new experience. act, but she actually creates the entire movie from her mind. She
determines what she will say, what she will do, and how the movie will end.
6. Creativity - it allows you to find extraordinary ways to carry out a She realizes she has enormous control over her life, and sees to it that the
specific action that no one has tried to use. movie of her life will turn out beautiful.

7. Generating ideas. - it helps you achieve goals using new, original, The Power of Journal Writing: Unfolding Your Personal Journey
unconventional ideas. Idea is a mental image of an object formed by the ‘The purpose of journal writing is to help you become the Scriptwriter
human mind, which can be changed before being implemented in the real of your life.’
world.
4 Practical Reasons to Maintain a Journal
Build on Your Strength and Work on Your Weaknesses 1. It is cost-efficient and available. Emotional stress can be dealt with in
Most failures emanate from weaknesses that are not recognized many ways like talking to a friend over a cup of coffee, eating, traveling,
or probably recognized but not given appropriate attention or remedy. This shopping, painting and many more but writing is the most inexpensive.
could be a weakness in communications, personality or ability. Instead of Notebooks and pens are easy to find, available and do not cost so much.
giving up or indulging in self-pity, take action. Instead of simply focusing on 2. It is preventive and proactive. Writing yields self-awareness. When
your weaknesses, recognize your own talents and abilities, build on them, you write, you can discover your strengths and limitations. You will know
utilize them to your greatest advantage. what your reactions are in different situations and what better ways to
prevent, avoid, or face your fears.
You Need to Take Charge of Your Future by: 3. It is creative and productive. Journal writing expounds your
Bo. Sanchez imagination. You can see various dimensions of your problem, different
points of view and better solutions.
There are three kinds of people in this world: 4. It is personal and private. Unless you want to share your stories, you
have the choice to keep them to yourself. Writing is your time alone. It is
1. Moviegoer - this person watches the movie of their lives, admires some your way of loving yourself. You will not be judged by your writing.
parts and criticizes others. Aside from that, they do nothing else. The
Moviegoer feels she has absolutely no control of their lives - except to You may use these questions as you write in your journal:
comment about it. Moviegoers are the most pathetic, miserable people in 1. How do you find this day? What are the positive things that happened?
the world. What are those things that made you irritated or upset?
2. Actor - this person does not only watch the movie of her life. She 2. As you reflect the ups and downs of your day, what may be the greatest
actually realizes she's the Actor - and can control a big part of her life. She lesson you can learn from them? What actions have you done well and what
can actually make or break the movie - by how well she delivers her lines actions can you do better?
and how she portrays her character. Actors are a happy bunch, realizing 3. What do you really want in life? What do you want to achieve for yourself,
they are the start of the show and enjoy some level of control. But many your family, your community, and your country?
times, they wish the movie would end in another way - but realize that they 4. As you close the day, what are the small and big things you are thankful
have no say in such things. for? Who are the people that made your day extra special?
 Module 2: Developing the Whole Person 8. Spiritual Self or Life Force. Write words or phrases which tell about how
Asses Aspect of Your Development: you feel in this area. This could include your feelings about yourself and
organized religion, reactions about your spiritual connections to others,
1. Physical Self. Describe yourself. Try not to censor any thoughts which feelings about your spiritual development and history, and thoughts about
come to your mind. Include descriptions of your height, weight, facial your metaphysical self. Think about your inner peace and joy. Think about
appearance, and quality of skin, hair and descriptions of body areas such your spiritual regimen or routine.
as your neck, chest, waist, legs.
In a nutshell, an individual is composed of three basic but very
2. Intellectual Self. Include here an assessment of how well you reason and different aspects of the self.
solve problems, your capacity to learn and create, your general amount of
knowledge, your specific areas of knowledge, wisdom you have acquired, 1. Physical or Tangible Aspects as they relate to the Body. Many
and insights you have. individuals put a strong emphasis on the physical aspect of the self. The
body is tangible, obvious, and we respond to it easily. More time and money
3. Emotional Self. Write as many words or phrases about typical feelings is spent on enhancing the physical component than either of the other
you have, feelings you seldom have, feelings you try to avoid, feelings you two aspects. This does not mean, however, that the body is healthy or
especially enjoy, feelings from your past and present, and feelings which are strong. The body provides a place to house the spirit (often experienced as
associated with each other. feelings) and the mind (often experienced as thought).

