THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - SELF-IMAGE

"The self-image is the key
to human personality and human
behavior. Change the self-image and you
change the personality and the
behavior."


Dr. Maxwell Maltz

DO I KNOW ME?

As early as 400 BC, Hippocrates defined four personality types. Which of the four types do you think is closest to you? It is important to note that no one perfectly conforms to any of these types.

SANGUINE (Super Salesman)

Strengths:

Warm, friendly, outoing, witty, optimistic, and fun to be around--the life of the party. Good at communications, public relations, entertainment, and short burst of energy. Basically a people person.

Weaknesses:

Can be superficial, quickly discouraged, and easily hurt by rejection. Often covers up deep feelings of inferiority and inadequacy with a happy-go-lucky facade.

MELANCHOLIC (Super Philosopher)

Strengths:

Imaginative, creative, sensitive, and artistic--a real lover of beauty, solitude, and perfection. Usually quiet, gentle, and philosophical. Able to concentrate, feel deeply, go to the heart of things, stay at something a long time, and remain clam in adversity. Basically an ideal person.

Weaknesses:

Can be moody, touchy, withdrawn, and extremely shy. Easily hurt by broken relationships and capable of extreme depression. Tendency to escape from reality and relationship into themselves.

CHOLERIC (Super Leader)

Strengths:

Strong, self-confident, discipline, determined, and dedicated, usually successful in whatever is undertaken. Good at organizing, taking risks, planning great endeavors, and following through with zeal. Basically a born leader.

Weaknesses:

Can be cruel, sarcastic, hot-tempered, and intolerant. Sometimes ruthless, unscrupulous, insensitive, and often "burn out" before life is over.

PHLEGMATIC (Super Friend)

Strengths:

Easy going, likable, dependable, loyal, ever cautious, conservative, and practical. A good follower, friend, and partner for a strong-willed person. Inclined toward unselfish service, peace making, and the simple life. Basically a support person.

Weaknesses:

Can be lazy, half-hearted, easily stepped on and abused by the other personalities. Often has deep feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.

Ref: Self-Profile: The Me Nobody Knows by Lyman Coleman

THE MIRROR OF MYSELF

Has it occurred to you that you just don't seem to understand yourself. At one moment you hate and condemn yourself, the next moment you believe you are somebody.

The self-image you harbor is the key to the success or failure of your plans and aspirations in life. If you look at yourself as inadequate, chances are that you will constantly believe that anything you wish for is impossible to get. You tend to underrate yourself and shy away from people. But when you know and appreciate yourself and try to use your inner power, self-knowledge will grow into self-esteem. Self-esteem is the most important factor to happiness and well being.

To have a positive self-image can be difficult, especially if one is affected by life's hardships or other major problems. But there are things we can do to improve self-image and self-esteem, which will will turn improve other aspects of our lives.