accurate self-perception Archives

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(Tenzin Gyatso https://images.app.goo.gl/8v5FQof4ri3rZGEW6 Christophet Michel https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Dalai Lama – Self-Discipline

When bad things happen, students have choices to make on how to protect themselves. Some choose to fight back against the people or events which caused them pain, thinking that they have the power to change the world into something better. Others recoil and focus on changing their internal attitude, hoping that by doing that, they can maintain happiness no matter what happens. The wisdom of what to do in different situations comes with experience.

(Statue of Lao Tzu in Quanzhou https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue_of_Lao_Tzu_in_Quanzhou.jpg Tom@HK https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)

Lao Tzu – Humility

The old adage “Just be yourself” looks good on paper but gets pretty scary in the real world when we must rely on our own instincts to make decisions. Dangers abound. What if we make a mistake and hurt somebody? These fears– fueled by lack of confidence– cause us to look to other people to do the thinking and acting for us. Our role models inspire us to be better, but sometimes they become convenient ways to escape the responsibility we have to be the best versions of ourselves.

(Free public domain image https://www.needpix.com/photo/download/221964/janis-joplin-singer-songwriter-60s-pop-music-psychedelic-acid-rock-rock-n-roll-pearl)

Janis Joplin – Goal-Setting

It’s no secret that most kids tend towards ‘living for the moment’ rather than engaging in careful planning over their futures. Living in the now has its benefits; instant gratification, less anxiety and a sense of freedom. Worrying about what happens tomorrow ruins the present. But maybe a little worry over the future is a good thing and makes people carefully consider their options in the moment to make sure the right choices are made and long-term happiness is secured.

(https://images.app.goo.gl/Rc4XvRxLX9rwTmyJ7 )

Margaret Mead – Education

Most teachers agree that skills and content are important components for a quality education. Debate erupts over which is more important. Some argue that teaching a person how to think should be the primary focus. Others argue that teaching content knowledge is more worthwhile. In the middle of this debate are the students who have very passionate ideas of what the purpose of school should be.

(https://pixabay.com/photos/mahatma-ghandi-statue-indian-3938383/ Free for commercial use No attribution required)

Mahatma Gandhi – Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is real. Whether out of fear of being different or just plain lack of confidence, students love to follow the crowd. It’s safe that way; they get the rewards of being liked without the risks of alienation. But then sometimes conforming to the group strips away an individual’s dignity and self-worth and, in the worst of cases, leads to destructive decisions. Deciding when to follow the group– and when to go at it alone– is an ongoing moral struggle that students must resolve in school and beyond.

(Marcus Garvey https://www.loc.gov/resource/cph.3a03567/ Library of Congress free images Public domain )

Marcus Garvey – Confidence

There’s no denying that confidence plays a role in success. What’s harder to determine is just what kind of role. Some say that a confident mindset going into a task is the most important ingredient for success. Others say the only way to be confident is to actually achieve something first. Students must determine for themselves how to gain confidence in a way that supports their happiness and positive sense of self-worth.

(Judy Garland Portrait https://pixabay.com/photos/judy-garland--female-portrait-singer-1269007/ Flybynight Pixabay free for commercial use, no attribution required )

Judy Garland – Self-Efficacy

(Marcus Aurelius https://pixabay.com/photos/rome-capitol-square-marcus-aurelius-1264224/ serghei_topor Pixabay free for commercial use, no attribution required )

Marcus Aurelius – Self-Awareness

The power of self-awareness isn’t obvious to us. So often we feel ourselves to be at the mercy of life. Life just happens to us. When things don’t go our way, we often throw our energies into changing other people and events to make things right. But maybe our efforts to change the world are futile. Maybe the only thing we really have control over is our attitude towards what happens. If we realize this, then we can find the strength, peace and acceptance we’re looking for.

(https://publicdomainclip-art.blogspot.com/2006/02/black-history-month-rosa-parks.html )

Rosa Parks – Fear

Fear is a force that is so debilitating for kids and adults alike. Fear obstructs clear thinking and fuels anxiety in a way that makes it hard to work and be successful on anything. Often, uncertainty is behind our fears. When we don’t know what to do, we become afraid of what the future has in store for us. Yet sometimes knowing what to do actually inspires our fear. Successful management of our fears is a life-long challenge.

(Nina Simone (1965) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nina_Simone_(1965).jpg Ron Kroon / Anefo Public Domain)

Nina Simone – Self-Preservation

Negative people are everywhere, whether it be in the classroom, at home or at the workplace. We often feel trapped and expected to be patient with people who bring us down. Sometimes we’re forced to flee these situations, especially when negativity turns to hate. Escape from negative people can preserve our integrity and save our energies for people who bring out the best in us. We must all make smart choices about the people with whom we associate. After all, our happiness is at stake.

(Henry David Thoreau https://images.app.goo.gl/YZdZb1yGHZdDTaV47 Benjamin D. Maxham - Henry David Thoreau Public Domain )

Henry David Thoreau – Perseverance

Setting aside the 19th century gender-biased language and applying the wisdom to all students, Thoreau is saying something important about success and positive thinking. If students believe they can succeed, then they are halfway home. The power of positive thinking is undeniable. But failure is also crucial. Students must find a balance here between positive thinking and acceptance of their imperfections. Only then will they learn how to persevere.

(Statue at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki https://images.app.goo.gl/RfwSRgiGKovLMhx39 Tilemahos Efthimiadis https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ )

Aristotle — Happiness

Students think and talk about happiness all of the time. Some believe happiness is something we control and that if we just do the right things we will become happy. There are others who think of happiness as a byproduct of a good environment and not something we can control. The issue of whether we control our happiness is an important one because it determines whether or not a student develops a healthy capacity for self-motivation and goal-setting.

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