4. Sensual Self. Write how you feel as a sensual person. What sense do 2. Intellectual and Conscious Aspects as they relate to the Mind. It may
you use most - sight, hearing, speaking, smelling, touching? How do you feel be important to some that their mind be prominent and well educated. The
about the different ways you take in information - through the eyes, ears, mind is important, as it is the part of the self that directs the other two
mouth, nose, pores, and skin. In what ways do you let information in and aspects. The mind learns what to do and communicates the information to
out of your body? the body and the feelings. What the mind believes, the body manifests or
acts on, and the emotions feel, or respond with. People store both healthy
5. Interactional Self. Include descriptions of your strengths and and destructive thoughts and beliefs and respond to life's circumstances in
weaknesses in intimate relationships and relationships to friends, family, the most prominent manner. The mind provides access to creativity and
co-students and strangers in social settings. Describe the strengths and serenity which are necessary for such processes as prayer, forgiveness,
weaknesses which your friends and family have noticed. Describe what kind acceptance, and passion.
of son or daughter, brother or sister you are.
3. Emotional and Intuitive Aspects as they relate to the Spirit. The human
6. Nutritional Self. How do you nourish yourself? What foods do you like emotions are the most feared aspect of the self, as individuals are
and dislike? What do you like and dislike about these? reluctant and unprepared to manage them.

7. Contextual Self. Descriptors could be in the areas of maintenance of All three aspects of the self work together in perfect harmony when
your living environment: reaction to light, temperature, space, weather, attention is paid to all three simultaneously.
colors, sound and seasons and your impact on the environment.
A REAL WINNER is one who is able to: 6. EARLY Age of adjustment to new patterns of life and
- Win over his/her battles and difficulties in life and turns them into a ADULTHOOD roles such as spouse, parent and bread winner.
learning and glorifying experience; (18 TO 40 YEARS)
- Find meaning in pleasant and unpleasant events in his life;
7. MIDDLE AGE Transition age when adjustments to initial
- Live in peace with difficult people and difficult situations;
(40 YEARS TO physical and mental decline are experienced.
- Win the goodwill of others, their respect and admiration; RETIREMENT)
- Get what he wants using win win strategies; never at the expense of
others; 8. OLD AGE Retirement age when increasingly rapid physical
- Discover and use opportunities to his best advantage; (RETIREMENT TO and mental decline are experienced.
- Develop and use his talents and abilities to the best advantage and in so DEATH)
doing, make meaningful contributions in making this world a better place to
live in.
Stage Basic Important Outcome
Conflict Events
Module 3: Developmental Stages in Middle and Late
Adolescence Infancy Trust vs Feeding Children develop a sense of
(birth to Mistrust trust when caregivers provide
DEVELOPMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS
18 reliability, care, and affection.
STAGE
months)
A lack of this will lead to
1.PRE-NATAL Age when hereditary endowments and sex are mistrust.
(CONCEPTION TO BIRTH) fixed and all body features, both external and
internal are developed. Early Autonomy Toilet Children need to develop a
Childho vs. Shame Training sense of personal control over
2. INFANCY (BIRTH TO 2 Foundation age when basic behaviors are od (2 to and Doubt physical skills and a sense of
YEARS) organized and many ontogenetic maturation skills 3 years)
independence. Success leads
are developed.
to feelings of autonomy, failure
3. EARLY Pre-gang age, exploratory, and questioning.
results in feelings of shame
CHILDHOOD Language and Elementary reasoning are acquired and doubt.
(2 TO 6 YEARS) and initial socialization is experienced.
