Proactive people make things happen whereas reactive people
let
things happen to them. So one key skill to develop in your
teenager is to help them take responsibility for their own
happiness and direction in life as this helps them to be in the
driving seat of their life and not just a passenger.
The way you can help your teenager develop being proactive is to
be a role model yourself and to watch the language you use to
describe things happening around you. Reactive language takes
power away from you and gives it to something or someone else.
It's like giving the remote control of your life away to someone
else, whereas proactive, positive language let's you choose
which channel you want to be on.
Here are some ideas for using more positive, proactive language
that you and your kids could have fun re-framing. Change your
reactive language of "I can't" into more proactive language of
"There must be a way I can do this". From "There's nothing I can
do" into "I wonder what the other options are?" From "I have
to..." into "I choose to..." And away from "I ought to..." into
"I want to...." And finally from "That's just the way I am" into
"I know I can do better than this."
So you can see how important it is to develop this "can-do"
approach and attitude to life in your teenager. While you can't
control everything that happens to them you can teach them how
to control how they respond to what happens to them.
How to Make a Change in a Teenager's Life
Do you know exactly what you want to be, do, and have? The
specific goals and dreams that motivate teenagers - are they guaranteed
to give the feelings and experiences they desire? If not, you
know how confusing and frustrating this can be. But you don't
have to deal with it any longer. Here are some suggestions on things
that you can say or discuss with your teenager to help motivate them:
1. Let Go of the Past
Before you can create a better future, you must let go of the
pains in your past. Failing once does not mean you will fail
forever. Learn from your history, but don't let it stand as an
obstacle between you and your dreams.
2. Remember Success
Just as important as learning from and overcoming past failure
is recalling past success. It doesn't matter who you are, you
have succeeded at something at sometime in your past. Don't
gloss over these moments. Use them to remind you that you can in
fact achieve your goals.
3. Realize the Possibilities
It's possible. The dreams you hold in your heart but pushed to the
back of your mind are within your reach. Accept the fact that
you can create a better life. This will serve as the springboard
of belief you need to succeed.
4. Dream the Big Dream
In order for dreams and desires to inspire you to action and
achievement, they need to be big. If you don't get excited about
what you have planned for the future, you will never find the
inspiration you need to change your life. Powerful dreams can
move the soul, and when you dream the big dream, you will be
driven to make the compelling picture a tangible reality.
5. Thinking Your Way to Change
No matter how bad you want it to happen, change will never
result from thinking alone - you must take action. The world is
swimming in dreamers, but only those who act on their desires
achieve truly remarkable results.
6. A Daily Habit to Begin Today
Set aside at least 30 minutes each night to review your day and
plan for the next. It's a simple way to add an element of
control to your life. Also, beginning this habit today will help
tremendously when you begin to work toward your exciting and
inspiring goals and dreams.
7. Get Excited About What's to Come
You are on your way to getting everything you have ever wanted!
Now is the time to get excited and inspired about what your
future holds. Imagine living your ideal life - now make it
happen!
8. Raise Your Standards
It's time to raise your standards. It's time to expect more out
of yourself than anyone else. Accept nothing less than your
absolute best in all that you do and you'll have no problem
creating your ideal life. After all, you'd expect nothing less
than living the life of your dreams.
About the Author:
Jane Maria is a writer and web designer who creates websites
providing informative tips on various subject matter including
parenting solutions at Get Parent
Or visit her
blog: Get Parent/Blog
