Rhetorical Methods to balancing mental health and Exploring self-growth

Instructions: Read the information to prepare for our activity. This will be an in class activity but you will prepare yourself by reading the materials. Email me if you have any questions. 

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STEP 1: ESTABLISH YOUR ETHOS

Instructions

1. Reflect and write your own personal ethos statement. Answer questions like:
   -Who am I at my core?
   -What are my core values and principles?
   -What is my “why” or life mission?
2. Write 4–8 sentences or bullet points. This becomes the “character” of your board. You will place it at the top or in a prominent spot.

Read

A personal ethos?— https://bobscorner.wordpress.com/2013/12/27/a-personal-ethos/

How to create a personal ethos— https://spartanownership.com/killer-personal-ethos/

Developing a personal ethos– https://successfulmillenial.wordpress.com/2015/07/02/developing-your-personal-ethos/

Watch

Defining your personal ethos– https://youtu.be/xjiZZ5PBgrM?si=EVlPXmiUcd6kHCgW

Crafting Your Path to Success: Building a Personal Ethos for Accountability– https://youtube.com/shorts/AmoiTrpsAW8?si=0Nd8LsEy80meaR3n

Why am I here? Discover Your Personal & Professional Mission | David Anderson– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaECsnWJAWA

Establish your ethos here:

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STEP 2: USE MASLOW’S HIERARCHY AS YOUR LOGOS

1. Do your research!!! Research or review Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (5 main levels, bottom to top).
2. On your poster, draw a large triangle/pyramid that fills most of the center of the page.
3. Label the levels clearly from bottom (widest) to top (narrowest):
   • Physiological Needs (base) – air, water, food, sleep— Nothing outside of these
   • Safety Needs – personal security, financial stability, health, safe environment
   • Love & Belonging – relationships, friendships, family, intimacy, community
   • Esteem – self-respect, confidence, achievement, respect from others
   • Self-Actualization (top) – personal growth, creativity, purpose, realizing full potential
4. Inside each level of the pyramid, write specific, actionable ways you will meet or maintain that need in your life right now. Example for Physiological: “Drink 8 glasses of water daily, prepare balanced meals 5 nights a week, keep bedroom clutter-free.” Make every entry personal and realistic.

STEP 3: PATHOS THROUGH. SELF-AFFIRMATION

In all the space surrounding the pyramid (borders, corners, background), fill with:

Cut-out or printed pictures that represent your goals, dreams, and ideal future self

Positive words and affirmations (hand-written or printed) such as “I am worthy,” “I grow every day,” “I am enough,” “Progress over perfection”

Quotes, song lyrics, or short motivational phrases that emotionally resonate with you

Arrange them creatively so they frame and support the pyramid — this creates the emotional “pull” of your narrative..

Example and Tips

Step 4: Final Assembly & Personalization

1. Place your Ethos statement at the very top or as a header above the pyramid.
2. Review the entire board: Does it feel balanced? Does it tell your personal story?
3. Add color, symbols, or decorative elements if desired.
4. Write your full name in black marker on the back of the board.
5. Once complete, present it to Wiggins.

Tips from the Original Page & Activity

• This is deeply personal — no two boards will look the same.
• Focus on actionable steps inside the pyramid (Logos) and emotional inspiration outside (Pathos).
• The board is a living tool; revisit and update it as your needs and goals evolve

Due to the nature of this assignment, I will not show you the creations of other people. These are personal and I will not share anyone’s creation.

Provided is a sketch of what this may look like: