Assessment 1:

How positive is your self-image? Answer these true or false statements and find out. 1. My glass is always half-empty, not half-full. 2. I'm always apologizing for things. 3. I'm always telling myself I "should" be doing this or that. 4. I constantly criticize myself. 5. What other people think about me dictates how I feel about myself. 6. I am critical of my mistakes and relive them over and over. 7. I always let the people who care about me down. 8. I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. 9. A partial failure is as bad as a complete failure. 10. I bend over backwards to please others. 11. I am not sure I have done a good job unless someone else points it out. 12. It's hard for me to forgive and forget. 13. I have to work harder than others for relationships and am afraid that the relationships I have will fail. 14. If I don't do as well as others, it means that I am not as good as them. 15. If I can't do something well, there is no point in doing it at all.

Result:
Give yourself 1 point for each question you answered with a "true". 0 - 4: You have a generally positive way of thinking and should feel good about yourself. Keep it up! 5 - 8: You may be struggling with some negative emotions. Take time to review your good qualities. 9 or more: You can be very critical of yourself. Challenge yourself to change your way of thinking!

Assessment 2:Role plays

The best way to improve your self-image is through practice. Below are a number of experiences you may have that require you to question your self-image. Scenario 1. Your friend has invited you to a party, which you'd really like to attend. Unfortunately you have nothing new to wear and you haven't got the money to buy a new outfit. Which of the following would you do: A. Turn down the invitation. B. Go, but know everyone realizes you couldn't afford a new outfit.

C. Think of some way to modify an old outfit and go. D. Realize that you were invited, not your clothes, and go. Responses: If you chose option A, you are not only punishing yourself by turning down a fun opportunity, but you are also placing too much emphasis on physical appearance and others' perceptions of you. Remind yourself that a 'sparkling' personality can be far more attractive than a new outfit. If you chose option B, you have decided to go but are setting yourself up to have a bad time. You're also not giving others the benefit of the doubt - they may care more about how you behave than how you appear. Option C is not a bad decision and shows a lot of ingenuity on your part. Congratulate yourself on being creative, but remind yourself that appearances (and others' opinions) aren't everything. Option D indicates you have enough self-esteem to accept the invitation as an indication of your self worth.

Scenario 2. The boss asks you to organize a going-away luncheon. You've never done this before so: A. You tell your boss you can't do it. B. You ask you boss to pick someone else because you've never done this before. C. You talk to someone who has done this before and get advice. Responses: If you chose option A, you've given up without even trying. Not only are you limiting yourself, but you are also limiting your opportunities. The more often you respond with a 'no', the less often you'll be asked or offered special opportunities. If you chose option B, you've provided an honest answer. This is good, but you've also foregone a chance to improve your relationship with your boss and his or her confidence in you. It's fine to admit that you don't have a specific skill, but you can make this admission positive by showing your boss you have initiative and are eager to learn. Instead of recommending someone else, you may want to say "I've never done this before, but I'd love to try and will read up on it and get advice from someone who has" or "I'm not sure I know how to do this, but would like to learn; maybe Mr. X (a coworker with more experience) and I can work on this together." Option C is another sensible approach. If, after getting the advice, you still think you can't undertake the assignment, you at least can go back to your boss, showing him or her that you've made an effort to learn.

Scenario 3. Your class assignment from the night before is due, but you weren't able to figure out some of the answers. You: A. Copy your neighbor's work. B. Skip class. C. Don't hand in the assignment.

D. Hand in what you have done with an explanation that, although you tried, you weren't able to answer all of the questions and ask for an appointment so your teacher can help you. Responses: Neither A, B nor C are good reasons for not turning in your assignment. Worse, option A is cheating! If you chose any of the first three options, you have not focused on the real problem: you didn't understand the assignment. This is no reflection on your capabilities. Everyone has difficulties at certain times or with certain subjects, but you are limiting yourself even more by not addressing the problem and learning how to handle it in the future. Option D shows your teacher that you have made your best effort but still are having a problem. Most teachers will understand this. The purpose of class assignments is to 'test' your understanding of what you are learning before you are actually tested and your teacher is there to help. You may just need one-on-one time to ask questions that weren't answered in class, or maybe you need to review the lesson again or walk through the exercises with your teacher.

