Definitions
Self-reliance is the ability to depend on one’s capabilities without external help. The concept of self-reliance is comprehensive, which Emerson (2019) narrowed down to dependence on one’s effort without seeking help from other sources. Green (2021) defined self-reliance as the power of believing in the internal strength to create meaning, coherence and fulfillment. Self-reliance can be applied on different occasions, for example, thinking, embracing individuality, and striving toward personal goals. The ability to think without being influenced by societal views is psychologically viewed as self-reliance. Setting personal goals and personally thriving to achieve them makes individuals self-reliant.
Attributes
Confidence
The success of self-reliance is dependent on personal confidence. Confidence is the inner strength and trust in an individual ability to solve emotional problems. It is also referred to as the ability to overcome personal fear and thus rely on unique capabilities. Confidence is the feeling or having undisputed faith in something (Emerson, 2019). Therefore, with confidence, it is highly expected that individuals become more self-reliant. Confidence can overcome personal doubt and thus entirely rely on individual gifts.
Hard Work
Work can be mental, physical, or spiritual, and the ability to have discipline on these prospects makes it hard work. Hard work is the ability to stretch one’s abilities to reach more goals. In self-reliance, individuals must pressure their definition of skills or strength to continue prospering in their dreams (Emerson, 2019). Thus, hard work complements self-reliance as it enables individuals to understand their strengths and depend on them.
Determination
Determination is the firmness of specifically defined paths to attain a particular purpose. In most cases, people face difficulties and challenge their abilities to overcome them. Determination brings discipline to personal goals despite the obstacles in the way. Self-reliance cannot prevail without determination, which keeps an individual on their toes to achieve their short-term and long-term goals (Green, 2021). Thus, the positive feeling toward personal ability makes self-reliance more successful
Model Case
Jane Smith is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in one of the Californian hospitals. At her workplace, she epitomizes self-reliance by showcasing attributes such as hard work, confidence and determination. To show hard work and commitment to the organization, Mrs. Smith completes her routine checkup on patients on time and always serves as a team player. When working with other professionals, such as surgical assistant nurses and physicians, Mrs. Jane performs her roles with a positive attitude. Besides hard work, Mrs. Smith has been recognized for her confidence, especially when helping patients with severe conditions such as accidents and emergencies. One time, Mrs. Smith helped a patient regain consciousness by stabilizing him after the patient was involved in a significant accident. This act made Mrs Smith win the DAISY award recognizing the super-human work nurses do. In addition, she exemplifies determination through her routine goal-setting activities. It is rare for Mrs Smith to whine about the complexity of her career since she is determined and inwardly focused.
Empirical Referents for the Measurement of Self-Reliance
Direct Referent
The direct referent for self-reliance entails one being able to make decisions and perform actions without needing the help of others. In this case, a person can decide to act without involving their friends. For example, a person may choose to start a business without asking for friends’ views. Besides, the direct referent is based on the person and not the people they asked for help from (Green, 2021). Generally, the direct referent of self-reliance is being self-independent.
Indirect Referent
The indirect referent of self-reliance is based on the people around the self-reliant person. Self-reliance is identifiable by individuals when the help they used to offer is no longer needed. A person might recognize their friends are autonomous when those people no longer seek help when making decisions or even taking action (Green, 2021). For example, if a girl used to involve her friends when selecting courses and stops and does the same by herself, then she will be termed self-reliant by those close individuals.
References
Emerson, R. W. (2019). Self-reliance. Lulu. Web.
Green, J. E. (2021). Self-reliance without self-satisfaction: Emerson, Thoreau, Dylan and the problem of inaction. Philosophy & Social Criticism, 47(2), 196-224.