Tag Archive for: personal development

Career Success: The Power of Asking the Right Questions

In a world full of endless possibilities, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what you want to do with your life. In this video, Brent Williams, the founder of Empower U, shares valuable insight on how to navigate these uncertainties by asking yourself the right questions. Let’s dive into Brent’s advice on how to identify your passions and turn them into a fulfilling career.

Discovering What You Want

The journey to finding your passion starts with a simple question: What do I want? Brent suggests sitting down with a pen and paper and jotting down everything you love, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. Whether it’s picking flowers, walking dogs, or playing video games, acknowledging these interests is the first step towards discovering potential career paths.

Turning Passions into Profits

Once you’ve identified what you love, the next step is exploring how you can make money from it. In today’s digital age, the possibilities are endless. A quick search on Google can reveal numerous ways to monetise your passions. However, Brent emphasises that motivation should extend beyond just making money. True fulfilment comes from engaging in activities that genuinely interest you.

Understanding Your ‘Why’

Knowing why you want to pursue a particular path is crucial. Your motivation should align with your values and interests, not just the desire for financial gain. Brent shares that it’s not about how much you earn, but what you do with it. He illustrates this point with examples of individuals who have achieved financial success on modest incomes through smart decisions and strategic planning.

Setting Goals and Timelines

Determining when you want to achieve your goals adds a sense of urgency and direction. Brent encourages setting realistic timelines and being prepared to commit to the journey, acknowledging that some goals take time to accomplish.

Watch Now: Setting SMART Goals: A Practical Guide for Teens

Becoming Who You Need to Be

Achieving your dreams may require you to evolve. Brent discusses the importance of attitude, skills, and knowledge (ASK) in this process. The person you are today has brought you this far, but reaching new heights might require developing new skills, adopting a different attitude, or acquiring additional knowledge.

Taking Action

What steps do you need to take to reach your goal? Brent challenges you to consider whether you need further education, unique experiences, or specific knowledge to achieve your ambitions. This step is about making a concrete plan and following through.

Committing to Your Path

Finally, commitment is key. If you can answer ‘yes’ to being able to commit to the necessary steps, then you may have found a career worth pursuing. If not, it’s okay to reevaluate and explore other options.

Asking the right questions can illuminate the path to a career that not only fulfils you but also aligns with your passions and values. The journey of self-discovery is ongoing, and with each step, you come closer to realising your potential.

Ready to delve deeper into personal development and set yourself up for success? Download our free Empower U program guide to learn more about our seminars. Empower U is dedicated to helping teens and young adults like you navigate the complexities of finding your path. Download the guide now and take the first step towards a brighter future.

From Screen Time to Green Time: Guiding Your Teen Towards Healthy Social Media Use

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From Screen Time to Green Time: Guiding Your Teen Towards Healthy Social Media UseEmpower U

In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to find teens and young adults immersed in the world of social media. As parents, it can be worrying to see hours slip away as your child scrolls through their phone. At Empower U, having worked with thousands of teens across Australia, we understand this challenge intimately. But let’s be honest: Smart phones and social media aren’t going to go away anytime soon. However, we also know that with the right approach, it’s possible to turn excessive screen time into healthy, productive habits. In this article we provide some practical tips for you and your child to change the conversation.

Understanding the Appeal of Social Media

To effectively guide your teen, it’s crucial to first understand social media’s allure. It’s a world of connection, self-expression, and virtual exploration that’s especially appealing to young minds. Recognising this allows you to approach the topic with empathy rather than outright restriction. The reality is, many young adults want to disconnect from social media but it’s the fear of missing out that keeps them glued to their devices. According to this article by Headspace, 3 in 5 young people feel the amount of information on social media is overwhelming.

The Impact of Social Media on Teen Well-being

Social media isn’t all bad. It can offer a sense of belonging and a platform for creative expression. However, issues arise with overuse – from disrupted sleep patterns to heightened anxiety. Balancing these positives and negatives is key in helping your teen navigate their digital world.

