We have changed. The way we think, behave and live has changed and many of us are
finding our way after these changes. I have found that there is a great deal of apathy
amongst many teenagers as they see the return of extra mural activities and other events
that have been missing since 2020.
Here are a few key things that are detailed in my book “Unlocking your superpowers: keys to
achieving success in school and beyond” that will help to empower your teens during this
period of transition.
1.Mindset is EVERYTHING
Teens must question what they think and avoid believing every thought as true. They need
to take time to listen to what they are thinking and question these thoughts. By questioning
them they will learn to choose which thoughts to believe and which to ignore. It is
important to focus on the things they want to achieve and take time to appreciate all they
have. To help build a mindset of success teenagers should choose great influencers and
learn from them through books, podcasts and videos. And most importantly they need to
focus on what they appreciate in their lives and those around them and build their own
energy to achieve the success they desire.
2.Take action
Intention without action leads nowhere. Young people need to take action. They need to
start somewhere. High school years are a pivotal time to start building the habits they hope
to keep as young adults. I encourage teenagers to think about what their 30–year–old self
will thank them for doing today. It could be eating well, exercising regularly, reading,
meditating, learning a helpful skill or building significant relationships. Whatever it is that is
of value to them, they should spend time practicing those habits already. They need to
behave themselves into their future selves.
3.Build their team
Tony Robbins says the ‘quality of your life is the quality of your relationships” and this is
true. Teenagers should focus on learning how to build relationships, connect with others
and discover themselves in this process. Building a valuable team of people in your life will
serve you for years to come. Your team includes your family, friends, coaches, teachers,
mentors. Their team should uplift, encourage, support, challenge and empower them in
their lives.
4.Learning support
Learning is a vital part of our lives and school is meant to be challenging. Instead of seeing it
as a ‘have to do’ teens should see it as an opportunity to learn and to build resilience.
Students need to rise to the challenge and think differently. Instead of telling themselves
learn and students need to find what works best for them so they can learn faster, achieve
better and create more opportunities for themselves.
5.Financial literacy
Teens must learn about money as early as possible. We need to talk more about money.
Find out what money means to your teens. What do they believe about money? Why do
they want money? Be ![]()
honest about your own experiences and help them build the
knowledge and skills they need. Help them draw up a budget and if you are giving them an
allowance help them to start saving and investing a portion today.
Investing R1000 in a tax free savings account every month from 14-57 will give them roughly
R7.5 million at 57. By 67 it is close to R20 million! That is the power of starting small and
doing something consistently over time.
As adults we need to model the way for the youth and show them what they are capable of
achieving. Inspire and empower your teen today and give them the gift of my book
“Unlocking your superpowers: keys to achieving success in school and beyond” where they
will learn how to achieve the success they desire sooner. Let me coach them and empower
them to be the best version of themselves and most importantly, happy in the process too.
