When you think of the kind of person you are, do you see yourself as an ambitious go-getter for whom failure is not an option? Maybe you view yourself as a low-key person who doesn't like the spotlight. Or is I never quit, even when things get hard or Always up for a fun adventure! how you tend to characterize yourself? Even if your answer is "None of the above," consciously or not, we all have beliefs about who we are that are based on our behaviors, abilities, feelings and personality characteristics as well as on how others see and respond to us. Over the decades, our views of who we are become as solid as clay that has dried in the sun. This is what psychologists call self-concept-a reflection of how you see yourself as a person- and it has a powerful effect on how you act, the choices you make, the attitudes you have and how you move through life.
And then you reach midlife, and maybe you start to feel not quite...like yourself. One reason may be that your reactions, preferences, needs, values, and expectations have shifted over time, but your self-concept hasn't kept up. "We tend to think of ourselves as static, but we do change," says Mark Leary, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the department of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University and author of The Curse of the Self. "It's extremely common to have old views of yourself hanging around. Our early views of ourselves stick with us because they're like glasses through which we view the world."
Just Who Do You Think You Are?
This story is from the November - December 2023 edition of Good House Keeping - US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November - December 2023 edition of Good House Keeping - US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
inside the GH Textiles Lab
GH textiles pros reveal their top-tested tricks to help you make informed decisions about fabrics for your home and wardrobe.
Deep-Fried Favorites
Crispy food, coming right up! Pick an ingredient and a coating (if you wish). Add vegetable oil to the fill line in the deep fryer and heat to 350°F per manufacturer directions. Fry until golden brown.
EASY WEEKNIGHTS
Make a fresh and delicious dinner in less time than you'd need to order takeout.
Find the Right Pet Pros
Deciding on a new veterinarian, boarding facility or trainer can be stressful. Here's how to get the pick of the litter.
Crispy Chorizo Tacos
5-INGREDIENT DINNER
A Healthier Frying Oil
It comes from one of our nutrition director's favorite fruits.
Your Ultimate Deep Frying Guide
The sizzle, the crunch, the color-nothing quite compares to fried food. Here, our GH culinary pros dive into different techniques, tools and tips to help you master every step of the delicious process. Grab some oil and go for it!
HOST A COOKBOOK PARTY
The holidays may be over, but the fun doesn't have to be! This winter, gather a few friends to prepare a meal together from a well-loved cookbook or swap recipes. Here, our kitchen pros share their favorites.
Healthy Fating Guide
Nourishing your body doesn't have to be complicated. Our GH Nutrition Lab experts deliver simple, practical solutions that are also delicious!
HOW TO Take Better Care of Yourself
Have a healthier, happier 2024! We tend to associate \"joy\" with the holiday season, but striving for happiness should happen all year-even after the wrapping paper and tinsel have been packed away. A big part of that involves taking care of your health, both mental and physical. Here are 28 ways to do just that - at least a few will work for you!