Basics
What is self-esteem?
How you see, think about, and value yourself.
What does ANT stand for?
Automatic Negative Thought.
What is a role? Give an Example.
A position you hold in life (son, friend, student, teammate).
What is a value?
A principle or standard that guides how you choose to live.
What does PMS stand for?
Personal Mission Statement.
Is self-esteem built more from what others say about you or what you believe about yourself?
What you believe about yourself (internal beliefs matter more long term).
Give one example of an ANT.
Examples:
“I’m not good enough.”
“Everyone hates me.”
“I always mess up.”
Difference between a talent and a hobby?
Talent = natural ability
Hobby = activity you enjoy
Difference between animals and humans?
Answer:
Instincts = emotional reactions
Values = chosen principles guiding decisions
Animals act on instinct. Humans act on values (chosen principles/moral compass guiding their decisions)
What are the three parts of a personal mission statement?
Who am I?
Who will I serve?
How will I serve them?
What is the difference between confidence and self-esteem?
Confidence: your belief about your ability to do something.
Self-esteem: the way you feel about yourself.
What is the difference between a thought and a fact?
A thought is a mental statement; a fact is something objectively provable.
Why is it important to know your gifts?
Builds self-esteem
Helps direction in life
Gives purpose
Counters negative self-talk
What is a core value?
A value you live by consistently (99% of the time).
How does knowing “who you are” increase self-esteem?
Clarity reduces comparison and confusion; identity builds confidence.
How does comparing yourself to others affect self-esteem?
It usually lowers self-esteem because you focus on what others have instead of your own growth.
How do you challenge or reframe an ANT?
Possible answers:
Ask: Is this 100% true?
Look for evidence for/against it
Replace with balanced thought
Consider alternative explanations
Can gifts be strengthened? How?
Yes — through focus, practice, discipline, effort, and feedback.
How do values guide decisions when emotions are high?
They slow you down and help you choose long-term character over short-term emotion.
Why does serving others build confidence?
Contribution creates meaning and reinforces worth.
What is one daily way someone in RTC can build self-esteem?
Keep small promises to yourself
Practice hygiene/structure
Challenge ANTs
Act in alignment with values
Live by personal mission statement
Notice and use your gifts
Identify the ANT and give a healthier replacement thought.
Scenario: “I failed one test. I’m stupid.”
ANT = Overgeneralization / labeling
Healthy replacement = “I failed one test. I can study differently and improve.”
How does focusing on gifts change self-esteem long-term?
You build identity around strengths instead of weaknesses, leading to stable confidence and self-esteem.
Scenario:
You feel disrespected and want to react aggressively.
How would making a value-based decision look different?
Calm communication
Walking away
Acting with respect if respect is a value
Thinking long term
What happens if someone lives outside their mission long term?
Feels empty
Feels lost
Self-esteem drops
Increased identity confusion