Page 11 - TPGFBAO First Draft (5th Ed)

Forming a Clear Self Concept

We are able to develop a hazy self concept through opinion of others and by

introspection. We can live with it, or make it more accurate by assessing our-

selves:

“FORM A SELF CONCEPT ON THE BASIS OF CONSISTENT, DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIOUR,
RATHER THAN ON THE BASIS OF OUR THOUGHTS and PERCEPTIONS.”

It is not an easy exercise, but feasible enough to form a more accurate self

concept.

Create your Personality

Now visualise as to what type of person you would like to be — your ideal self

image. There would be differences in the ideal self image and the self con-

cept. Some habits will have to be given up, which are unworthy of you, but

form part of your personality because of various environmental influences. It

will take time and effort. Similarly some new habits will have to be formed.

Thus you will always remain on a journey of self improvement, because as

you mature your ideas will also evolve and so your ideal self image will also

keep changing. Improvement will take place in small, incremental steps.

A reactive person will accept himself/herself as evolved due to the impact of

genes and environment. The person believes that the negative aspects of the

personality are to be lived with. For a reactive person the answer to the ques-

tion ‘who am I?’ is that basic nature cannot be changed and I am how God

made me and the environment shaped me.

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