Cultivating Purpose
How do I lead my child to purpose when I have no idea what it is? How can I cultivate their growth, interests, and natural abilities when we’ve grown accustomed to mundane routine?
World changers, you are not alone. When guiding our sugars, it’s hard to steer absent of a destination. I like to think of a ship in the dark, minus the compass and no sail. Thinking about leading is such a complex topic; however simple actions will help us learn how to naturally cultivate the gift within.
We have to consider the sugar gifted to us. Often times, we think what they do equates purpose. This may come in the form of habits established over the years. Sugars are impressionable and whatever they are observing from home, their peers and media outlets will shape their interest in most cases.
Looking beyond these stimuli and ideals takes more work and creativity, but I promise it is worth the results. Providing our sugars the opportunity to try different activities, engage with the world around them, use their hands to do and think is one of the biggest gifts we can impart.
With a few simple steps we can establish new grounds for them all while opening up a new world of ideas, ideals and opportunities.
Consider this:
1. Reframe how your sugar is spending their time. If they are spending 3 hours on video games, try reducing by 1/2 and fill that other time with a new activity.
2. Expose your sugar to a variety to communities. Try an art camp, a stem camp, performance arts, agriculture, animal science...you get my drift. Providing these various experiences helps them experience different communities and different types of life. A farmers day will look much different than a scientist day. These experiences will help them organically gravitate to the community they identify with.
3. Be optimistic! It’s easy to fail before trying. Don’t provide your sugar a way out when cultivating new habits. Remember, we are trying to learn how to nurture their true gifts. This will take time and energy.
4. If your sugar starts something, ensure they see it through. What may start off as hard or difficult may be the very thing they need to establish grit, a true passion and respect for the task at hand. We fought with my daughter the first 4 years of her violin career. Now, she composes, practices independent of us and seriously owns her craft. The discipline established has also carried over into other areas of her life.
5. Observe the type of child you have. If your sugar is a movement kid, try sports, gymnastics and other activities that naturally nurture these skills. If your child is a natural talker, try toastmasters, debate, drama or public speaking. If your child appears to be more shy or introverted, try art, performing arts and other activities that allow them to showcase their thoughts and ideas in different ways. If they have a specific interest, create avenues to nurture what they naturally love.
6. Reflect together. Checking in regularly helps determine if the experiences are truly nurturing your sugar and feeding their purpose. Your sugar may show natural talent in one area but have a strong interest to pursue something else. It’s okay for them to venture out. Let it be their choice (as long as they complete what was started).
Why do we go through this effort? We want to be intentional about our sugars lives. Sowing experiences allows our sugars to learn about themselves. It helps them identify who they are and what speaks to them. It gives them something to look forward to. It also gives them esteem, value and worth.
As a world changer, it provides a clear guide for you. It creates a space that allows you to see your sugar flourish. Together you become partners establishing steps that will lead to their future selves. There is nothing more special than that.
World Changers, I know you can do this. As always, I am cheerleading for you! Until the next time, Take Care, C.