The word ‘personality’ derives from the Latin word ‘personae’ which means “mask”.The study of personality can be understood as the study of “masks” that people wear.These are the personas that people project and display, but also includes the inner parts of psychological experience which we collectively call our ‘self’
Personality Theorists: Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, Gordon Allport
Sigmund Freud
“It is largely unconscious, hidden and unknown”.
“According to Freud's theory, certain aspects of your personality are more primal and might pressure you to act upon your most basic urges. Other parts of your personality work to counteract these urges and strive to make you conform to the demands of reality”
Carl Rogers
“It is an organized, consistent pattern of perception of the “I” or “me” that lies on the heart of an individual experience."
Carl Rogers believed that for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of congruence. This means that self-actualization occurs when a person's “ideal self” (i.e., who they would like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (self-image).
Gordon Allport
Using eclecticism, Allport is perhaps best known for his trait theory of personality. He began developing this theory by going through a dictionary and noting every term he found that described a personality trait.
“It is something within an individual that leads to characteristic behavior and thought."
Ideal self is the self that you aspire to be. It is the one that you hope will possess characteristics similar to that of a mentor or some other worldly figure.
Actual self is the one that you actually see. It is the self that has characteristics that you were nurtured or, in some cases, born to have.
Self-concept refers to your awareness of yourself. It is the construct thatnegotiates these two selves. In other words, it connotes first the identification of the ideal self as separate from others, and second, it encompasses all the behaviors evaluated in the actual self that you engage in to reach the ideal self.
Alignment. If the way that I am (the actual self) is aligned with the way that I want to be (the ideal self), then I will feel a sense of mental well-being or peace of mind,
Incongruence, or lack of alignment, will result in mental distress or anxiety.
Carl Rogers (1959) believed that humans have one basic motive, that is the tendency to self-actualize - i.e., to fulfill one's potential and achieve the highest level of 'human-beingness' we can. Carl Rogers believed that for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of congruence. This means that self-actualization occurs when a person’s “ideal self” (i.e., who they would like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (actual self)
Self-actualized people accept themselves and others as they are. They tend to lack inhibition and are able to enjoy themselves and their lives free of guilt. Not only do self-actualized people fully accept themselves, but they also embrace other people for who they are
Knowing oneself to others
➢ It is fun to begin to know more about who we are. It is even more exciting to see ourselves through the eyes of other people who know us.
➢ The most basic way to know oneself is through self- inquiry
➢ The method of inquiry considers 2 main players (1) Oneself (2) Other people
➢ Johari’s window was made for a model of interpersonal awareness and self-development. It can help be more aware of his/her own strength
Johari’s Window Model explanation
Open/self-area or arena – Here the information about the person his attitudes, behavior, emotions, feelings, skills, and views will be known by the person as well as by others.
Blind self or blind spot – Information about yourselves that others know in a group, but you will be unaware of it. Others may interpret yourselves differently than you
Johari's Window Model explanation
Hidden area or facade – Information that is known to you but will be kept unknown from others. This can be any personal information which you feel reluctant to reveal. kept unknown
Unknown area – The Information which are unaware to yourselves as well as others. This includes the information, feelings, capabilities, talents etc. This can be due to traumatic past experiences or events which can be unknown for a lifetime.
The four quadrants of the Johari Window are Open Self, Blind Self, Hidden Self, and Unknown Self.
There is negotiation that exists between the two selves which is complex because there are numerous exchanges between the ideal and actual self. These exchanges are exemplified in social roles that are adjusted and re-adjusted, and are derived from outcomes of social interactions from infant to adult development.
Personal Effectiveness
Knowledge is required for setting goals, defining an action plan to achieve them and risk assessment.
Skills also determine whether real actions are performed in accordance with the plan. If the same ability is used many times in the same situation, then it becomes a habit that runs automatically, subconsciously.
skills that will greatly increase the efficiency of any person who owns them:
determination
self-confidence
persistence
managing stress
problem-solving skills
creativity
generating ideas
Building on your strengths and work on your weakness
Most failures emanate from weaknesses that are not recognized or probably recognized but not given appropriate attention or remedy. This could be a weakness in communications, personality or ability. Instead of giving up or indulging in self-pity, take action.
Instead of simply focusing on your weaknesses, recognize your own talents and abilities, build on them, utilize them to your greatest advantage. This is where you can build your name and popularity.
Turned weakness to an asset: Thomas Edison, Bruce Wilis, Richard Branson, Lizzie Velasquez, Nick Vujicic