Prescho Initiative Exploration Children need to begin
4. LATE Gang and creativity age when self-help skills, ol (3 to 5 vs. Guilt asserting control and power
CHILDHOOD social skills, school skills, and play are years) over the environment. Success
(6 TO 12 YEARS) developed. in this stage leads to a sense
of purpose. Children who try to
5. ADOLESCENCE Transition age from childhood to adulthood when exert too much power
(PUBERTY TO 18 sex maturation and rapid physical development experience disapproval,
YEARS) occur resulting in changes in ways of feeling, resulting in a sense of guilt.
thinking and acting.
School Industry School Children need to cope with The Developmental Task
Age (6 vs. new social and academic Robert J. Havighurst proposed a bio psychosocial model of
to 11 Inferiority demands. Success leads to a development, wherein the developmental tasks at each stage are
years)
sense of competence, while influenced by the individual's biology (physiological maturation and
failure results in feelings of genetic makeup), his psychology (personal values and goals) and
inferiority. sociology (specific culture to which the individual belongs)

Adolesc Identity Social Teens need to develop a sense 1. Infancy and Early Childhood (0-5)
ence (12 vs. Role Relationshi of self and personal identity. - Learning to walk
to 18 Confusion p Success leads to an ability to
years) - Learning to take solid foods
stay true to yourself, while - Learning to talk
failure leads to role confusion - Learning to control the elimination of body wastes
and a weak sense of self. - Learning sex differences and sexual modesty
- Acquiring concepts and language to describe social and physical reality
Young Intimacy Relationshi Young adults need to form
- Readiness for reading
Adultho vs. p intimate, loving relationships
od (19 to Isolation with other people. Success - Learning to distinguish right from wrong and developing a conscience
40 leads to strong relationships,
years) while failure results in 2. Middle Childhood (6-12)
loneliness and isolation. - Learning physical skills necessary for ordinary games
- Building a wholesome attitude toward oneself
Middle Generativi Work and Adults need to create or - Learning to get along with age-mates
Adultho ty vs. Parenthood nurture things that will outlast - Developing fundamental skills in reading, writing and calculating
od (40 to Stagnatio them, often by having children - Developing concepts necessary for everyday living
65 n
or creating a positive change - Developing conscience, morality, and a scale of values
years)
that benefits other people. - Developing acceptable attitudes toward society
Success leads to feelings of
usefulness and 3. Adolescence (13-18)
accomplishment, while failure - Achieving mature relations with both sexes
results in shallow involvement - Achieving a masculine or feminine social role
in the world. - Accepting one's physique
- Achieving emotional independence of adults
Maturity Ego Reflection Older adults need to look back - Preparing for marriage and family life
(65 to Integrity on Life on life and feel a - Preparing for an economic career
death) vs. sense of fulfillment. Success at
Despair - Acquiring values and an ethical system to guide behavior
this stage leads to feelings of - Desiring and achieving social responsibility behavior
wisdom, while failure results in
regret, bitterness, and despair.
4. Early Adulthood (19-30) Tool 1: Breathe Mindfully. Use your breath as an anchor to still your
- Selecting a mate mind and bring your focus back to the present moment.
- Learning to live with a partner
- Starting a family Tool 2: Listen Deeply. Listen with intention; let others fully express
- Rearing children themselves and focus on understanding how they think and feel.
- Managing a home
- Starting an occupation Tool 3: Cultivate Insight. See life as it is, allowing each experience to be
- Assuming civic responsibility an opportunity for learning.

5. Middle Adulthood (30-60) Tool 4: Practice Compassion. Consider the thoughts and feelings of
- Helping teenage children to become happy and responsible adults others and let tenderness, kindness and empathy be your guides.
- Achieving adult social and civic responsibility
- Satisfactory career achievement Tool 5: Limit Reactivity. Observe rather than be controlled by your
- Developing adult leisure time activities emotions. Pause, breathe, and choose a skillful response based on
- Relating to one's spouse as a person thoughtful speech and nonviolence under every condition.
- Accepting the physiological changes of middle age
- Adjusting to aging parent Tool 6: Express Gratitude. Practice gratitude daily and expand it
outward, appreciating everyone and everything you encounter.
