Why is it important to inspire young generations?
Inspiring the young generation of today isn’t just about ordering them around and expecting them to do what you think they should be doing. They may heed your advice when you are watching, but once they are left on their own, they may go back to doing what they were doing before you approached them.
Inspiration is about moving people to act in a way that achieves a specific and immediate goal. Understand the difficulties that someone is facing and it can help you better when it comes to inspiring them. Know that at the end of the day, all they want is renewed energy, focus and a zest for life. And there is no better time than to start with the young generation.
Young people are our future. In only a few short years, they will be running the world. It is important to engage and inspire the young generations for everyone’s benefit, and you have the power to do this.
1 Offer an Alternative
Think of it as how our parents offered us an alternative to drink milk instead of Coke; likewise, offer them an alternative. Encourage them to hang out with friends who will inspire them to be better. Show them what they can do on a Saturday night. Instead of going out drinking, they can stay home and research something online that will bring them closer to their dreams.
2 Share a Story from Your Past
Pick the right time to share stories from your past. There will be those who are keen to listen to what you have to say about your life experiences. Sharing stories about your failures, mistakes, and successes you faced while growing up allows them to regard you as their equal. Open up to them, be genuine and show that you have already been where they are now.
3 Give Them an Opportunity
As an adult, you are generally wiser, smarter and more experienced. How will they learn from you if you don’t trust them? How will they learn from you if you do not share your insight with them? Do you know someone who wants to get a job? Help them out by giving them insight on how you got your first job. What are the right and wrong things to do at a job interview?
4 Be a Role Model, Coach or Mentor
Who do you want them to look up to? Would you like to be their role model? As a role model in a young person’s life, you can help them step back and take a look at their life as a whole and identify the key areas they can work on to improve. Also, it may not be easy for some in to look up to their parents. If so, you can choose to be their role model or introduce someone you know who can be a pillar of strength to them.
Support, inspiration and encouragement are the greatest asset you have. Sharing these with the young people around you gives you the power to help to prepare them for the future. Show that you care. Be enthusiastic and earn their trust. If they listened closely enough, you can help them shape the world into a better place.
How Do You Inspire People around You?
Have you inspired someone to take a positive step forward to a better life? Or has someone helped inspire you to overcome a significant struggle?