Establishing Open Dialogue About Screen Time

Open, non-confrontational conversations are essential. Start by expressing your understanding and concerns, and ask your teen to share their perspective. This fosters mutual understanding and sets the stage for collaborative solutions.

Creating a Family Media Plan

Develop a family media plan that includes agreed-upon screen time limits and screen-free zones in your home. This shouldn’t be a set of imposed rules but a mutual agreement that respects both your concerns and their needs.

Encouraging Healthy Social Media Habits

Encourage your teen to engage in mindful social media use. This includes choosing quality content over quantity, being aware of their online time, and understanding the importance of privacy and safety. Discuss the benefits of regular digital detoxes to refresh their minds.

The Role of Alternative Activities

Introducing engaging activities outside of the digital realm is crucial. Whether it’s sports, arts, or family outings, these alternatives provide a much-needed balance. Empower U workshops, for instance, offer a fantastic opportunity for teens to immerse themselves in enriching experiences that extend beyond the screen.

Leading by Example: Parental Influence on Media Use

Your own media habits can significantly influence your teen’s. By setting a positive example – perhaps by having screen-free times yourself – you reinforce the message that there’s a world beyond the digital screen worth exploring.

Recognising and Addressing Problematic Usage

Be vigilant for signs of problematic social media use, such as neglecting responsibilities or withdrawing from real-world interactions. If these signs appear, it may be time to seek professional advice or adjust your family media plan.

Empower U: Transforming Screen Time into Growth Opportunities

At Empower U, we’ve seen incredible transformations in teens and young adults who attend our events. Our workshops provide a platform for young people to learn, engage, and grow in a supportive environment. We focus on turning the time spent online into opportunities for personal development and growth.

Fostering a Balanced Digital Life

Achieving a balance between online and offline life is a journey of continuous effort and understanding. At Empower U, we are committed to supporting families through this journey. Our goal is to empower teens with the skills they need to navigate both the digital and real world with confidence and wisdom.

Explore Empower U Workshops

To discover more about how Empower U can help your teen thrive in today’s digital age, visit our website. Join our community and explore our range of workshops that are designed to foster personal growth and healthy digital habits. Together, we can guide your teen towards a balanced and fulfilling digital life.

Harnessing the Power of Gratitude: Practical Tips for Teens and Young Adults

In a world where we often focus on what we lack, cultivating an attitude of gratitude can be a game-changer, especially for teens and young adults navigating the complexities of modern life. Brent Williams from Empower U emphasises the profound impact that gratitude can have on our mental and emotional well-being. By shifting our focus from the negatives to the positives, we open ourselves up to a wealth of joy and satisfaction. But how do we make this shift in perspective? Here are some practical, easy-to-implement strategies that Brent suggests for nurturing gratitude in our daily lives, transforming our outlook and enhancing our overall happiness.

1. The Power of Focus

The journey towards cultivating gratitude starts with our focus. What we concentrate on expands in our consciousness. If we dwell on the negative aspects, we might miss out on the positives that surround us. This first step is about consciously choosing to see and appreciate the good in our lives.

2. Gratitude Video (GV)

The Gratitude Video (GV) is a simple yet effective way to practice gratitude. It involves taking a moment each day to record a short video expressing thanks for something or someone in your life. This could be a gesture of appreciation for a friend’s support or a family member’s kindness. Not only does this practice uplift the person you’re thanking, but it also enhances your own feelings of gratitude.

3. Gratitude Letter (GL)

In the digital age, the impact of a handwritten gratitude letter is even more profound. Writing and sending a gratitude letter offers a personal and heartfelt way to express your appreciation. This act has the dual benefit of making the receiver feel valued and deepening your own sense of gratitude.

4. Gratitude Rock (GR)

A Gratitude Rock (GR) acts as a tangible reminder to acknowledge the positive aspects of life. Choose a rock that speaks to you, possibly decorate it, and place it in a spot where you’ll see it every day. Each glimpse of your Gratitude Rock should serve as a prompt to reflect on something you’re grateful for.