Scenario 4. You are behind on bills so you decide to use a credit card to pay them. When you discover you're still behind on bills the following month, you decide to use another credit card. Eventually you're behind on all your bills and cards, so you: A. See if you can get another credit card. B. Borrow money from family and friends. C. Seek advise from a financial advisor or consumer group about how to create a budget, consolidate your debt, and pay it off. Responses: If you chose option A, you are just making your financial difficulties worse! Anyone can have financial problems, but "covering them up" by using credit cards with high interest rates is just going to make you deeper in debt. The first thing you should do is put yourself on a budget and pay off your credit cards. You may also need to get a loan or work out a payment plan with some of your creditors. Don't be ashamed to admit that you need to work within a budget - this is far more financially responsible than pretending that you don't. You'll be surprised at how understanding and helpful many financial institutions and corporations can be: they'd rather work with you to get their money back than 'punish' you. If you chose option B, you are admitting you need help, which is good, but be sure you don't use this loan as a band-aid. You still need to address the cause (why you can't pay your bills), not just the immediate problem. Again, you may need to put yourself on a budget and be sure that your budget includes setting aside money to pay back that loan (or for future emergencies.) Option C is probably the best option. Although it may be difficult to admit to others (or yourself) that you need financial help, advice from experts can be invaluable. Even people who don't have financial difficulties often seek expert advice on getting the most from their money. An honest and responsible approach can save your reputation and lead to well-earned esteem. It can also lead to a debt-free and even profitable future!

Scenario 5. A close relative is always criticizing your job, which you happen to enjoy and pays your bills, you: A. Get a new job that your relative approves of so that he will leave you alone. B. Start to question if your job is right for you. C. Repeatedly make excuses to your relative about why you're keeping the job. D. Ask your relative to explain why he hates your job and address his concerns. If the criticism continues, you ask him to keep it positive or withhold it altogether. Responses: If you chose option A, B, or C, you are placing too much emphasis on what your relative thinks is important, not what you think is important. If you are happy with your job, if your coworkers treat you well, and if your job meets your financial needs, you are already luckier than most! Don't let groundless criticisms make you question your own judgment. If, on the other hand, a nagging voice in your head (not your relative's), says that there is some truth to the criticism, you might want to ask yourself why you are staying with your job. Option D shows self-confidence in your judgment and a willingness to defend it. It also shows a respect for others' beliefs. By taking the time to listen to and address your relative's criticisms, you are not only being open to new ideas but also showing him that you respect his beliefs. Taking the time to listen and respond may be enough to stop future criticisms. If it's not, you have every right (and the confidence) to ask him to stop.

ASSESSMENT 3 : PERSONALITY Answer these ten simple questions: Tick on the options best suited to you today:1. When do you feel your best? a) in the morning b) during the afternoon & and early evening c) late at night 2. You usually walk a) fairly fast, with long steps b) fairly fast, with little steps c) less fast head up, looking the world in the face d) less fast, head down e) very slowly 3. When talking to people you a) stand with your arms folded b) have your hands clasped c) have one or both your hands on your hips d) touch or push the person to whom you are talking e) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with a) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side b) your legs crossed c) your legs stretched out or straight d) one leg curled under you 5. When something really amuses you, you react with a) a big, appreciative laugh b) a laugh, but not a loud one c) a quiet chuckle d) a sheepish smile 6. When you go to a party or social gathering a) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you b) make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know c) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed 7. You're working very hard, concentrating hard, and you're interrupted; do you ... a) welcome the break b) feel extremely irritated c) vary between these two extremes 8. Which of the following colors do you like most? a) Red or orange b) black c) yellow or light blue d) green e) dark blue or purple f) white g) brown or gray 9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you lie a) stretched out on your back b) stretched out face down on your stomach c) on your side, slightly curled d) with your head on one arm e) with your head under the covers 10. You often dream that you are a) falling b) fighting or struggling c) searching for something or somebody d) flying or floating e) you usually have dreamless sleep f) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS: 1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6 2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1 3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6 4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1 5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2 6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2 7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4 8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1 9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1 10. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1 Now add up the total number of points. OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone the should "handle with care". You're seen as vain, self-centered, and who is extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you. 51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement your radiate. 41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out. 31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over it if that trust is ever broken. 21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It'd really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature. UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything. They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that

don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

Assessment 4:
Priority Test We often get in situations when we take decisions without a second thought and this is the right moment to find out what type of person we are. What would you do first if you were in a situation where: The baby is crying. The clothes are hanging outside and it has started to rain. The water is running from the tap. The doorbell is ringing. The phone is ringing. Result: Each action reflects the priorities that you have set in your life. For example if the first thing that you did was to answer the phone then your biggest priority in life would be your career and job. Similarly if the fourth thing that you did was to attend to the baby then your fourth priority would be your family. 1) Attend to the baby-family 2) Pick up the clothes-sex 3) Switch the tap off- Wealth 4) See who is at the door- Friends and relatives 5) Answer the phone- Career and job