A
collection of parenting information compiled by Mr. Tim Harrison
school counselor - Francis Scott Key:
The Personal Bank Account
Here at Francis Scott Key, our Freshman Seminar classes use a book called
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey. It is a great practical
manual for student success. I wanted to take this opportunity to share
one of the helpful themes from the book entitled “The Personal Bank Account”.
Covey uses the analogy of a “personal bank account” to illustrate how we feel
about ourselves. He claims that we make deposits and withdrawals from this
account by the things we think, do, and say. When we do the right thing or
make a good decision, “Cha-ching”, we make a deposit into that account. However,
when we break a promise to ourselves or to others we feel disappointed and
make a withdrawal.
Here are some possible symptoms that we can use to help reconcile the balance
sheets of our personal accounts.
Symptoms of a low account balance
• You cave in to peer pressure easily
• You wrestle with feelings of depression and inferiority
• You are overly concerned about what others think of you
• You act arrogant to help hide your insecurities
• You self-destruct by getting into illegal and inappropriate behavior
• You get jealous easily, especially when someone close to you succeeds
Symptoms of a high account balance
• You stand up for yourself and resist peer pressure
• You’re not overly concerned about being popular
• You see life as a generally positive experience
• You trust yourself
• You are goal driven
• You are happy for the success of others
As a family, help each other take a look at your Personal Bank Account
statement. Are some accounts in need of some deposits? Covey has compiled
a short list of key deposits that individuals can make to their accounts.
• Keep promises to yourself
• Do small acts of kindness
• Be gentle with yourself
• Be honest
• Renew yourself
• Tap into your talents
Sean Covey says, “before you’ll ever win in the public arenas of life,
you must first win private battles within yourself. All change begins
with you “.
Lets all try and keep a healthy, positive balance in our account.
This is Mr. Harrison talking about Parenting: The Toughest Job on Earth.
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