Parents! Never Tell Your Child…
Through my youth, and even into adulthood, anytime I had a problem with anything, whether I failed a class, I didn’t get the job I wanted, or anything else, my parents always told me “You can do anything… if you just put your mind to it.” Unfortunately, they left out the rest of the sentence. I had to discover myself that it finishes with “and take appropriate action.” All the good thoughts and best intentions in the world never got anywhere further than the mind that created them, but all kinds of wonderful things can happen when action is used in combination to these thoughts. If they’d told me that, I can’t say I know how, but I know things would be different for me. So parents, listen up, if you’ve not been seeing the good things that your children deserve happen, try saying “You can do anything if you put your mind to it and take the next action.”
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September 22nd, 2005 at 9:52 am
I think I was unconsciously reacting to the same hyperbolic encouragement from my own youth. Now when I encourage my own children, the message I deliver is direct, not vague. They hear things like, “You can do this. Let’s figure out how.” Honestly, if you want to build your children’s self-confidence, helping them find ways to be successful and reminding them of those is incredibly powerful.
September 22nd, 2005 at 7:13 pm
Great site. I’ve got one like it except its aimed at beginning investors. You might like it. Good point on the important childhood advice.
http://www.fiscaltimes.com
September 26th, 2005 at 1:09 am
Good advice, and I would also add “Have less fear of failure”. I think fear keeps many kids (and adults) from trying new things and doing all they can. There is nothing wrong with failure if you tried your best!