Definition of success
Just Google success and you will be amazed at the fact that it actually has no clear definition. To understand success, try listening to Earl Nightingale’s epic “The strangest secret in the world”. Click here to listen https://bit.ly/3eogKuQ
The thing is, each individual creates a personalised definition of success. Why should your child be different? Is it not obvious, if we consider our child to be unique, it bears to reason that his/her definition of success is also likely to be unique. Thats the first thing we as parents must learn, accept and nurture.
Once we accept that our children may have very different definitions of success, let's ponder on how we can equip them with the best skill set to succeed. That is what I wanted to share here. Let's understand this – from the time a child is born, we cannot determine where the child is destined to flourish. So what do we do? Read on to be informed.
So what is it that leads to success?
Regardless of professions, work domains, etc, there are a few sterling qualities that are inherent in successful people. To this, I would also like to add the concept of happiness. Happiness and success together are possibly the best that one can hope to achieve. What can we do for our children as they grow to make sure that they are both successful and happy?
The three amazing things…..
Gratitude as an attitude
Time management
Know your strengths
Gratitude as an attitude – empowers your altitude!
Make Gratitude an attitude!
Humility and gratitude are critical to happiness. Gratitude leads to contentment = happiness. An attitude of gratitude empowers our children to be thankful and grateful for all that they have. Teach your children gratitude. It will create an aura of joy and happiness, which in turn will be a stepping stone for greater successes. As parents, set an example of gratitude at home. Lead by example. Share and give. Encourage your children to give and feel the joy. Teach them that the universe gives back more than what we give. Children need to appreciate what they have and feel the abundance to become ‘givers’.
Time waits for no one…….
Time and tide wait for no one – lets imbibe this for our children!
This is a key ingredient for success. Managing time is probably one of the most critical skills you can teach your child. Start early. Show them how much one second is, how 60 seconds pass by and how in less than 9 seconds you can become a legend – like breaking the 100 meters sprint records. Start by planning your day in front of your small child. Reading off aloud. Make sure to ‘plan’ time for playing with your child too. Soon your child will treasure those moments and then you can also teach the child to make their own schedules. When you go through this process, you will realise that your child does homework, chores, exercise, play etc, without your continuous interventions. Soon you will reap the rewards of your efforts as your child lives life to the fullest and charts a course of success and happiness.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”
– Sun Tzu
If you ask a parent to list out the strengths of their child, most will stop after 2 – 3. If we ask them to list out weaknesses or areas for improvement – the list is usually much longer.
Each child is unique. As such their strengths and abilities are unique too. take time out to observe your child –
, impartially, without bias and without sentiment. Start making notes. You will be surprised as to what all your child is capable of. Once you have a list of at least 10 =15 strengths and at least 5 abilities, start observing which are the ones that your child likes best. Encourage these and watch your child waltz through life!
To be a parent is a blessing…..enjoy it.
The present environment is one where we must empower our children. The key words are encourage – encourage – encourage. Yes, I mean that. Stop finding fault with your children. Find things to motivate and encourage. Reward is always more effective than punishment. I wish you a wonderful journey with your children. Do feel free to connect and do let me know if there is any subject you wish me to write about. Feel free to email me at contact@ajayramakrishnan.com with your pain points, experiences and thoughts. I would love to hear from you and to build upon your inputs and share for the benefit of others.
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