Self-education is the only method for adults to change not only their behavior, but also character traits. Its formation begins in childhood. Gradually new tools and approaches are used. Among them are self-criticism, introspection.
Self-education is a person’s conscious work aimed at the formation and improvement of positive qualities in oneself, the elimination of shortcomings. One of the main conditions is the availability of adequate self-esteem, developed self-awareness. These qualities make it possible to know the true self.
Motivation for self-education is provoked by various reasons:
- aspirations;
- a desire to comply with the standards established in society;
- self-obligations;
- difficulties that appear on the path of life;
- the presence of a positive example.
Due to the inability to formulate goals and evaluate oneself objectively, it is difficult for a person to realize himself. Therefore, work always begins with setting the right goal.
Means and stages of self-education
There are three main stages:
- initial;
- compulsion;
- conscious.
The first is characteristic of elementary school children and adolescents. It is formed in the course of educational activities under the influence of parents and teachers. The child begins to fulfill the requirements of significant adults, focusing on patterns of behavior or instructions indicated in verbal form. Over time, the ability to choose the right action appears, social requirements become regulators.
At the second stage, there is the possibility of changes due to the need to adapt to a particular situation. Changes begin with awareness, and only then are arbitrarily regulated. At this point, imitation and the need to follow instructions remain.
In the last stage, awareness is turned on. Its engine is the inner desire of man. The main driving link is motivation. Under the influence of various external actions, self-motivation, self-motivation and self-order are formed.
Means of self-education include methods of influencing oneself, various tangible and intangible objects. A vivid example is real activity. Additional tools include objects of art, culture, everyday life, reflecting human actions, books and diaries.
Self-education at various age stages
In childhood, before the onset of adolescence, the first steps of adaptation to the requirements of elders take place. They are expressed in an attempt to correct their negative actions. The main feature is the desire to change a specific type of behavior, and not some personal qualities.
In adolescents, individual characteristics are confirmed through individual actions. It is not easy work on oneself, expressed in frequent, rapid attempts to change what has already become realized as a personality trait or character.
The feeling of adulthood, the desire to be independent leads to conflicting feelings: maximalism is preserved in relation to oneself and others and limited possibilities. At this age, children are not yet ready for long-term strong-willed efforts, to overcome life's obstacles. Psychologists say that this process in a milder form takes place in girls.
In youth, there is a change in social roles, relationships with other persons. A person accumulates life experience, due to which there is an awareness: not only actions, but also individual personality characteristics characterize a single individual. The main motive is the desire to realize themselves socially and professionally. At this stage, conscious self-education begins.
Many psychologists say that the process of self-education forms the qualities of a person many times faster, especially in comparison with imitation and adaptation.
Methods
Among the fundamental methods are the following:
- self-belief
- auto-suggestion;
- empathy;
- criticism of oneself;
- self-punishment and some others.
The first method is based on self-esteem. Having revealed any negative aspects in oneself, a person convinces himself that they need to be eliminated. An example is speaking out loud what needs to be done to eliminate a deficiency. S. Doletsky wrote that it is much more difficult to say the problem out loud, to forgive yourself.
Self-hypnosis refers to speaking out loud their goals. More effective in this aspect is the discovery of the right paths. Eliminating the negative, you need to find a positive replacement for this. Thanks to this approach, a person more often begins to note good in himself, increases strength in his own abilities. This also gives a chance to consolidate in your subconscious mind the rules, guidelines for action.
Empathy is used to develop moral qualities, empathy, and empathy. With her, a person learns to see himself through the eyes of other people. There is an attempt to understand yourself, to realize how other people see you.
Another popular and practical method is self-punishment. It is based on monitoring compliance with previously established rules. If you do not apply the technique, departing from the intended without regret, a person can again do the same. Self-punishment provides an opportunity with great desire to exert efforts to their implementation. This is an important aspect in the formation of personality.
It is important that a person speaks out obligations that he makes to himself. With constant reminder, consciousness seeks to fulfill them. This leads to the formation of good habits. Assistant in the implementation of their own desire for self-improvement is encouragement. For example, if you succeeded in fulfilling your goals, achieving your goal, you can make yourself a small gift. Self-stimulation is perfect for suspicious and proud people. This technique is used for persistent use after failures, so as not to lose confidence in their own abilities.
Summing up work on yourself
When goals are set, and techniques are tried, it is necessary to take stock, evaluate the effectiveness of the work. Self-control and introspection are applied in this direction. Ideally, use a diary for these purposes. If there is no time to conduct it, it is enough to realize what was done in a day to achieve the goals set, to comprehend your behavior.
Self-control contributes to the concentration of all forces in the right direction, the correct energy consumption. Thanks to him, you can save yourself from mistakes. You need to learn this direction: before you control a large number of objects at the same time, you should start with one thing. In the opposite case, the number of errors can increase significantly. In each case, you need to determine:
- what do you plan to control;
- How can I do that;
- what should be discarded so that the result is positive.