Do you remember learning to tie your shoes? If you’re like most kids, you probably got really frustrated because you didn’t tie your shoes very well, the loops were uneven, and they became untied within minutes. I’ve seen kids practically meltdown over the frustration of learning to tie a shoe. But now, I bet you can tie your shoes blindfolded!
What got you from doing something clumsily to doing it effortlessly? Is it that you have super hand-eye coordination? Is it that you have amazing fine motor skills? While those things are helpful to have, what got you to mastery was your effort. You had to practice that skill over and over and over again until it just clicked. And that is how it works with any challenge you face, whether it is difficulty in math, making a particular play on the field, or learning how to deal with a difficult person.
In this TEDxYouth talk, Arel Moodie talks to students about how you don’t need to be smart or talented to be successful. What you truly need is effort. He says Effort Is Everything.
It’s definitely worth listening to this 14-minute talk if you’ve been struggling with reaching some of the goals you’ve set for yourself and need a boost. With the new semester just underway, take a few moments to focus on how a positive attitude and effort can change everything.