GE2202

The Self

Knowing oneself takes a lifetime of reflection and analysis. The human person is such an intricate, complex,
and dynamic being that needs better understanding. What other people see may not be a true reflection of
what is inside the person. To judge a person based on a single pattern of behavior is like deciding without
analyzing the pros and cons of a situation.

How One Gets to Know Oneself

I. Understanding Personality
The first key to knowing oneself is clearly understanding what personality is. An individual's personality
consists of the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual makeup. One has a perception and
database of information regarding these attributes.

A person also knows the aspects of personality in both private and public moments. Consistency in one's
pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behavior determines the personality to a certain extent. It is essential to
look into habits that distinguish one from others. Traits and characteristics also distinguish a person from
other individuals. How other people collectively regard an individual is another aspect. This complements
one's perception of the self.

Throughout one's lifetime, however, personality may change. The change may result from one's conviction,
circumstances and environment, the influence of other people, and many other factors.
II. Appreciating Values
Values pertain to the moral codes, norms of conduct, and ethical principles a person adheres to. These
values guide daily life, empowering the individual not to compromise on the most important things. These
values are integrity, honesty, loyalty, industry, excellence, and professionalism. These core values play a
significant role in interpersonal relations, decision-making, problem-solving, and career choice.

Whatever one believes in prompts a person to act in a way consistent with one's values and beliefs.
Decisions are certainly affected by the person's frame of thought, perception of things in the environment,
and the set priorities in life. One's career choice clearly reflects what is preferred in life. The choice of friends
also reflects the traits the individual values most.
III. Knowing the Body and Physical
Attributes
The physical body is tangible proof of a person's existence. One feels pain, pleasure, warmth, and fatigue
throughout the body. Moreover, the person becomes aware of their breathing, movements, abilities,
balance, and flexibility because of the body.

Regarding physical attributes, differences may be due to genetics, age, lifestyle ailments, or personal
enhancements. To cite an example, the transition from childhood to adolescence marks several changes in
the body which the person becomes aware of.
IV. Recognizing Dreams and Aspirations
Another way to know the self better is to recognize one's dreams and aspirations. Goals and aspirations
serve as a roadmap to the future. They pave the way for a life worth living.

Dreams and aspirations constitute a person's goals and ambitions in life. They mirror a part of that person
and the individual they desire to become someday. These goals should be worked on daily. A person should
explore opportunities and paths that could lead to these goals. For instance, if one dreams of becoming a
doctor, that person should look into what preparatory course to enroll in, the requirements and skills needed,
and even the field of specialization to pursue.
V. Identifying Likes and Dislikes
One will better understand the self through their likes and dislikes. These define what brings satisfaction
and dissatisfaction to a person. One is most likely to pursue what is desired and avoid what is
undesired. Doing things that are disliked may only bring frustration. On the contrary, doing things that are
liked may get gratification.

Identifying one's likes and dislikes enables a person to define their personality and boost individual

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confidence. Knowing what will make a person happy and content is very important. The ability to determine
one's likes and dislikes spell the foundation for pursuing personal goals.
VI. Embracing the Past
Another way to know the self better is by knowing and treasuring the past. A big part of the knowledge about
oneself constitutes the past. This is also instrumental in the formation of self-concept.
The experiences one encounters teach life lessons. Whether or not these experiences are worth reminiscing
about, the important thing is how a person sees the past and draws inspiration from it to continue with their
life.
VII. Understanding Self-perception and Others' Perceptions
Knowledge of the self is a product of one's perception, view of oneself concerning other people, others'
perceptions, and how a person is based on objective reality. All these define the realm by which a person
unravels their own identity as an individual.
The complex self and the way one deals with the environment spell the dynamism of an individual's world.

The Johari Window demonstrates a clear understanding of this interaction, a model for self-awareness and
interpersonal relations.

Johari Window: A Model for Self-Awareness and Interpersonal Relations

Joseph Luft and Harrington Ingham, two noted social psychologists, introduced the concept of the
Johari Window. The term "Johari" was coined from the first syllables of their names.

