Achieve the Beyond

Today's quote from Seth Godin (writer) for the day is: "You can't win by being more than average."

I used to think "more than average" was a win and I wish it still was. Helping students succeed in school so that they can choose from various colleges or career paths has taught me that "not just more, but above and beyond average" is the new yardstick. But, don't despair. When our children and students "believe, they can achieve." Help your child see the achievability of their dreams in practical ways. Research what it takes to be a pilot, veterinarian, Broadway star and then make a plan. Break the plan into manageable and time appropriate chunks and then work it (until a new dream may come along). To go “beyond,” take it a step further and teach your child to visualize achieving their dream including all the steps along the way. Help them see the "A" on the algebra test that will lead them to the grade that will lead them to the GPA that will lead them to the college that will result in acheiving the goal they only once dreamed about. Most important, include all the emotions that go along with even the small successes. Just dreaming is an intellectual exercise, dreaming, seeing and feeling what we want brings the achievement closer to reality.