• Our interaction with children can assist them to become empowered adults.

• We can help them to learn to use the power of their minds.

• It is best to set the ground work when they are young.

When working with children what do we wish to achieve?

We often coach, mentor or moderate our youth and their activities.

We do affect their mental attitudes.

We help them discover their mental power.

Grit, perseverance, habits, vision, creativity, communication, and leadership are all about using and developing their minds.

When working with youth we can assist them to develop positive mental attitudes.

We can help them learn to use the power of their minds.

In recent decades information about the mind’s power has increased substantially.

Many books and articles have been written about the power of the mind.

We know that it is best to set the ground work when they are young.

Yet, we tend not to emphasis this aspect as we work with children.

A RECENT EXAMPLE OF POWER OF THE MIND:

A recent example is from one of the members of the virtual indoor rowing team to which I belong.

Most of the members of the Ancient Mariners team are over 60 years of age.

One of our team members sent an apology. He had not been able to contribute his normal number of meters to the January Virtual Team Challenge. Forty-two of our members entered their daily meters rowed on Concept2 rowing machines. This member was the 10th largest contributor of our 42 members. He had contributed 360 kilometers which means he had averaged over 17 kilometers a day. He had completed about 1.5 hours of rowing every day at that point.

Unfortunately, this team member had been suffering some enormous challenges. His advanced prostrate cancer and secondary bone cancer in his pelvis was not reacting to his medication. His painkillers were not assisting. He apologized for his less than normal meter production. In spite of all his challenges he made a major contribution to the team. This illustrates the power of the mind.

AREAS TO ASSIST:

SELF-AWARENESS & COMMUNICATION:

• Know yourself or you can’t grow.

• Remove negative programming.

• Learn that everyone was born of being worthy.

• Learn to give and receive.

• The more we receive the more we can give back.

• Show appreciation when you receive goodness.

• Thank others for compliments.

CURIOSITY AND INQUIRY:

• Give them problems to discuss and solve.

• What else is possible?

• Appreciate overcoming challenges.

• Be open to new experiences.

• Keep asking questions. This is what made inventors like Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs successful.

RISK TAKING:

• Assist them to try new things.

• Expand their comfort zones by taking risks.

• Give them opportunities for growth.

• Learn new causes and effects.

• Learn from mistakes – either succeed or learn.

• Continue to attempt until successful.

EXPECTATION:

• Enable them to discover that they are a particular person with a particular purpose.

• Help them see things in a positive light.

• Keep them focused on achieving their expectations.

MINDFULNESS:

• Encourage journaling and/or meditation.

• Downplay the left analytical brain and use the right creative brain more.

• Meditation leads to awareness of what your subconscious is thinking.

• Improve their focus, creativity and relaxation.

What are your experiences with and thoughts about assisting our youth to discover the power of their minds?

Please share your ideas on how we can work with our youth and assist them in this regard. This will enable them to gain the communication and leadership skills required in the 21st Century.