Philosophy Of Life Essay Rubric: The Goal Of Self-Reflection
Philosophy Of Life Essay Rubricthe Goal Of This Self Reflective Paper
The goal of this self-reflective paper is to help you integrate your thoughts and reflections about yourself. This paper should represent a critical analysis of who you are now, the most influential factors from your past that have contributed to the person you are now, who you want to become (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), and your plans for the future. To receive full credit for the different parts of this essay, there should be a clear connection between concepts in the textbook and an analysis of oneself. Minimum of six typed, double-spaced pages required (Times New Roman, 12 point, Microsoft Word). Include the Headings on the left of this rubric in your essay to identify each section of your paper.
Start your essay with two quotes that reflect a principle that you wish to live by or incorporate in your life. For example, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”—quotes 10 Max Identify two quotes to help guide your life – personal mantras. How the Past Affects Me Now 10 Max Critical analysis of how your past affects the person you are now. 1. Identification of how life development stages and past experiences might have influenced you. 2. How has culture influenced you? 3. How do personality and self-actualization theories apply to you?
Full credit will require a clear application of theories explained in the text being applied to oneself.
My Body and Wellness 10 Max Clarify your ideas about your body and wellness. How does your thinking affect your life and experiences? In which areas are you strong. In which areas would you like to make improvements? What will you do? What revelations did you come to from your reading and classroom participation?
Love and Relationships 10 Max What have you learned about love and relationships? What specific strategies can you employ to enhance your relationships? What impact does a feeling of belonging have on a person’s life?
The End of the Road 10 Max What are your thoughts about death and the meaning of life? How does this affect how you plan to live from this point forward?
Values, Diversity, and What Inspires Me 10 Max What are your most important values? What is the value of diversity, really? What specific things will you do to break down the barriers that separate us? How can you make a difference in the world? What inspires you? What gives your life meaning? Who do you want to become and what will you do to make it a reality?
Life Choices 10 Max The title of our book is “I Never Knew I Had a Choice”. 1. Identify one area where you have felt powerless before and didn’t know you had a choice. 2. List three specific areas where you have made significant life choices. 3. List three strategies for change and personal growth.
Goals & Goals Workbook 20 Max In conclusion, what are the most significant revelations you have made about yourself and the resultant decisions from the work you have accomplished in this course? Complete the Goals Workbook which can be located in same area as this rubric. 10 Max
Grammar, quality of presentation and quality of thought/depth, length. 100 Total Points Possible
Paper For Above instruction
The following essay is a comprehensive self-reflective exploration based on the outlined components. It is structured into sections corresponding to the provided prompts, offering insights into my personal development, influences, philosophies, and future aspirations, grounded in relevant psychological and philosophical theories.
Introduction: Principles Guiding My Life
To commence, I reflect upon two guiding quotes that resonate deeply with my life philosophy. The first is Mahatma Gandhi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” which encourages personal responsibility and proactive behavior. This quote has steered me toward embodying integrity and influence in my immediate environment. The second quote is from Viktor Frankl: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” These principles emphasize internal growth and adaptation as vital to overcoming adversity and finding purpose (Frankl, 1946/2006).
How the Past Affects Me Now
My personal journey illustrates how developmental stages, cultural background, and personality theories shape my current identity. The psychosocial stages of Erik Erikson highlight formative experiences; for example, during adolescence, my struggle with identity versus role confusion fostered a strong desire for authentic self-expression (Erikson, 1968). Past family dynamics, cultural values rooted in community-oriented traditions, and educational pursuits have significantly influenced my worldview. Cultures emphasizing collectivism instilled a sense of social responsibility and empathy in me, aligning with Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory (Hofstede, 2001). Additionally, personality theories, such as the Five-Factor Model, reveal traits like openness and conscientiousness that have enhanced my self-actualization process (Costa & McCrae, 1998). Self-actualization, as described by Maslow, guides me toward fulfillment by recognizing my capacities and striving to realize my potential (Maslow, 1943).
