32: How to Inspire Kids to Excel | Feedback Friday

Motivation

Motivating children to excel requires recognizing and nurturing their unique talents. Jordan Harbinger suggests engaging kids by asking them to write stories or draw pictures, which can be displayed to instill a sense of pride 1. He emphasizes the importance of being the person who acknowledges a child's potential, as many kids may not receive such recognition at home 1. Harbinger shares a personal anecdote about a teacher who recognized his writing skills, highlighting the lasting impact of such encouragement 2.

There are a lot of kids that really do need just a little bit of encouragement and they'll remember it for decades. It'll make all the difference.

--- Jordan Harbinger

Encouraging hobbies and giving kids additional projects can further develop their skills and confidence 2.

   

Support

Supporting young students involves more than just verbal encouragement; it requires fostering resilience and work ethic. Jordan Harbinger advises praising effort over intelligence to build resilience, as those who see themselves as hard workers tend to persevere through challenges 3. He references Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" to underscore the importance of this approach 3. Jason DeFillippo shares insights from a middle school counselor who finds inspiration in the stories of successful individuals who overcame similar challenges 4.

People who fail but are told they're smart often give up when they fail. While resilient people who've built resilience and think of themselves as hard workers, those people often do not give up when they fail.

--- Jordan Harbinger

The role of educators is crucial, yet often undervalued, as they frequently invest personal resources to support their students' growth 4.