5. Gratitude Shot (GS)

The Gratitude Shot (GS) is a brief yet potent exercise. Spend just a minute each day to write down what you’re thankful for. This daily practice can gradually rewire your brain to naturally focus on the positive, transforming how you view the world around you.

6. The Science Behind Gratitude

Scientific research underscores the benefits of gratitude. When we express gratitude, our brain releases chemicals that contribute to a feeling of happiness. Thus, a regular practice of gratitude is not just about acknowledging the good in life; it’s also a pathway to personal joy and contentment.

7. Making Gratitude a Habit

To truly embed gratitude in your life, commit to these practices daily for a week and then weekly for a year. This consistent effort can transform your perspective, leading to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Gratitude as a Lifelong Journey

Adopting an attitude of gratitude is a continuous journey that enriches every aspect of life. By regularly focusing on the positive, expressing thanks, and making gratitude a habit, you open yourself to a world brimming with happiness and satisfaction.

Empower Your Life with Empower U

At Empower U, we delve into powerful life skills like gratitude that can significantly impact your personal and professional growth. Our workshops across Australia are designed to help teens and young adults like you develop the mindset and skills for a successful and joyful life. Join us at our next workshop to explore more about goal setting, developing healthy habits, and mastering the art of gratitude. Visit our website to learn more and sign up today. Embark on this transformative journey with us and empower your life with gratitude.

What Happens When We Face Fear?

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What Happens When We Face Fear - Empower U Educational Workshops for TeenagersEmpower U

“To do or not to do?” Our minds tell us no, that we might mess up, that we might disappoint, and that it is just too risky – we are fearful. The prospect of failure in the face of uncertainty gives us a reason to hold back, and so we let our fears consume us, as we decide it’s best to stay within our comfort zones.

However, when we choose not to face our fears, what we may fail to realise is that we are actually validating them — giving them the power to grow, to have a stronger hold on us, and to keep us from living our best lives. Our fears are made up of past experiences that have created the references to the limiting beliefs we have now, and when we allow them to, they are powerful enough to keep us from grabbing the opportunities in front of us. Fortunately, a life lived without fear is something that is completely possible for all of us, and achieving this involves recognising what we may find beyond our comfort zones.

Generally speaking, most people associate the idea of stepping out of their comfort zone with a negative feeling, but it is also universally recognised that when we push through it, it ultimately leads to feelings of pride, satisfaction, and an overall sense of happiness. When we allow ourselves to feel our fears and face them head-on, we are able to have a positive, enriching experience that we can grow from. While we are uncertain of its end result, we know that at the end of the day, victorious or not, choosing to take that risk rewards us with an invaluable learning experience to carry for a lifetime.

Most of our fears aren’t based on facts, but on our personal beliefs.

Here is a short clip from a recent Empower U Program where we have a conversation around beliefs, how they are formed and what we can do to create a new set of beliefs that serves us better.

For more information about The Empower U Program and upcoming events, click HERE or give us a call on 1300 039 662.

 

The Only Failure in Life

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The Only Failure in Life - Empower U Teen EducationEmpower U

Undoubtedly, failing is not a very pleasurable experience. More often than not, it leaves us feeling uncomfortable and discouraged, and is oftentimes the force that holds us back when presented with an opportunity that entails trying something new and unfamiliar. Consequently, it stands in the way of our growth and success. 

So how do we keep this from happening? How do we not let the fear of failure keep us from going for the very things that may help us grow?

We must learn to understand the importance of shifting our beliefs about failure. 

In reality, it is the most successful people who have failed countless times, and they are able to do so because they do not see it as something to avoid, but rather an avenue to maximise their growth. Michael Jordan, considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, once said,

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost more than 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeeded.” – Michael Jordan

As someone who is often in the spotlight, well aware of the importance of each shot he takes, the thought of failing to deliver and disappointing his team and a multitude of fans must be overwhelming – but he recognised how his very failures served as the stepping stones to his extremely successful basketball career. 

