People have always endeavored to understand themselves better throughout history. It was a more challenging goal several centuries ago than nowadays, as there was little information available on the topic. Fortunately, it is less complicated in the modern world, as extensive and detailed research has been conducted about the self. Much information has been discovered and described on social comparison, impression management, mindsets, and motivation. Without any doubt, connecting my personal examples to these concepts can encourage me to understand myself better.
First, social comparisons occur when people compare themselves to others. According to Fox and Vendemia (2016), downward social comparisons can lead to self-enhancement, boosts in self-esteem, body satisfaction, and self-confidence. In contrast, upward social comparisons cause negative emotions, self-doubt, anxiety, and eating disturbance (Fox & Vendemia, 2016). For example, I used to attend dance classes and often experienced upward comparisons. I watched videos of professional dancers and doubted my abilities. At the same time, I compared myself with them and endeavored to work diligently on my skills. In general, I understand that comparing myself with professionals had its benefits and drawbacks.
Second, it is evident that my mindset type has a considerable impact on my life. Fortunately, I am able to change it by investing some time and effort. There are two main mindset types, and Haimovitz and Dweck (2016) describe them as focusing on qualities that can be improved (growth) and directing attention toward traits impossible to change (fixed). Undoubtedly, it is incredibly critical whether a student has a growth mindset or a fixed one, as it directly and significantly influences academic success and life prospects. I recall that it was easy to determine the mindset types of my classmates in high school. Some of them studied much and tried to improve their skills, while others claimed they were not good at humanities and sciences.
Third, motivation is crucial in succeeding in various aspects of life. However, intrinsic motivation differently influences people than extrinsic one. Mudrak et al. (2018) conclude that adolescent athletes intrinsically motivated negatively perceive cheating and doping, while extrinsically motivated athletes have positive attitudes toward the issues. I remember when I attended dance classes with enjoyment, I worked harder on my skills. In contrast, when I did it because of external rewards, I cheated and hoped my dance teacher would not notice it.
Finally, impression management is an essential tool for every individual in the modern world. People often try to do their best to present themselves to achieve a particular goal. Undoubtedly, impression management can work more effectively in face-to-face communication. In contrast, while written communication is less effective, it is more manageable. There are numerous ways to control and improve it. For example, I use emoji while texting with friends and try to appear polite and avoid grammatical errors while writing formal letters.
In conclusion, people need to know themselves better to make decisions that are more conscious and be aware of their surroundings. Fortunately, there are numerous concepts and theories discovered by scholars which can help everyone to achieve it. Linking personal experiences with such notions as social comparison, extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, growth and fixed mindset, and impression management have helped me better understand myself. Moreover, I discovered that almost every choice is connected to these ideas; thus, I can determine how to become more conscious and achieve better results.
References
Fox, J., & Vendemia, M. A. (2016). Selective self-presentation and social comparison through photographs on social networking sites. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 19(10), 593–600.
Haimovitz, K., & Dweck, C. S. (2017). The origins of children’s growth and fixed mindsets: New research and a new proposal.Child development, 88(6), 1849–1859.
Mudrak, J., Slepicka, P., & Slepickova, I. (2018). Sport motivation and doping in adolescent athletes. PloS One, 13(10).