Write your thoughts about these:

1. Reflect and write about your ideal self and real self. How near or far are you from your ideal self?

As defined by Carl Rogers, our ideal self is the ideal image of ourselves which is influenced

by what we learned and experienced. Based on my answer from our previous activities, my ideal self

revolves around contentment and making my family members happy and proud. My ideal self is

someone who takes risks and is ready to conquer the world easily. My ideal self could have the

following characteristics:

a. Someone who has already graduated.

b. Someone who is not afraid to face the consequences of his actions.

c. Someone who is traveling the world with his family

d. Someone who is returning the favor to his family and family members.

d. Someone that does not look at the price tag.

e. Someone that is contented about what he has right now.

These characteristics are based solely on what I have learned and experienced. Most of my

relatives expect me to give my family a comfortable life. The expectation turned into an experience

that motivated me to strive harder and aim for a better future with my family. Moreover, I have

learned in life that there are privileges that only rich people can have. I remember watching a

documentary about a rich guy donating to the slums. He mentioned that giving to people in need gives

him his purpose in life. He said that even though he is rich, he does not know his intent.

I am still far from my ideal self. My ideal self is someone who has conquered the challenges

of studying and working. It is my perfect image where I do not have to work hard because I am

settled. Moreover, my ideal self focuses on whom I would like to be. Even though I am still not near
my ideal self, I celebrate small wins that take me there—for example, finishing this module.

Completing this module is one of the ways I can surpass the challenges of studying. Someone will

probably tell me that your ideal self should not necessarily need to be in the future. However, I think

the ought self should be applied to improving your current characteristics. For example, I want to start

a considerable study habit then; my ought self will drive me on how I should act, like watching study

tips and applying them to your core.

As defined by our previous lesson, the real self is who we are now. My real self is

straightforward. I am a guy who takes risks and sees where they will take me. An example of it is

entering this institution; I used to think that the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was one of

the most student-centered institutions. However, I am an exhausted student now. Moreover, I would

describe my real self through the following:

a. I am a driven student who likes to study.

b. I take risks and see where it will take me.

c. I do help my parents in doing household chores.

d. I am contemplating whether I will continue to study at Polytechnic University or transfer to

another school.

e. I am currently answering our modules in Understanding the Self.

2. How do you see yourself?

Andre Gide once said. ‘"Be faithful to that which exists within yourself." Viewing ourselves

from our perspective does vary. Some people view themselves positively, while others are negative

and have a balance. I do consider myself positively. According to the Mayo Clinic, positive thinking
helps us with stress management. Moreover, it can also improve our mental health. Viewing ourselves

positively does not necessarily mean that I ignore my imperfections. However, I approach my

weaknesses with positive regard. Here are some of the circumstances where I view myself with

positive respect:

a. Whenever I clean our house, I view myself as a good child.

b. Whenever I pray, I view myself as religious.

c. When I study, I view myself as someone who’s studious.

d. When I get a terrible mark on quizzes, I view it as a learning opportunity to better myself in

the upcoming exams.

We have to understand the positive effects of viewing ourselves positively. Ellaine Mead

(2019) stated that viewing yourself with positivity can help reduce stress, builds confidence, and a

better relationship. These reasons alone can help you determine how positive perception improves

your quality of life. These facts were supported by research named ‘The use of positively-worded

performance reminders to reduce the warm-up decrement in the field hockey penalty shot.’ It was

mentioned that positive self-talk could improve learning.

As for my own experience, positive viewing of myself helped me a lot. I remember having a

hard time understanding our lesson in Managerial Economics; I fell into this loop of negatively

viewing it and treating it as my nemesis. I thought that I would fail the subject and could never

recover. However, when I looked in the mirror and told myself that I could do it and that it was just a

challenge, I suddenly became aware of my goals and aspirations. I started to thrive better.

3. How do you think others see you?

 Others see me differently. As individuals, we have different perceptions of each other. My

actions tell how people see me. If I am kind to them, they will think I am a good person. If I helped

them with their assignment, they would think I was helpful and intelligent. If they see me dancing,

they will think I am a dancer. If I cry, they will feel that I am weak mentally. I do believe that other

people see me differently.

Our actions towards other people reveal much about their perception of us. This is why we

should be careful about our activities when meeting people for the first time. First impressions can last

and, if left unchecked, can damage your possible relationship with others.

4. How would you like for others to see you

As I watched the Games of Thrones: House of the Dragon, I encountered this quote by

Rhaenyra Targaryen. She said, “Exhausting, wasn’t it? Hiding beneath the cloak of your own

righteousness. But now they see you as you are.” I want others to see me as who I am. Not the person

who fakes my masculinity, but who I am. Not the person who tries to jump on the bandwagon to have

a friend, but who I am. Not the person who hides beneath the closet, but who I am. Not the person

who shows that he is tough, but who I am.

I want others to see the beauty in me. Some people might think that it would be impossible to

encourage other people to accept your weaknesses. But as I have said earlier, I will approach

negativity with a positive view of myself. I know who I am, which will keep me moving forwards.

I want my family to see me as someone who can also feel depressed. Moreover, I want them to

realize that I can be vulnerable. I want my parents to see me as their loving child. I want my sisters to

see me as a person who can learn from their past mistakes.

 I want my friends to see me as someone that can be there for them. I want them to think that

Lois is a good friend because he shows his good side to us. Moreover, I want them to realize that I

love them.

I want my teachers to see me as someone who works hard and does not give up easily. I want

my teachers to realize that I can be vulnerable and that there will be times when I will feel down. I like

this school to recognize that students need help, too.

I want the general public to know that Lois is powerful and will do everything they can to

achieve my goals.

These particular things are going to be influenced by my actions. As a person who wants

people to perceive me as the things above, I must do my best to show it. I have to remember that I can

be vulnerable in front of them. I should not be Alicent who hides her own righteousness.