Truly, it is when we do not give up that we develop resiliency, as it is when we fail that we are able to truly learn. In Michael Jordan’s case, the shots he missed allowed him to come up with better techniques and strategies so as to improve. And we can learn from this that it is through taking our failures, utilising them to learn — gaining a wider perspective, actively asking questions, and continuously making an effort to improve that we are able to maximise the growth opportunities from our setbacks. 

Here’s a short clip from my recent Empower U Program where I talk about failure and how if we really look at it, there really is only one failure in life.

For more information about The Empower U Program download our latest Program Guide or give us a call on 1300 039 662.

The 4 Levels of Learning

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The 4 Stages of Learning - Empower U Teenage Education Programs AustraliaEmpower U

Before we learn something new, we often do not realise how much we do not know and are yet to learn. At times, when we begin to learn, we discover the gravity of what we do not know and get overwhelmed by its difficulty, which may leave us feeling disheartened. Through understanding the levels of learning, we will be able to more easily recognise how we feel as we keep track of where we are in the learning process. The 4 Levels of Learning are often illustrated as a model that highlights two factors that affect our thinking: Our awareness (consciousness) and our skill level (competence).

1. Unconscious Incompetence

In this stage, we do not have the knowledge or skill set yet, and we do not know that we need to learn it. This is when we do not know what we do not know. For example, as a child who has not been introduced to riding a bike, we are completely unaware of its benefits and usefulness. When a certain idea is introduced to us and we realise that there is value that may be gained from learning it, we then move on to the next level.

2. Conscious Incompetence

When we are in this stage, we are aware of the skill we lack and understand that we must put in the work to bridge the deficit. We can say “I know that I do not know (what this is really about/how to do this)” and hopefully, that will be followed by, “but I would like to learn.” Applying this to the previous example, this is when we begin to learn the fundamentals of properly riding a bicycle and putting it into practice by getting on a bike and working to master its manoeuvring.

3. Conscious Competence

This stage entails being aware of one’s ability to execute, but having to remain conscious as they do so because it doesn’t come naturally yet. This is when we can say “I know I am doing this right” – we know we aren’t incompetent, and that we can ride a bike, but we still need to consciously think about it in order to correctly execute the action.

4. Unconscious Competence

Reaching this stage entails knowing that we know something so well that we don’t even realise that we are doing it when we do. This is when you can ride a bike without even thinking about it, or to take the example even further, when you’re driving a car and you get to your destination without properly remembering how you got there. The skill is so embedded in us that we do not have to continuously process what we are doing.

Embracing the Journey of Learning

The 4 levels of learning framework is best used to help us understand the emotions we experience during the learning process. It helps to reassure ourselves that while learning can get frustrating and challenging, we are well on our way to improving as we continue to do so.

For more information on the 4 levels of learning and The Empower U Program, download our latest program guide or call 1300 039 662.

The Importance of Setting SMART goals

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The Importance of Setting SMART Goals - Empower UEmpower U

At Empower U, we teach participants the process and benefits of setting SMART goals. Setting goals is a recipe for fulfilling many ambitions you want to undertake in your lifetime. 

S.M.A.R.T Goals – How do you do it?

SMART goals is an acronym, providing you with a well established template to set your dreams as realistic objectives. SMART goals should be:

  • (S)pecific – You need to be specific with what you desire so you can become as connected as possible with the outcome. This should establish exactly what you want we want to achieve this goal. 
  • (M)easurable – How can you break down the goal so you can easily measure your progress towards success?
  • (A)attainable – What action steps do you need to take to make this goal a reality?
  • (R)ealistic – Make sure the goal is realistically achievable based on where you are now and the time frame you have given yourself. 
  • (T)ime Orientated – what is a realistic timeframe within which you would like to achieve your ambition? This means you have a deadline to work towards, which creates urgency which drives action. 

Here are some reasons on why it’s so important to learn how to set SMART goals for optimum success. 

S.M.A.R.T Goals Clarify your End Vision

When you set SMART goals, it’s an acceptance that this goal is important to you and you are going to achieve it. You’ve envisioned where you would like to end up. It’s time to start taking action and persist until you succeed. The process of creating the SMART goal makes you think about your ambition in more depth. The more thought into the goal setting process you have, the higher the chances of you seeing the goal through. 

