BEST SELF Definition: BEST SELF: a strong sense of well-­‐being promoted by choices that enhance a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. It is the self that allows a person to function at their fullest potential, leading a life with meaning and purpose. Discovering one’s BEST SELF is a continual process. Goal: Create a consistent BEST SELF health promotion message from the Division of Enrollment and Student Services to support a healthy, thriving Western community. As a result of exposure to consistent BEST SELF messaging, the Western community will: • Increase self-­‐awareness and self-­‐efficacy • Actively engage in a caring and positive community • Utilize their strengths to improve their health and wellbeing • Encourage and assist others to be their best selves Prevention and Wellness Services encourages students to discover their BEST SELF by promoting the following: 1. Wisdom and Knowledge Cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge Creativity Curiosity Open-­‐Mindedness Love of Learning Mastering of new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge Perspective Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and others. Originality, ingenuity Interest, Novelty-­‐seeking, Openness to Experience Judgment, Critical Thinking Wisdom 2. Courage Bravery Persistence Integrity Vitality Valor Perseverance, Industriousness Authenticity, honesty Zest, Enthusiasm, Vigor, energy 3. Humanity Kindness Generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering Thinking things through and examining them from all sides Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain Finishing what one starts Speaking the truth and presenting oneself in a genuine way; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions Approaching life with excitement and energy. Not doing things halfway or halfheartedly Interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others Doing favors and good deeds for others Love Valuing close relationships with others Social Intelligence Being aware of the motives and feelings of self and others; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations Emotional and personal intelligence 4. Justice Citizenship Fairness Leadership Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life Working well as a member of a group or team and doing one’s share Social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork Treating all people the same and according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain good relationships with the group 5. Temperance Strengths that protect against excess Forgiveness Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; not being vengeful Humility/Modesty Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves Prudence Being careful about one’s choices; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted Discretion/Caution Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions Self-­‐regulation Self-­‐Control Strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning 6. Transcendence Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains Appreciation of beauty and excellence Awe, wonder, elevation Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks Gratitude Hope Humor Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme Source: Peterson, C. & Seligman M. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. American Psychological Association: Oxford University Press Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it Optimism, future-­‐mindedness, future orientation Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people Playfulness Spirituality Faith, purpose, religiousness Practicing BEST SELF 1.
Name Identify: a goal you would like to accomplish or a challenge you are facing (short term – week, or longer term) a. Goal: I want to create more balance between school, work and social life b. Challenge: I am overwhelmed with my homework and have no time for myself 2. Awareness Choose two BEST SELF characteristics that can help you achieve your goal or assist you with the challenge. a. Self-­‐regulation and love of learning 3. Action Practice (think about how you are applying) your characteristics at least twice a day but hourly is even better! a. Schedule study time and break times. Create a study group. Plan activities or events that help you stay connected with friends, plan fun into your day/week, and allow time for you to relax. b. Practice wonder and curiousity to foster love of learning. 4. Answers Reflect on how the above worked for you. Suggestions: a) Reflect on how you applied your chosen characteristic(s) for the past week. b) Either continue to work with the same characteristic(s) or choose new ones (depending on your goal or challenge).