Psychological Concepts and Strategies

Overview
Reflect on the following psychological concepts and strategies you’ve been learning about in the first 2 weeks of this course:
• Elements of success
• Big 5 personality traits
• Definitions of success
• Self-awareness
• Strengths
• Mindfulness
• Gratitude
• Self-esteem
• Positive thinking
• Attitude
Consider which of these psychological concepts or strategies covered in Ch. 1 and 2 of this week’s reading can be used to improve your success in the following aspects of your life: at work, at school, and with your family or other personal relationships. In this worksheet, you choose 2 psychological concepts or strategies for each aspect of your life and explain why you chose each strategy and how it can help you increase your success in that aspect of your life.
Before you begin, review the sample responses below to get a better idea of what a response might include.
Sample Responses
Aspect of Life – Work
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale
Self-awareness I am not sure what career path I want to take and understanding myself better will help. I want to know what I am good at, what is going to make me happy, and if I am heading in the right direction.
By being self-aware, I will learn what my strengths, weaknesses, interests, and skill levels are. By knowing more about myself, I will be able to create a clear career path.
Aspect of Life – Family/Personal Relationships
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale
Mindset Having a positive mindset will help me be a better parent to my children. This is something I can control and decide each day. Some days I struggle, but I try my best to stay present with my children, find balance each day, and remember what I am thankful for.
Aspect of Life – School
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale
Self-discipline Graduation is at the top of my list of goals, and to accomplish it, I must have self-discipline. With self-discipline, I must remind myself why I started this goal in the first place. I will find ways to keep my eye on the prize by avoiding distractions, making a strict schedule (and sticking to it), and creating good study habits.
Your Responses
Now it’s your turn.
Select 2 concepts or strategies for each aspect of your life (work, family/personal relationships, and school), and enter your responses into the following tables.
Aspect of Life – Work
In Column 1, identify 2 psychological concepts or strategies that can help you succeed at work.
In Column 2, write a 50- to 75-word description of why you chose each concept or strategy and how it can help you increase your success in your work.
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale

Aspect of Life – Family/Personal Relationships
In Column 1, identify 2 psychological concepts or strategies that can help you succeed in your family and personal relationships.
In Column 2, write a 50- to 75-word description of why you chose each concept or strategy and how it can help you increase your success in your relationships.
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale

Aspect of Life – School
In Column 1, identify 2 psychological concepts or strategies that can help you succeed at school.
In Column 2, write a 50- to 75-word description of why you chose each concept or strategy and how it can help you increase your success in school.
Psychological Concept/Strategy Description/Rationale

Reflect on Your Learning
Write a 50- to 75-word reflection on your learning. Include which of the psychological concepts or strategies is most important to your general success in life and why that concept or strategy is significant for you.