Increase Self-Awareness: Applying Johari Window to Your Life

Section 1 Self-Concept

The purpose of this assignment is to increase your self-awareness and to learn more about yourself by examining and applying the Johari Window to your own life. You will also have the opportunity to explore your self-concept and develop a clearer understanding of “who you are” and how others perceive you. Increased self-awareness in these areas lends opportunities for growth and development. 

This section address how our perceptions influence how we see ourselves which in many cases, can be distorted and inaccurate. It also addresses key elements of self-concept such as self-enhancement, self-verification, and self-evaluation. Know that you are encouraged to only write things about yourself that you are comfortable in sharing.

1. Create your personal self-concept inventory by address the following questions
• What moods or feelings best describe you (e.g. cheerful, happy, sad, grumpy, angry, irritable, depressed, etc.)? Are you happy with your emotional state or are there areas you would like to work on? Explain.
• How would you describe your physical condition and/ or appearance (e.g. healthy, fit, tall, attractive, etc.)? Are you happy with how you see yourself or are there aspects of yourself you would like to change? Explain.
• How would you describe your social characteristics (e.g. friendly, shy, talkative, aggressive, pushy, caring, thoughtful, supportive, selfish, tolerant, etc.)? Are there any areas you would like to change? Explain.
• What talents or skills do you possess or lack (e.g. artistic, musical, lousy cook, great at math, can tap dance, juggle, etc.)? Are there any skills you would like to obtain?
• What beliefs do you hold strongly to (e.g. political beliefs, social views, religious beliefs, family beliefs, etc.)? Do you have any strong beliefs that you would like to let go of (e.g. beliefs you may have been taught, or that you have learned through your cultural setting, stereotypes, etc.)?
• What social roles are most important to you in life (e.g. being a mom, father, student, friend, employee, brother, sister, etc.)? Why are these roles so important to you? Are there any roles that you would like to add to your self-concept?

2. Analysis. Address the following
Now that you have completed your personal self-concept inventory, do you feel your selfconcept is accurate? Really explore this and take the time to analyze your list. Are there parts that you feel are distorted regarding how you view yourself? Do you feel other people in your life see you the same way that you see yourself? In other words, would they agree with your list?
Reflect on the areas of your self-concept that you would like to change along with how you would make these changes. How might you go about beginning this transformation?

Read the section on social identity in the textbook. Identify groups (from your past and present), you identify with/feel a strong emotional attachment to and relate to, and describe how EACH of these groups have helped impact/shape/influence who you are today. Be specific. How have they impacted how you view the world, your beliefs, values, and behaviours? Etc. You are being asked to explore how these groups have influenced, and help
shape who you are today.