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Life orientation

Grade 8

Self-esteem

Module 3

People differ

Me and you...

People differ. Thank goodness for that! It would have been awfully boring if everybody had the same opinions, likes and dislikes. Think about eating out - and everyone ordering the exact same pizza! Think about your family and friends. You have certain things in common, but you differ in many other ways. Maybe you are the serious type, inclined to worry about things even before they happen. Your best friend may be a happy-go-lucky type who only worries when things have already gone wrong (and then only maybe). People may ask: "How on earth do those two or three manage to get along?" Well, maybe two worriers will drive each other nuts and two clowns will be in trouble permanently? Is that a good thing?

In general, people tend to prefer positive people to negative people. It makes sense. If you are depressed, you really do not need negative input to drag you even deeper into the mire of black thoughts and feelings. Hey, you need to have your spirits lifted, your smile stuck back onto your dial and the skip put back into your walk.

Answer the following questions honestly. Just mark the YES or No block .

1. If I organise a picnic, I just know that it will rain.

Yes

No

2. When the phone rings, I expect bad news.

Yes

No

3. If a team has to be put together, I'll be the last one to be chosen.

Yes

No

4. Why should I study, I'll never get a job.

Yes

No

5. The South African Economy will never improve.

Yes

No

6. I expect to do well in my work.

Yes

No

7. People like me.

Yes

No

8. There are many things that I am good at.

Yes

No

9. There is a solution for every problem.

Yes

No

10. Things are not as bad as people say.

Yes

No

Key :

  • If you have answered YES to the first five statements, you are inclined to see the negative side of things.
  • If you have answered YES to the last five statements, you normally look on the bright side of things.
  • See where most of your YES answers are and then decide whether you are inclined to have a positive or negative outlook on things.
  • Remember, this is just a guideline and not a sophisticated test. This will only alert you to your thought patterns.

[LO 3.1, 3.2]

On your own

After the groups have finished writing down the positive and negative characteristics, make sure that you understand all the words. (Ask your teacher or use an explanatory dictionary to look up unfamiliar words). Now it is time for you to look at yourself. Which of the characteristics mentioned before in the groups play a big role in your personality?

What to do

Use the following to help you take a closer look at yourself. Be honest, I am sure that you will be allowed to keep it private, if you wish. Write only the number next to the characteristic.

3 = that's is definitely me

2 = that is somewhat like me

1 = this is not really like me

0 = this is not me at all

A. List of characteristics

honest considerate
loyal friendly
genuine hardworking
giving modest
sense of humour self-confident

B. List of characteristics

dishonest prone to lying
gossipy impolite/rude
jealous braggart
irritable depressed
fearful selfish

You will see that the B list contains words which are not necessarily negative. For instance, to be afraid is not always bad, but to be afraid of everything, especially trying, can be negative. Where are your highest numbers? Do you think you are primarily positive or negative? There will be a chance to write other characteristics not included in the lists.

[LO 3.2]

This is me!

Design your own label.

  • Be very creative.
  • Make use of colour, form, photos, words, etc. to create your own, unique label. Remember, there is nobody else who is 100% like you.
  • Even your fingerprints are different from everybody else. You can put your thumb into coloured paint or ink to make a thumbprint. Use your thumbprint as part of your label.

Complete:

According to this label I am:

[LO 3.2]

You are what you think!

Assessment

Learning outcomes(LOs)
LO 3
Personal development The learner will be able to use acquired life skills to achieve and extend personal potential to respond effectively to challenges in his or her world.
Assessment standards(ASs)
We know this when the learner:
  • analyses and discusses factors which influence self-concept formation and self-motivation;
  • reflects on appropriate behaviour in different kinds of interpersonal relationships.

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Source:  OpenStax, Life orientation grade 8. OpenStax CNX. Sep 12, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11048/1.1
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