What A 7 Year Old Taught Me About Motivation And The Power Of Positive Thinking
We’re all swamped with motivation quotes and ‘experts’ telling us how to change our lives. They tell us all we need to do is follow their example, mantra or buy their book.
I know!
I read loads of them.
I listen to them on podcasts and audio books.
I even post my own quotes on instagram, I truly believe a moment and a few words can change your life.
What I didn’t expect was to be taught so much by a quick chat with my grand daughter.
She’s 7 years old.
How did this awesome, bright, stubborn, gorgeous, talented young person change my life?
Roll back a few weeks…
She’s starts going to diving classes.
You know the ones where you need to jump off the spring boards into a deep pool. High boards and a very deep pool.
This has been a long time coming, she’s worked through the swimming lessons, knowing that she wants to do diving.
Yes, KNOWING that she will go the same pool her Mum went to, and do diving.
So, her motivation? Be like her Mum, not bad eh?
Fast forward again to last week.
She’s in her diving class but for weeks hasn’t been able to pluck up courage to dive off the higher boards.
No worries doing back flips into the pool from the side, but from a board? Nope! It ain’t happening.
So, Nannan steps in! Yep me!
My tactic to get children to respond to coaching? Bribery!
I know, I hang my head in shame, but hey it works! Usually.
So after another otherwise fun filled session when she’s ultimately ‘bottled it.’
She’s not happy.
She’s frustrated.
She’s not saying any of this!
She’s angry and trying to pretend all is fine.
So, bribery tactic …
Me:
‘It’s OK, you’ll do it next week, I know you can do this. If you go off the board I’ll buy you 3 packets of Pringles!’
Yep, shameful unhealthy blatant bribery.
Now this is said out loud, so is now in tablets of stone. Children do not forget what you say!
Fast forward again to this week.
We’re in the car to the pool, the Pringle promise is mentioned. (I think she doubted my word and her luck!) After all this is a SERIOUS offer, and HUGE offer of 3 tubes!
Too good to be true right?
So now direct quotes…
Her: ‘So, really, if I go in off the 3 metre board I get 3 tubes?’
Me: ’It’s not IF it’s WHEN…and of course you get them. I promised!’
Her: ‘OK’
Fast forward again, I know we’re doing a lot of rolling but stick with it!
I buy 20, YES 20 tubes of Pringles!!
Yep! She did it!
Not once but 5 times!
Then does 5 dives off the one metre board, another first!! (Hence the 20 not 15 in case you’re wondering about my maths skills)
Chat in the car afterwards. On the way to the Pringles store…
Me: ‘You’re awesome! Wow! How good do you feel now?’
Her: ‘I knew I would do it, you said ‘when’ not ‘if’ so I knew I’d do it.’
Me: ‘Well done you!! YOU’RE AMAZING!’
Me thinking: WOW!
The Pringles didn’t motivate her.
I did!
With just a positive statement that didn’t include ‘if’ but ‘when’ wow, the power of words.
We had a great time counting the tubes from the shelf to the basket, sharing them out. Yes, she generously shared with her brother and parents!
The price may have been high in Pringles, but overall, WOW totally PRICELESS!!
I learnt so much more about her, and from her that day.
I will never forget it!
So, lesson learned people!
If you want to do something, but are scared, don’t be.
Shift your mindset.
Tell yourself you can do it!
I know I’ll still be drawn in by quotes and experts, but I know one of my main motivators is just 7 years old!
Say WHEN not IF!
If that doesn’t work, treat yourself to a tube of Pringles, I can recommend it!
Don’t let fear stop you.
If you need a push, a hand held or some positive words, let’s talk!
I love the energy in my FREE 60 minute coaching calls, I’ve got a few spaces so get in touch NOW!
Jump over to my COACHING PAGE and check out the details and let’s see if I can motivate you to change your life. Sorry but Pringles aren’t a part of the offer, yet!
Note: Before I get spammed with criticism about diet, these tubes will be seriously monitored and rationed (and possibly eaten) by caring parents, who think I’ve lost the plot but love that their daughter has learned how to overcome a fear!
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