Don't stall in the midst of your greatness

When the pandemic came, it influenced how we thought and behaved. Many people accomplished goals that had been put off for several years because they didn't have time, while others experienced anxiety and depression for the first time. Pandemonium erupted and covered the world. The world stood still, and so did our lives. Perhaps it has been hard for you to imagine your future since the pandemic. Be encouraged, the possibilities are endless if you believe and equip your family with the tools and skills they need to succeed. What's next?

Many families are still experiencing the impact of the 2020-2021 school closure when everything was online. Some families were overwhelmed and may have engaged in negative thinking. Are your youth still trying to improve their GPA and athletic skills to make the team, debate club, arts, coding, etc.? Is there a mental script or self-talk that plays hourly or daily, reminding us of apparent failures?

I want to encourage you in these unparalleled times; opportunities still avail themselves like none other. For example, grades and testing scores were modified due to the pandemic, and additional enrichment programs were accessible for summer and after school.

Additionally, students can attend colleges and universities that were previously out of reach. College debts were canceled, free college tuition for first-year students, internships, special summer programs for college-bound students, paid internships, and increased wages for those who chose to take a gap year or perhaps not to pursue the college route.

When we allow disapproving inner voices to persist, the negative consequences are anxiety, depression, stress, guilt, emotional eating, and a fear of failure that can lead to procrastinating or giving up trying completely, according to Dr. Kristin Neff, professor and author of Self Compassion.

I want to encourage you not to stall in the midst of your greatness.

What have your family members imagined as impossible? Make a list of what is possible. What would you like to change starting now? Make a list of the projected changes you would like to see in 2023. We know that people can change when they want to change.

According to the authors of Helping People Change, we cannot focus on fixing problems, but instead, we must connect to that person's optimistic vision of themselves or to an inspiring dream or goal they've long held. Your ideal self is your dreams and vision of your future. The term coaching with compassion is a sense of caring and concern focusing on the other person, providing support and encouragement, and facilitating the discovery and pursuit of that person's dream and passion. 

As a Life Coach, my company teaches youth and families how to develop mental toughness. Mental toughness is the language of attitude. You can help your family develop mental toughness, resilience, and a positive attitude through the following:

·         Flexibility - must be able to decide quickly on a different way to solve a problem.

·         Responsiveness – need to remain alive and connected with a situation when under  pressure. Can't grow disinterested

·         Strength - find the strength to dig deep and determine/resolve to keep going, even when it seems you are losing the game." Play hard to the end.

·         Courage and ethics - have the ability "to make hard but right decisions."

·         Resiliency - rebound from disappointments.

·         Sportsmanship - Have a "Bring it on!" mentality.

Finally, our lives are filled with challenges, crises, tests, trials, and unimaginable opportunities. Parents, my advice for the upcoming year is to help unlock your teen's potential by asking them simple questions, then stop and listen intentionally.