Understanding the circumstances that have shaped who you are today is essential. However, it’s equally important to look forward and envision the person you can become. This approach encourages students to step over the line into the future and to be the person they think they can’t be.
Reflecting on past experiences, many students used to aspire to be footballers or singers. Nowadays, there’s a shift towards more altruistic goals. Many young people express desires to be happy, kind, and helpful to others, indicating a shift towards a more caring and compassionate society.
Helping students see a new version of themselves involves changing their mindset from fixed to growth. It’s about listening to the positive “bright radio me” rather than the negative “dark radio me.” It’s about letting go of the negative beliefs they have built up about themselves. This transformation allows them to understand that they can be different, better, and a more refined version of themselves than they ever imagined.
One key question to ask your students is: “What’s the most important thing in your life today?” Over the last 20 years, we’ve asked this question to over 625,000 teenagers, and the answers vary widely. Many students mention family, school, or friends. Occasionally, we get unique answers, like the boy who once answered “chicken,” earning him the nickname “Chicken Boy.” While this might seem random, it underscores the importance of considering what truly matters to each individual.
Understanding what is most important to them gives students a focus and purpose for their future. Whether it’s music, art, sports, or any other passion, having the courage to pursue what they love is critical. Encourage your students to reflect on their passions and consider how they can build their future around what makes them come alive. Some students might feel they don’t have a clear passion yet, but it’s essential to guide them in exploring and discovering what excites them.
This process starts with serious self-reflection and discussion. Ask your students to contemplate what the most important thing in their life is and what they want to build their future around. Encourage them to think beyond societal expectations and focus on their desires.
Discussing these topics can be eye-opening and motivational. Students might laugh and joke at first, but guiding them towards serious contemplation can lead to significant insights. Building a future based on their true passions provides a powerful foundation for personal and academic growth. It aligns their goals with their innermost values and desires, leading to a more fulfilled and purposeful life.
Empowering students to see a new version of themselves is a transformative process. By helping them identify what truly matters to them and encouraging them to pursue it, you are setting them on a path to success and personal fulfilment.
For more information and resources on how to help your students develop a positive internal dialogue, explore our comprehensive programmes designed to support educators in creating a healthy, supportive learning environment.
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