Building true confidence ...

The Reality:

Words can only do so much when trying to teach someone how to get something done! Often we want to dish out the praise and encouragement, without ensuring the methods to competence have been given out first.

When dealing with kids, young adults, and even in the workplace - handing out blind praise and positivity is not a solution to building confidence within the individual. We need something more deep and structured to ensure a good level of confidence is actually being developed internally - and more specifically, intentionally through support and teaching of skillsets!

If we can build that level of competence first, then confidence is a by-product in any persons development...

The Change:

This has a significant gap in understanding when it comes to raising our kids, and sadly the youth in our spaces. We can only tell them they are special so many times, before the have a look internally to try and found out why. Everything great needs to come from substance, and a solid foundation of acquired value - This cannot be replicated with positivity and assurances, we need something more intentional...

But, thankfully! The solution is right in front of us. If competence is the single solution to building lasting confidence, then all we really need to do is start passing on the skillsets we have within our own experiences. Be it your kids at home, or the generational youth coming out of school - focus clearly on giving them tangible skills that they can take home and into the workplace that hold true value!

Teach them the basics of good morals, home care, good cooking, basic finances, and the list goes on... There are soo many tangible assets we can acquire as humans that will naturally bring out a level of pride with what we are capable of doing without the support of others. But we all need that first teacher that shows us the way.

Going Forward:

As you start to look at making a difference in your community, try to find the skills you possess that make you feel competent as an adult. Bundle together a simple how-to-guide, and make it available to anyone and everyone that may be missing those specific skills!

You can still be their cheerleader from the sidelines, bringing the positive energy! But make sure they have the tools to be competent adults first and foremost ....