Self-Image how you see yourself Ms. Mulligan

In this informational text, the author explains how a stable self-image helps a person develop positive decision-making skills and maintain good relationships.

 As you read, take notes on the importance of maintaining a stable self-image.
Throughout our lives we continually develop and construct an image of ourselves. This image is based on how we interact with the world. It is also formed through reflection on our experiences and how we feel. As we get older, the image that we have of ourselves becomes clearer and more consistent.1 We develop a better idea of who we are in the world and how we feel about ourselves. This becomes our stable and consistent core. And this image of ourselves influences how we act and present ourselves.


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Of course, in different environments, we show different parts of ourselves. We have different ways of behaving in the classroom versus how we act with our friends and families. But our core self-image usually stays stable, consistent, and balanced. Being able to rely on this stability is what allows us to make good decisions in any environment and stay true to ourselves.
Throughout our lives we continually develop and construct an image of ourselves. This image is based on how we interact with the world. It is also formed through reflection on our experiences and how we feel. As we get older, the image that we have of ourselves becomes clearer and more consistent.1 We develop a better idea of who we are in the world and how we feel about ourselves. This becomes our stable and consistent core. And this image of ourselves influences how we act and present ourselves.

Of course, in different environments, we show different parts of ourselves. We have different ways of behaving in the classroom versus how we act with our friends and families. But our core self-image usually stays stable, consistent, and balanced. Being able to rely on this stability is what allows us to make good decisions in any environment and stay true to ourselves.Q1

DESCRIBE YOURSELF
When you stop to think about it, your self-image is actually made up of many small ideas that have been shaped and forged over time. Most of your self-image develops naturally without you thinking too much about it.

If you had to describe yourself by filling in the statement “I am a(n)______ person,” what would you say? You could include descriptors like:

• happy

• serious

• courageous

• quiet


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• self-confident

• timid

• friendly

• honest

• athletic

• popular

[5]The adjectives that you connect with yourself help make up your self-image. Of course, we don’t often stop to write them down, but it is a helpful and thought-provoking exercise.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Ever-changing self

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Have you ever known anyone who seemed really different each time you saw them? Maybe one time they were really quiet and serious, and then another they seemed silly and childish, and the next time bossy and demanding. It is very likely that if you’ve had to spend any significant amount of time with a person like this, you found yourself feeling confused and irritated. In order to relate to other people, we need to have a kind of steady idea of who they are, how they react to things, and how we will react to their reactions. People having relatively stable self-images is pretty important in having and maintaining good relationships with others.


It is also worth noticing that people whose self-image and behavior vary drastically may be dealing with an emotional problem, and this might indicate a need for professional care.

It is important to learn about and be aware of your self-image. This is because a stable self-image is key to a healthy sense of identity. When a person’s self-image is not an accurate reflection of them, trouble can sometimes follow. There are two kinds of problems that can occur with self-image. The first is social. The second is personal.
Ever-changing self

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Have you ever known anyone who seemed really different each time you saw them? Maybe one time they were really quiet and serious, and then another they seemed silly and childish, and the next time bossy and demanding. It is very likely that if you’ve had to spend any significant amount of time with a person like this, you found yourself feeling confused and irritated. In order to relate to other people, we need to have a kind of steady idea of who they are, how they react to things, and how we will react to their reactions. People having relatively stable self-images is pretty important in having and maintaining good relationships with others.


It is also worth noticing that people whose self-image and behavior vary drastically may be dealing with an emotional problem, and this might indicate a need for professional care.
Clueless self
Have you ever watched a talent show like American Idol or America’s Got Talent? Typically, in the first few episodes, there are quite a few people who seem to be convinced they are incredible singers or performers — when in fact they are quite obviously awful. These moments can be funny because it may seem as if these people are just having fun on TV. But these moments can also be sad, as some of these people seem to be totally “clueless” and believe they are incredible singers. Here is the second type of self-image problem. Some people have a really big gap between their self-image and their actual self. Singing in a talent show is just a small, specific example.

[10]You can probably imagine, if someone is completely out of touch (or “clueless”) about themselves, this can lead to all sorts of problems — they may make a lot of bad decisions and experience all kinds of trouble with others.

GET TO KNOW YOURSELF
As you continue to grow and mature, take some time to get to know who you are. Think of the ways you can complete the statement: “I am a ______person.” (See if you can come up 10 adjectives!)

And then maybe think about how your friends and family might complete that sentence for you. Or ask them yourself! How well do all these sets match up with each other?

As kids, we might imagine we are a superhero or a famous actor. But as we mature, we need to sync2 our imagination with reality more and more, so that we can develop a consistent image of ourselves. Without this, we can never really successfully connect with other people. “How You See Yourself” by Set to Go. Copyright © 2019 by the JED Foundation. Published with permission, all rights reserved.
1. Consistent (adjective) : unchanging over a period of time

2. to occur or operate at the same time or rate