1. PSYC 126
PERSONALITY ENHANCEMENT
Chapter 2 Self-Development
Self-improvement plan – life-long process that changes with your
growth and experiences.
- Involves a realistic vision of your future self, long-
term goals, and an action plan.
Self-confidence: John Wesley defines it as, “the difference between
feeling unstoppable and feeling scared out of your wits.”
- Sense of personal strength and a belief that you are
worthy and talented.
Techniques to Build Self-Confidence:
1. Use positive self-talk
2. Increase your knowledge and skills
3. Learn from mistakes
4. Expect to Succeed
5. Conquer shyness
6. Accept responsibility for your success
I. VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE
Imaging – refers to deliberately picturing your life as
you would like it to be.
Self-actualization – the process of growing to reach
your greatest potential.
II. SET GOALS
Goals – clearly stated results they want to achieve
within a specified time period.
Action plan – is an organized series of actions to
achieve a specific goal.
Goal-setting – the overall process for achieving your
goals.
Vague goals Clear goals
Get an education Earn an associate’s
degree in graphic design
within two years.
Reduce my stress level Lower my blood pressure
8 points by attending
yoga classes 3 nights a
week this fall.
Develop my musical
talents
Take guitar lessons next
semester at the
community college.
Figure 2-2 vague vs. clear goals
Specific (What exactly do you want to accomplish?)
Measurable (How will you assess your progress?)
Attainable (Is your goal within your reach?)
Relevant (Is your goal important to your plan for life?)
Timely (What is your deadline for completing this
goal?)
FIGURE 2-3 Criteria for SMART goals
III. DEVELOP ACTION PLANS
- Write down the steps and timeframe that will bring
you closer to achieving your long-term goals.
Example:
Goal: To be promoted to the position of web specialist
within two years.
Action Plan:
1. Investigate the requirement for the web specialist
position.
2. Shadow a web specialist to better understand the
duties.
3. Enroll and complete two courses at the community
college.
4. Develop a website for a charitable group.
5. Apply for the position of web specialist.
Behavior Modification – refers to the use of techniques to improve
or change behavior.
Rewards or benefit – can be a strong motivational tool to change
behavior; referred to as reinforcement.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT TIPS:
 Start small
 Involve others
 Don’t give up
 Stay focused on your goals
 Acknowledge your improvements
 Let every success trigger a new goal
 Focus on gratitude
Mentor or coach – the person who helps an individual develop on
the job; may offer advice, answer questions, help a new employee
understand the culture of the business, share expertise and
experiences, and serve as a role model.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – help employees deal with
personal problems that might adversely affect their job
performance, health, or well-being.
Career Interest and Aptitude Tests – can help you better understand
your potential for success in various career fields; some tests
measure characteristics that relate to the demands of various work
situations.
Try-out experience – provides an actual on-the-job opportunity for a
limited period of time.
Internship – coordinates classroom and laboratory training with on-
the-job training in the work environment.
POINTS TO REMEMBER:
 Signs of a self-confident person include a pleasant
demeanor, a positive outlook on life, a circle of friends,
and a sense of satisfaction with life in general.

2.  Improve your self-confidence by reviewing your positive
characteristics, talking positively to yourself, taking
advantage of opportunities to build your knowledge and
skills, moving on despite setbacks, increasing your
expectations for yourself, and planning for self-
improvement.
 Self-improvement begins with a vision of your future self,
involves identifying specific goals, and devising action
plans that will help you accomplish your long-term goals.
 Put your goals and action plans in writing. Stay focused on
your goals and hold yourself accountable for your action
plans.
 Self-actualization is a lifelong process. Expect to reassess
and redefine your identity throughout your career and life.
 Behavior modification requires developing your own
system. Make contracts with yourself about your goals
action plans—and keep the contracts!
 A mentoring relationship with a coworker or supervisor
can help you achieve your plans for self-improvement.
Mentoring relationships require open communication and
a commitment from both parties.
 Employee Assistance Programs, aptitude and interest
testing, try-out experiences, and internship programs are
valuable self-improvement resources.
Reference:
Masters, L.A., et al. (2011). Personal Development for Work and Life.
Cengage Learning Asia Pte. Ltd.
Prepared by:
Mrs. Maria Angela L. Diopol
Instructor