S.M.A.R.T Goals Increase Focus

To focus means to remove your attention from what is unnecessary and instead divert this energy into what is needed. Having goals helps us find what is true to us and what we actually want to achieve in our lifetime. The process of setting SMART goals breaks down how we will get there and what it’s going to take. Having goals improves our long term focus too, as when we create a plan of action, it’s easier to break down the short term steps to reach our objective. 

S.M.A.R.T Goals Dramatically Increases Perseverance 

Having a mapped path for success is a great way to see how far you have come and how much longer you have to go. Having this awareness increases motivation to persevere, as if you know how far away you are from reaching your goal, you’re more likely to keep pushing. If you knew success was right around the corner, would that motivate you? So give yourself that opportunity to successfully achieve your goals.

S.M.A.R.T Goals Introduce Self Discipline

Self discipline is the ability to control your feelings and overcome your weaknesses. The development of genuine self discipline is a journey you will undertake throughout your lifetime, but the best time to focus on developing your self discipline is now. When you set your SMART goals, you have the opportunity to identify your strengths and weaknesses. For example, if your goal is to increase your results at the gym; your strength may be that it’s easy for you to wake up early in the morning to go to the gym. But, your weakness may be that you find it hard to eat lots of fruit and veggies. Keep this in mind when creating your plan of action and be wary of what are your weaknesses are so you can develop your self discipline. 

S.M.A.R.T Goals =  Less Stress, More Success

There’s nothing worse than the feeling of thinking you could have done more. If you have times where you’re blindly chasing an ambition without a plan – it’s no wonder your goals remain unachieved. When you set a SMART goal, you are setting them for no one but yourself. It’s easier to work smarter instead of harder when you have a strategy. This makes your life a whole lot more successful, with a lot less stress. When you want to pursue a goal, setting SMART goals will provide you with the best chance for optimum success. 

Here’s a short clip of Brent about setting SMART goals from a recent Empower U program:

Interested to know more about Empower U? Download our FREE Program Guide to get started today.

Launching into 2019 with the 5-Day Camp

Well it’s now been a week since we finished our January 2019 5-Day Camp. This is the most advanced event we run and is only open to graduates of the Empower U weekend program. This was the 19th Camp in Tomorrow’s Youth’s History, and was one of the most challenging camps we have ever run for a variety of reasons. That being said, the greater the challenge, the greater the reward, and this camp was certainly a rewarding and enriching experience for all the participants and the team.

So what makes the 5-Day Camp so different from The Empower U Program? Empower U focuses on teaching a variety of strategies and concrete lessons in the areas of Goal Setting, Communication Skills, Creativity, Emotional IQ, Social Media Etiquette, Money & Finance and Career Guidance. It is very content focused with a handful of experiential moments we like to call “Processes”. Ultimately it is the processes that are most challenging, confronting and ultimately empowering.

The 5-Day Camp flips that completely around. We have a little bit of concrete strategies taught, but the week predominantly comprises experience based learning through multiple “Processes” every day. We essentially take the theory taught at Empower U and put it into practical experiences to really embed the teachings and deliver massive breakthroughs.

Of course, every participant had their own best things or moments from the camp. Have a read below to hear what participants had to say about their experience at the Empower U 5-Day Camp.

“The Best Part of camp was the Michael Adamedes process (Dynamic Meditation). For me it showed that I can do anything. I broke my mental walls, so I am now unable to give myself an excuse not to do something”

– Andrew McIntosh

“The best part of camp was the firewalk for me! As I was so emotionally invested in my board, seeing it be burnt and walking across it truly helped cement my commitment to action in achieving what I wrote about.

– Alicia Alarcon

“The best part of camp for me was the board break. It was the most emotional and invested i’ve been in a board break. I couldn’t break it standing and broke it on the chair, which showed me just how hard i’ll have to work at some things and to not give up. It was also a good reminder that if the first strategy you try isn’t working, changing it may be the best thing you could do.

