Friday 22 May 2015

Earning your life skills certificate

My youngest attended a junior cycling event last weekend.  For his troubles he received a certificate for 'taking part, learning new skills and trying hard'.

Many people feel that today's children are over-rewarded. Everything is incentivised. Everyone gets a sticker, so that no-one feels left out.  Or has to deal with disappointment.

I'm still not sure where I stand on that one.  But as I paused to re-read the wording on the certificate , something struck me.

Taking part. Learning new skills. Trying hard.  These aren't just challenges for children.  These are ideals that all of us should strive towards.  Because, let's face it, these three seemingly simple concepts aren't as simple to put into practice.


Taking part
Easy huh? But how many of us like walking into a business networking event, a parent and toddler group, or a new exercise class for the first time? Thought not.  In the last week, I've grappled with butterflies and forced myself into two new situations - one sporting, one work-related.  Was I nervous? Yes. Did I enjoy it once I got there? Yes.  Did I feel better afterwards? Yes.  Will it be easier next time? Possibly not.  But deep down I know that I need to keep putting myself out there.

Learning new skills
Now, this is something I do want to achieve. The challenge with this one, for me, is discipline. I need to prioritise what I want to learn, then make the time to do it.  Meanwhile, I've decided that baby steps are better than nothing. Last night child number one asked if she could show me a new drawing technique she had learned. Two messy mats. Two pieces of A4. Two pencils. And the best 15 minutes of my day. For multiple reasons.

Trying hard
Possibly the biggest challenge of all. Particularly when there's no obvious progress or immediate reward. The ability to keep trying - even though your goal is distant and others are streaking ahead - is a tough proposition.  It requires determination. Strength of character. Resilience.  I believe that the ability to try hard - and to keep trying - is just as important, if not more, than natural talent. So often we tell our children to "try their best". The words are straightforward. In reality, it's a big ask.  

Take part. Learn new skills. Try hard. 

One innocent certificate.  Three pretty solid rules for life.  For all of us.

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8 comments:

  1. Yes you are right...we as adults should be doing all of the above...everything is scarier as an adult though:0( xx

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    1. The fear factor never goes away, that's for sure...Thanks for commenting Kirsti. C x

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  2. You are so very right! I so think that the fact that everyone is being rewarded kind of means that no one actually really knows what it is to actually do well at something anymore! Thank you for linking to #PoCoLo x

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    1. Thanks Victoria! I think there could be a whole series of potential blog posts on that subject ;-) Hope you've had a great weekend. Thank you, as ever, for hosting and having me :-) x

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  3. In some ways we already took part and learning ... trying hard in life in general. In motherhood, marriage... I am in it already taking part and learning along the way. Trying to make it work and be successful. This is such a nice read. Thanks for sharing. #pocolo

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    1. And you are doing a fantastic job :-) Thank you so much for the feedback.

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  4. I agree with encouraging children, but it does seem to have gone a little over the top. I can't see anything wrong with a bit of competition. Thanks so much for linking up to #TheList x

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    1. Thanks very much for having me Aby - and for taking the time to read and comment :-)

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