My Body and Wellness
My perception of my body and wellness intertwines physical health with mental and emotional well-being. I believe that maintaining physical health through balanced nutrition and regular exercise enhances overall life satisfaction. Strong areas include resilience and stress management, cultivated through mindfulness and social support. Conversely, I recognize an area for improvement in sleep hygiene, which I plan to address with a structured routine. Insights from cognitive-behavioral approaches emphasize how thoughts influence behaviors; therefore, fostering positive self-talk and awareness are crucial for my wellness journey (Beck, 1967). Classroom discussions on holistic health reinforced the importance of mental health in sustaining physical vitality.
Love and Relationships
Understanding love and relationships has evolved via both psychological theories and personal experience. The triangular theory of love posits intimacy, passion, and commitment as fundamental components (Sternberg, 1986). I have learned that trust, effective communication, and emotional intelligence are instrumental in nurturing healthy relationships. Strategies such as active listening, empathy, and setting boundaries are practical tools I employ to deepen connections. The sense of belonging, as highlighted by Baumeister and Leary, is fundamental in fostering psychological well-being and resilience (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). Recognizing that authentic intimacy contributes significantly to life satisfaction motivates me to invest consciously in my relationships.
The End of the Road: Thoughts on Death and Life’s Meaning
Contemplating mortality has profound implications for my approach to living. Drawing from existential perspectives, I believe that understanding death fosters a sense of urgency and authenticity (Heidegger, 1927/1962). Embracing mortality encourages me to prioritize meaningful pursuits and relationships. This awareness has inspired a commitment to purpose-driven living, aligning with Frankl’s ideas that meaning is essential for resilience in the face of mortality (Frankl, 1946/2006). Consequently, I aim to live with integrity, gratitude, and mindfulness, ensuring that my days are aligned with my core values.
Values, Diversity, and Inspiration
My core values include integrity, compassion, and continual growth. Recognizing diversity’s value involves appreciating different perspectives and experiences, which broadens understanding and empathy. To dismantle societal barriers, I intend to participate in diversity education, advocate for inclusivity, and challenge prejudiced attitudes. Inspiration stems from mentors, nature, and personal challenges that push me beyond comfort zones. Life’s true meaning, according to Viktor Frankl, derives from pursuing purpose and contributing to others’ well-being (Frankl, 1946/2006). I aspire to inspire others through service and lifelong learning, making a tangible difference in my community.
Life Choices and Empowerment
Reflecting on pivotal life choices reveals empowerment and agency. Previously, I felt powerless in situations of academic failure, believing I lacked control. Recognizing this, I understand that effort and mindset are within my control, aligning with Bandura’s self-efficacy theory (Bandura, 1977). Significant replacements include choosing my educational path, career direction, and community involvement, all shaped by deliberate decision-making. Strategies for growth involve setting SMART goals, cultivating resilience, and seeking mentorship. These approaches foster self-awareness and motivate continuous self-improvement.
Conclusion: Revelations and Future Directions
The exploration of my personal philosophy and reflections have led to profound realizations about my values, potential, and responsibilities. I recognize the importance of authenticity, purpose, and compassion in shaping a meaningful life. Goal-setting has become a central tool in navigating my development, with a focus on health, relationships, and community engagement. Committing to ongoing self-assessment and embracing diversity underpin my path forward. These insights have reinforced the significance of intentionality and resilience, guiding my decisions and actions as I strive to become the person I aspire to be.
References
- Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.
- Beck, A. T. (1967). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York: International Universities Press.
- Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1998). The NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources.
- Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York: W. W. Norton & Company.
- Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning (J. Frankl, Ed., 1946). Boston: Beacon Press.
- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences: Comparing values, behaviors, institutions and organizations across nations. Sage Publications.
- Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1927)
- Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
- Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's consequences. Sage Publications.
- Sternberg, R. J. (1986). A triangular theory of love. Psychological Review, 93(2), 119–135.