– Claudia Schulz

“My best part of camp was the mission statement process. Having put down the word determination on my card, the importance of determination could not be more evident to me then now. There were many times I just wanted to stop, and hearing that I was the only person left… I felt so alone and useless, but I still kept going, and I eventually got to my statement. This process really showed me that although you will be faced with challenges in life, big or small, everyone will get to where they want to be if they just keep pursuing their dreams.

– Riley Simpson

Be sure to watch the above video and see the incredible breakthroughs, lessons, and fun we share at camp!

Goal Setting: What Do You Want & Why Do Your Want It?

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Goal Setting: What you need to know to get ahead in life - Empower UEmpower U

Life is like a game of soccer; you’re going to get bored very quickly if you don’t have any goals. Goals are simply outcomes that you plan to achieve. Most people never set definite goals for themselves, usually because they want to avoid the disappointment they might feel if they didn’t achieve them. The irony in this situation is, of course, that without goal setting, you are much less likely to achieve them.

A study was conducted amongst graduates of Harvard University. At the 5-year reunion each graduate was asked if they had goals. Many had an idea of what goals were and some even had approximate goals in their head. 3% of the graduates however had clearly defined, written goals.

20 years later (at the 25 year reunion), the graduates were again surveyed. The 3% who had clearly defined written goals were worth more in financial terms than the other 97% combined.

What Do You Want And Why Do You Want It?

Think about the goals you are going to set. Now imagine your six months down the track, after setting these goals.

  • How are you going with them?
  • Have you been doing something everyday that brings you closer to your goal?
  • Has it been easier or harder than you thought it would be?

The biggest challenge people face when setting goals is following through – Once you develop the habit of regularly monitoring your progress towards your goals, achieving them becomes a very manageable task. Achieving a major goal is like eating a huge meal. You have to do it a small bite at a time.

A major reason people don’t achieve their goals is that they don’t really want to. Some people become convinced that they want to own a fast sports car or earn a million dollars, when all they really want is to have people like and admire them. They think that having the car and money will make this happen. This type of goal usually feeds one or more of the six human needs.

A person who sets a goal like this will rarely achieve it, they won’t have the personal drive or passion they need because they are not working towards something that they really want. The other major reason many people don’t follow through on their goals is that at some level they believe that it will be too hard. They decide that achieving it would cause too much pain.

Remember everything we do is either out of our need to avoid pain or our desire to gain pleasure, so make sure the long-term pleasure of achieving your goals outweighs any short-term pain.

Some Helpful Questions to Ask When Setting a Goal:

• What do you want?
• What specifically do you want?
• Why do you want that?
• What specifically will it give you?
• How will you know when you have achieved it?
• How will you FEEL when that happens?

Want to learn more about goal setting and the Empower U program? Download the latest Empower U Program Guide!

The BreakFree Experience is Back!

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Seconds before breaking through limiting beliefs, symbolised by a Empower U's famous board break experience.Empower U

After a hugely successful event back in February of this year we can finally announce that “The BreakFree Experience” is coming back. The date is set for January 30th 2016 which is a perfect way to kick off the new year. We are currently taking bookings but are looking to limit it to 100 participants. 74 spots are already taken so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to attract good fortune no matter what they do? Is this just luck or
is it more? Simple changes in the way you think can create powerful change in your ability to attract success.

The Break Free experience will cover powerful information in a fun and interactive way.

Here are just some of the things you will learn:

  • Understand the finest in peak performance psychology that top athletes, entertainers, educators and business people use to produce the success they have
  • Learn the most effective techniques to develop great relationships that will give you the edge in life
  • Boost your self confidence, clarity and ability to take action
  • Develop clearly defined goals and a detailed plan of their achievement
  • Learn how to control and manage your emotions in any given situation
  • Break through any barriers that may be preventing you from achieving success

For more information or to book simply email the team at bookings@TheBreakFreeExperience.com.au

Looking forward to seeing you at the event.

Yours in Success,

Brent Williams