Kids mindset for success begins with helping children turn their dreams, ideas and intentions into a clear plan they can actually follow.
During my career-path conversation with my son Jai, he was able to visualise himself, his surroundings and the companions he wanted in his adult future. The final step was to solidify the pathway that would take him to his version of a successful life: a plan, Natalie Cook’s fifth P.
Kids Mindset for Success Starts With a Plan
It is always a good idea to sit down and plot out short-term and long-term goals, especially for entrepreneurial kids who are cultivating a kids mindset for success.
On an adult level, well-made plans should be a natural component of what you perceive as your life’s purpose — your “Why” in life. Of course, children who are entrepreneurial may not have solidified their life purpose to this extent yet. But they can still begin learning how to set meaningful goals, create intentions and take practical steps forward.
A plan helps children move from vague wishing into purposeful action.
Helping Kids Set Clear Intentions
Sean Rasmussen, our internet marketing mentor, taught me a trick that can be successful with kids as well.
Write an intention on a small piece of paper, but do not use the future tense.
For instance, an adult might write:
“I have attracted a healthy, motivated business person to my business this month.”
That is much stronger than writing:
“I will attract…”
A child might write:
“I have kicked two goals at this Saturday’s soccer match.”
Place the written intention under your pillow, in your wallet, or somewhere you will view it regularly. The idea is to set a specific and realistic goal, then see it, believe it and feel it.
People who practise this mindset for success technique can go on to set bigger and grander intentions over time.
For children, this is not about pressure. It is about learning to direct their thoughts, language and energy toward something positive and achievable.
Having a Defined Goal Builds a Kids Mindset for Success
My friend Michael Clouse says that not having a clearly defined plan is like an archer who aims at a target with a blindfold on.
There is no chance of hitting the bullseye if you are unable to see it.
That image is a wonderful one for children. If they cannot see what they are aiming for, how can they know which direction to move? A clearly defined goal helps children understand what they are working toward and why their daily actions matter.
This is especially important for entrepreneurial kids, because business ideas can easily remain just ideas unless they are supported by a plan.
Vision Boards and a Kids Mindset for Success
Another technique is visualising goals using a vision board.
Select the experiences, goals and things that you would like to have in your life. Then make a poster board using images, words and graphics. Place the vision board somewhere you will see it daily.
The important part is not just making the board. The important part is seeing it often, visualising the items on the board, and imagining them as if they were real and already present in your life.
A vision board can help children begin to connect their imagination with action. It gives them a visual reminder of what they care about and where they are heading.
For some kids, this might include sport, travel, family, creativity, business ideas, friendships, learning goals or ways they want to contribute to the world.
Positive Affirmations Lead to a Success Mindset in Kids
Speaking positive affirmations aloud two or three times a day is another way of setting your intention and belief. Again, these should be in the present tense.
Natalie Cook likes to declare her intentions and plans before a public audience, making herself accountable to a lot of people for achieving her aims. Her Olympic journey is a strong example of discipline, planning and follow-through. You can read more about her work and speaking through Natalie Cook’s official website.
So be bold.
Change your way of thinking.
Get rid of the negatives.
Affirm the positives.
Make sure that your plans are well aligned with your life vision. Set grand goals and follow your plan. This is a kids mindset for success.
Natalie Cook’s Five Ps Series
This article is Part 4 in our series on Natalie Cook’s Five Ps for helping entrepreneurial kids and enterprising teens develop purpose, people, passion, perseverance, planning and a mindset for success.
- Part 1: Purpose
- Part 2: People and Passion
- Part 3: Perseverance
- Part 4: Plan and a Kids Mindset for Success — you are here
Where to Next?
- Explore more ideas for raising entrepreneurial kids
- Read more about vision boards and mindset
- Visit our family enterprise stories
How do you help your children set goals and follow a plan? Leave a comment and share one strategy that has helped build a mindset for success in your family.