• Self-motivation is an important life skill.

• Independence helps us become decisive and responsible.

• Being self-motivated and independent enables children to cope with adulthood.

SELF-MOTIVATION is a critical skill for life.

It’s a key part of achieving goals, feeling fulfilled, and experiencing personal satisfaction.

INDEPENDENCE is about learning to do things for oneself.

It includes making decisions and becoming responsible.

These skills are important for children to learn in coping with adulthood.

As children become independent their confidence grows.

HOW TO HELP:

WHAT MOTIVATES THEM?

• Recognize that motivation is different for everyone.

• Realize that what motivates an individual evolves over time.

• Review the benefits that result from being motivated.

• Discover what energizes them and what they look forward to doing.

• Look for ways to incorporate those things into the tasks at hand.

STAYING POSITIVE AND SELF-CARE – have them:

• Think regularly about three things for which they are grateful.

• Recall and relive past achievements.

• Practice good self-care such as eating well, exercise, and getting enough sleep.

• Recognize and stop negative thinking indicating that negativity causes procrastination.

COMPARE YOURSELF ONLY TO YOURSELF:

• Comparing yourself to others should be avoided as that can be challenging.

• Watch out for perfectionism. You don’t have to be perfect.

• There will always be someone who makes it look easier, which makes it difficult to stay motivated.

• Break larger goals into smaller, bite-sized mini-goals.

• Celebrate your improvements and reward yourself for reaching each mini-goal.

SHARE YOUR PLANS:

• Tell someone your plans as it helps prioritize your intentions.

• This holds us accountable for taking the steps to make them happen.

SURROUNDINGS – have them:

• Work in a bright, organized space with windows.

• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who bring out the best in you.

BRAINSTORM:

• When a child asks for money have them brainstorm ways to make money.

• Encourage creative thinking which can get entrepreneurial thoughts stirring.

We appreciate a self-motivated and independent child.

This leads to well-rounded adulthood and a future leader.

WHAT CAN WE DO?