4 skills to develop self-belief.
I have been a Primary School educator for more than 20 years and have taught across all year levels.
During this time, in various schools, I have noted a decline in student’s selfbelief. Statements such as I can’t’ do it, I don’t get it or I’m not good enough are heard more often than ever before. On many occasions the statements come before any attempt at the task has occurred. It seems to be a set thought-process, that is applied by children of varying academic ability and/or emotional standing. So why is positive selfbelief important?
I am a qualified kinesiologist as well as teacher. My time in clinic settings has seen me focusing on supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of primary age children. My clients, varying from 3 – 14 years of age, invariably talked about their perceived lack in ability but the belief they can never achieve. The emotional costs for these children can be detrimental to themselves but also for their loved ones. Low self-belief often results in lack of continuous sleep, quality of sleep, school absenteeism, dietary concerns, lack of application for life and the absence of love for all that surrounds them. It is truly saddening to hear and see such bright and capable children speak so poorly of themselves.
So what is self-belief? I describe it as having a positive belief in yourself. You are self-aware and confident in your identity, purpose and worth in the world. It is not a precocious, selfrighteous attitude but a level of healthy confidence, supported by the actions taken.
I believe there are four specific skills directly relating to self-belief:
Confident
Sense of purpose
Perseverance and optimism
Self-worth
Having a positive self-belief, children accept they can achieve success but require support from others along the way. They are confident to ask for and accept help when required. They attempt new ideas with little fear of failure. They know mistakes result in new learnings and this can excite them. They feel safe and secure in their environment and their surroundings. They have a strong sense of purpose. They feel they belong at home and at school and most importantly they feel they are loved. They feel part of a bigger picture with an end in mind.
Positive self-belief allows children to show perseverance. Children want to have a go when placed in new situations. It may require that they will apply a new skill or experience a new learning process. Having a go can be a calculated action using skills and knowledge from previous experiences, or problem-solving possible ways of achieving success. Either situation, children willingly attempt a new opportunity with little or no direction, and without fear of failure. Alongside the ability to persevere, I also see a level of optimism. Children are optimistic of the future and their role in achieving success. They know what is required to gain the healthy and positive life they are entitled to.
I believe self-worth has the biggest impact on all of these skills. I want to hear children talk about their worth to be happy, to apply and to succeed. They are worthy of all the effort to be successful. Not everything is easily achieved, encouraging positive talk towards working hard, supports a positive self-worth. Showing a sense of self-worth also supports their ability to apply skills to be resilient and mindful, knowledgeable and positive in all they attempt to achieve in the future.
Spending time listening to what children are saying is important. You will be able to gain a clear picture of their sense of self-belief. Focusing on the additional four skills, you will also be able to identify any areas requiring more attention. All children deserve a positive selfbelief to be able to achieve the success they are entitled to through life.
Bron Gowty is an educational consultant and kinesiologist who has been working with children for more than 20 years. For more information on her programs visit www.brongowty.com.au