Known to Not Known

Self to Self

Known to
OPEN BLIND
Others

Not Known
to Others HIDDEN UNKNOWN

Fig. 1.1 The Johari Window

The Johari Window, which consists of four window panes, is a mechanism designed to help an individual
grow through learning more about oneself and others.
The four window panes of the Johari Window are the following:
1. Open Area - The area known to oneself and others. This pane refers to the things that the public knows
about oneself. Examples of these are age, gender, and educational attainment.
2. Hidden Area The area known only to oneself and not known by others. It refers to one's secrets in life.
3. Blind Area - The area not known to the self but is known by others or the "blind spot" of a person. The
blind area consists of the things that an individual may not necessarily be aware or conscious of but are
seen, observed, and felt by others. Examples are expressions and mannerisms.
4. Unknown Area - The area unknown to the person and others. This area remains untapped and
undiscovered until the time or right opportunity comes, such as an emergency or crisis that calls for one
to act instantaneously. How a person responds to the situation may bring about a discovery of the self,
making one realize talent or skill otherwise unknown to them.

According to Luft and Ingham, a person can use the Johari Window to improve the self by widening the
open area and reducing the hidden and blind areas. Doing so will eventually lead to the reduction of the unknown

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area and pave the way for one to discover more about oneself in terms of attitude, talents, capabilities, and
other skills.

These can be made possible by modes of sharing, establishing trust, and asking for and giving feedback
with tact.
1. Self-disclosure and Sharing — People often misunderstand others in so many ways. To pave the way
for better understanding, it would help if a person could share a part of the self, though not necessarily
the personal side, which could include intimate and secret details of one's life and experiences. By
revealing a part of oneself, a person can widen the open area and reduce the hidden area.
2. Establishing trust — If two persons are open with each other, communication based on trust is easier
to achieve. In a group of people, collaboration, cooperation, and teamwork are easier to accomplish if
members trust each other.
Known by Self Unknown by Self
Ask

Known by Others 1. Open 2. Blind

area Feedback area

Shared Discovery

Tell

Self-Disclosure

Self-Discovery

Unknown by Others 3. Hidden 4. Unknown

area area

Fig. 1.2 Johari window as a tool for self-discovery and interpersonal relations

3. Asking Feedback and Giving Feedback - A feedback mechanism ensures open communication. Asking
for feedback is one way to know about the perception of others. Giving feedback, however, keeps the
mode of understanding between two parties open. However, it should be practiced tactfully to avoid
offending the other party. In some cases, euphemism is utilized. Euphemism involves using pleasant
or indirect language to conceal an unpleasant truth or harsh reality and avoid embarrassing or hurting
others. For instance, instead of saying, "You're getting bigger," you could say, "You look healthy
nowadays."

With feedback, the blind quadrant is reduced as a person becomes aware of the blind spot.

Overall, the Johari Window helps the individual analyze the self better and move toward improving the self
through sharing, giving feedback, accepting limitations, and trusting other people. The Johari Window likewise
enhances one's competence to interrelate with people better through trust, understanding, and concern. Thus,
both the intrapersonal and interpersonal relations of the individual are enhanced.

Personal SWOT
SWOT is an abbreviation for "strengths," "weaknesses," "opportunities," and "threats." SWOT is generally used
for planning in the business context, but it can also be used on a more personal level to appraise oneself. In
this regard, SWOT can be used by an individual to capitalize on their strengths, appreciate opportunities, and
be aware of areas for improvement and threats to personal goals.

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Fig. 1.3 SWOT Analysis

Strengths and weaknesses are characteristics attributed to an individual, something internal to the person;
strengths are the person's positive attributes, whereas weaknesses refer to negative attributes. Opportunities
and threats are aspects of the environment that are external to the individual. Opportunities can open doors for
growth and development, whereas threats can dampen one's capability to achieve desired goals.

Strengths
Strengths are a person's positive traits that can be leveraged to fulfill goals and dreams. These pleasant
attributes may' include beauty, intelligence, kindness, and other good characteristics. These may also include
competency in a particular field that allows one to stand above the rest. For instance, a specific skill in playing
basketball makes one feel confident in said field.
Weaknesses
Weaknesses refer to the negative characteristics or limitations of a person. These may include physical, mental,
social, spiritual, or emotional limitations. If not overcome, weaknesses could cause a person to feel inferior,
insecure, or less confident. If not addressed, weaknesses can hamper an individual's aspirations in life.
Opportunities
Opportunities are chances, occasions, or prospects present in one's environment that are external to the person
and may be seized to meet individual goals. For example, scholarships and training programs a student can
avail of are considered opportunities.
Threats
Similar to opportunities, threats are things or situations present in the environment. These consist of anything
that hinders a person from pursuing goals or moving needs. These are competition, geographical distance,
government restrictions, and natural calamities.

