Release Their Potential

A nation's future lies with its youth. Our younger generation's future relies on its education. Their education is our responsibility. We must be accountable for our children's success, well-being, innovation, and prosperity. We either help them to succeed or show them how to fail. Something needs to be done.

There are approximately 56.6 million elementary and secondary students in public, charter, and private schools in America. Sixteen million students attend our colleges and universities. 75 million young minds are at stake, screaming for help, looking for direction, ready to take on the world if they were only given the right tools.

Every student, every adult, every one in this world wants a good life. Education and training and mentoring and caring and guidance are the keys toward achieving that good life. We as responsible adults, parents, and educators must step up to ensure these methods of knowledge are passed on.

1.2 million high school students drop-out of school each year. That's 7,000 students giving up every day. One quarter of all freshman do not graduate from high school on time. The drop-out rate for first year college students is unacceptable. Clearly, many of our institutions of learning can be labeled as 'dropout factories' leading to widespread financial insecurities, increased crime, and a tremendous loss of productivity and personal potential.

'What if...' we could release the full pent-up potential of our youth? What kind of scientific or medical or inventive breakthroughs could be discovered? What unknown innovations could be put into place? What type of advances could be developed to improve the human condition? These are questions often not addressed.

My suggestion is to "Do Something!" In my opinion two aspects of education, whether from our schools or from within the family unit, are terribly lacking.

The first is goal setting. Every one, students in particular, should learn effective principles of setting goals in their personal, academic, and later, their professional lives. Plans at each phase of their lives should be established and followed through to the desired results.

Second is the lack of strong soft skills, commonly referred to as 'people skills.' Soft skills, specific personal characteristics and traits, are essential to one's success. The three skills most lacking in today's workplace are Communication, Critical Thinking, and Interpersonal Skills. These can be taught and improved to unleash unlimited potential.

I think it's time to "Do Something!" about this before it's too late.

Bob Johnson teaches goal setting principles and how to improve soft skills in his seminars and through his books, The Magic of Goal Setting and The Power of Soft Skills.

email: [email protected] website: goalsetting.guru