The 21st Century calls for generations of resourceful individuals, creative thinkers who are motivated independently and have an ability to thrive within a team. Whilst this may sound ideal, how are we challenging our kids to become such individuals? Do we teach them resourcefulness when we wash their clothes, drive them to college or the bus stop and prepare their meals for them? Are we nurturing creative thinkers when we suggest ideas for them when they can’t think of any for themselves? Giving this some thought I know that I am guilty of ‘helping’ too much, in fact at times I’m sure I quash their independence by thinking ‘oh but they’re so young, they are not ready for that’. In reality, are they really too young? When is it appropriate to let our young adults step up and be really resourceful and really creative in what they want to do.
I link this contentious thinking back to a TED Talk interview with Richard Branson, looking into why he is one of the greatest entrepreneurs in the business world. As a student he was not great, describing himself as ‘miserable academically’. He was dyslexic and struggled his way through the majority of his college life. This being so, why has he become such a success?
In response to this he pays homage to his mother and the challenges she presented him with as a child. She would encourage him to go on day-long bike rides. She would drop him off miles from anywhere and tell him to find his own way to his grandmother’s house. In doing so she pushed his limits and helped shape a resourceful individual, a creative thinker and definitely a team player.
With this in mind, perhaps we need to rethink what we do. Do we as parents, teachers and mentors really challenge our kids?
If you are interested, here’s the link:
https://www.ted.com/talks/richard_branson_s_life_at_30_000_feet/transcript?language=en
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