I can’t imagine a better moment in life to learn about purpose and empowerment than when we are young.
Which is why I embrace every opportunity to share the principles of positive psychology with students across Canada.
The most recent opportunity being a conference called: “You Can Do College.”
600 grade 10 students from 14 high schools participated in the 2 day conference.
The purpose of the event was to introduce high school students to all the programs available to them when they graduate in a few years.
Showing them that if they work hard today — “They Can Do College” in the future. Whether it be as a civil engineer, a veterinary technician, a nurse, or an early childhood educator.
The choice is theirs to make
Students are our future.
My job as a Motivational Speaker was to ignite their inner flame for higher learning. This is what I was born to do! 🔥
Pay attention to the person right in front of you. They have something to teach you.
Connecting with audience members is essential for me. No matter how big or small the crowd.
Accordingly, I encouraged students to answer as many questions as they could (which they did!) as I walked and talked freely with the large crowd.
Hoping to meet as many of the 600 students as I could.
One of my favourite moments was when the young gentleman above shared his lifelong dream of becoming an engineer.
Just listening to his mission shifted me to a higher place.
The icing on the cake was hearing about destiny from a student named Destiny.
Destiny aspires to be a cosmetologist to the stars one day. How cool is that!
The next time you meet a student, ask them about their dreams. The stress they’re experiencing immediately disappears.
Aglimpse of my psychology lecture on student motivation and success.
The world needs your unique kind of wonderful. So don’t let the critics get you down. Focus on your dreams. Not their doubt. Use their words as fuel for your success and empowerment. The sun always rises. And so will you. ☀️
Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning.
This “Why Vision Board” was created by my psychology students this past September.
Why Vision Boards in the classroom.
At the beginning of the semester, I ask my nursing students to share their reasons “why” they wanted to become a nurse. Why this program?
This simple question gives students insight into what motivates them. Something I consciously tap into throughout the school year.
Students are enthusiastic about learning at the start of the semester. New textbooks. Colourful notebooks. Dreams still fresh in their minds.
Illuminating lifelong dreams has the most impact midway through the school term.
This is when students truly need a boost in motivation (right about now). This is the time where I insert their original “Why” vision board into my PowerPoint lecture slides.
“Why Vision Board” created by a different group of students.
Halfway through the semester, students are surprised to see a photo of their own words, projected onto the big screen.
They are instantly drawn back into their reason “Why”.
An animated discussion ensues where students compare their initial motivations with their current state of mind and affairs.
Rekindling their dreams. Giving them a much needed reminder as to why they picked their program in the first place
What’s changed? What’s stayed the same. And why?
“Why Vision Board” in action!
Ultimately, their “why vision board” transports them to a higher place, well above the stresses of their exams, to a place where all their dreams began.
Boosting their motivation. Lifting them up. Multiplying their energy.
A simple why? question that works. Every single time.
Reminding them why their dreams matter.
Why school matters. Why they matter.
Reignite instrinsic motivation in one simple step: Ask yourself “Why?” you do what you do. Every chance you get!
9. Take frequent MOVEMENT breaks.