The Need for an Individual SWOT

An individual SWOT can be used for personal or professional advancement. It can help one solve life's
challenging situations, weigh complex decision options, or make changes in one's dispositions. A SWOT
analysis can also help a person in preparing an action plan.

How SWOT Analysis can assist one

A person can leverage the SWOT Analysis through the following strategies:

1. Use strengths to grab opportunities

One's solid points or positive characteristics can be capitalized on to seize opportunities available in the
immediate environment. For instance, a student who has solid persuasive skills and is good at selling
may apply for a part-time sales job. Through this strategy, the maximization of strengths is realized.
2. Use strengths to avoid threats.
A person's strong qualities can provide a shield against threats. For example, a college graduate
seeking a job can use assertiveness as a competitive advantage sales job. An applicant who is smart
and confident is better than another candidate for a chance of getting hired.
3. Overcome weaknesses by grabbing opportunities.
One has to eliminate weaknesses or overcome limitations if only to seize opportunities that will prove
advantageous for attaining personal or professional growth. For example, a student with stage fright
must learn such fear to pass their communication subject. This is an excellent opportunity to conquer
anxiety in facing an audience.

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4. Minimize weaknesses and avoid threats.

An individual must strategize to acknowledge limitations and avoid threats. For instance, if one is not
good at technical skills, one should not look for a job that requires such competency. This way, the
person can avert situations that could cause frustrations and disappointments.

Having a clear understanding of one's strengths and weaknesses enables one to strategize and balance
the things that can and cannot be controlled. Changes in individual traits are aspects that a person has
complete control of. Meanwhile, one does not have full control of elements existing in the environment.
Once people become aware of the challenges, they can adapt to the situation by capitalizing on their
strengths and avoiding instances that can threaten personal or professional growth.
SWOT analysis likewise helps an individual develop a personal strategic plan and map out a personal
reform agenda or action plan.

Accepting Weaknesses and Limitations

No one is born perfect. Everyone has specific weaknesses and limitations. To compare oneself with others will
only cause frustration as there will always be individuals endowed with more positive qualities and traits;
focusing on what one lacks and not on what one has only sows discontentment and dissatisfaction. This may
later lead to feelings of anger, anxiety, insecurity, frustration, and depression.

Knowing that human beings are not perfect should not be a source of negative feelings but an opportunity to
accept the limitations of individual persons. Instead of looking at things adversely, one can look at a perspective
that will allow the transformation of weaknesses into strengths. A vital ingredient here is adjustment coupled
with determination. Nothing defeats a focused mind and a firm decision to succeed.

Here are some tips on how weaknesses can be transformed into strengths.
1. Accept one's weaknesses and limitations. Overcome fear.
2. Examine limitations and determine possible causes for such limitations. Analyze the things that can be
done with areas for improvement.
3. With the proper mindset and use of positive thinking, learn to concentrate on how to improve in those
areas. Find alternative ways how to be creative and successful.
4. Keep on trying. Feel inspired. Do it with style.
5. Acknowledge little successes.
6. Celebrate successfully turning weaknesses into strengths.

Here are some examples of weaknesses and what can be done to turn these into strengths through simple
steps.
1. Poor time management
• Do what you can with limited time.
• Learn to prioritize.
• Do not procrastinate.
• Know what time of the day you work best.
• Utilize the free time to achieve productivity.
• Visualize, prepare, and organize the necessary tools and materials.
• Be punctual at all times.

2. Poor selling skills using a face-to-face technique

• Recruit a group of people who will do the actual selling.
• Provide them with incentives.
• Monitor their sales performance.
3. Stage fright
• Develop good communication skills in a one-on-one conversation first.
• Manage to converse with a small group of people confidently.
• Gradually try interacting with a much bigger audience.

One may have specific limitations, but this should not stop a person from trying their best and improving. Training

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and exercise can be a big help in overcoming limitations.

References:
Caparas, MV. (2020). Personal Development- Discovering the Key to Success. Abiva Publishing House
Genard, G., (2016). Retrieved from https://www.genardmethod.com/blog/10-fast-and-effective-ways-to-overcome-stage-fright.
How much sleep do we need? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sleepfoundation.org/excessivesleepiness/content/how-much-sleep-do-we-
really-need-0.

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