6. Later Maturity (61+)
- Adjusting to decreasing strength and health Tool 7: Nurture Mutual Respect. Appreciate our common humanity and
- Adjusting to retirement and reduced income value different perspectives as well as your own.
- Adjusting to death of spouse
- Establishing relations with one's own age group Tool 8: Build Integrity. Cultivate constructive values and consistently act
- Meeting social and civic obligations from respect, honesty and kindness.
- Establishing satisfactory living quarters
Tool 9: Foster Leadership. Engage fully in life and in community. Share
LIVING MINDFULLY your unique talents and generosity so that others can also be inspired.
Living mindfully is like being an artist: you need the right tools to practice
your craft, and you need to constantly refine your technique to achieve your Tool 10: Be Peace. Cultivate your own inner peace, becoming an agent
creative potential. In the same way, using the present moment tools below for compassionate action and social good.
will help you to hone a consistent mindfulness practice that will in time lead
to a more aware, compassionate and fulfilling way of life.
 Module 4: THE PASSAGE TO ADULTHOOD:
CHALLENGES OF LATE ADOLESCENCE I would like to remind you that being happy is not having a sky without
storms, or roads without accidents, or work without fatigue, or relationships
Physical Development without disappointments.
- Most girls have completed the physical changes related to puberty by age • Being happy is finding strength in forgiveness, hope in one's battles,
15. security at the stage of fear, love in disagreements.
- Boys are still maturing and gaining strength, muscle mass, and height and • Being happy is not only to treasure the smile, but also to reflect on the
are completing the development of sexual traits. sadness. It is not just commemorating the event, but also learning lessons in
Emotional Development failures. It is not just having joy with the applause, but also having joy in
- May stress over school and test scores. anonymity.
- Is self-involved (may have high expectations and low self-concept). • Being happy is to recognize that it is worthwhile to live, despite all the
- Seeks privacy and time alone. challenges, misunderstandings and times of crises.
- Is concerned about physical and sexual attractiveness. • Being happy is not an inevitable fate, but a victory for those who can
- May complain that parents prevent him or her from doing things travel towards it with your own being.
independently. • Being happy is to stop being a victim of problems but become an actor
- Starts wanting both physical and emotional intimacy in relationships. in history itself. It is not only to cross the deserts outside of ourselves, but
- The experience of intimate partnerships still more, to be able to find an oasis in the recesses of our soul. It is to thank
Social Development God every morning for the miracle of life.
- Shifts in relationship with parents from dependency and subordination to • Being happy is not being afraid of one's feelings. It is to know how to
one that reflects the adolescent's increasing maturity and responsibilities in talk about ourselves. It is to bear with courage when hearing a "no". It is to
the family and the community, have the security to receive criticism, even if it is unfair. It is to kiss the
- Is more and more aware of social behaviors of friends. children, pamper the parents, have poetic moments with friends, even if they
- Seeks friends that share the same beliefs, values, and interests. have hurt us.
- Friends become more important. • Being happy means allowing the free, happy and simple child inside
- Starts to have more intellectual interests. each of us to live; having the maturity to say, "I was wrong"; having the
- Explores romantic and sexual behaviors with others. audacity to say, "forgive me", It is to have sensitivity in expressing, "I need
- May be influenced by peers to try risky behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, sex). you"; to have the ability of saying, "I love you." So that your life becomes a
Mental Development garden full of opportunities for being happy…
- Becomes better able to set goals and think in terms of the future. • In your spring-time, may you become a lover of joy. In your winter, may
- Has a better understanding of complex problems and issues. you become a friend of wisdom. And when you go wrong along the way, you
- Starts to develop moral ideals and to select role models. start all over again. Thus you will be more passionate about life. And you will
find that happiness is not about having a perfect life but about using tears to
BEING HAPPY water tolerance, losses to refine patience, failures to carve serenity, pain to
• You may have defects, be anxious and sometimes live irritated, but do not applaud pleasure, obstacles to open the windows of intelligence.
forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can • Never give up ... Never give up on the people you love. Never give up
prevent it from going into decadence. from being happy because life is an incredible show. And you are a special
human being.