Helping young minds with decision making
Imagine standing at a crossroads, every path leading to unknown adventures, you feel both excitement and anxiety. It’s a bit like how our young people often feel when making choices in life. So how can we help them navigate these crossroads more confidently?
Today’s young minds are constantly making decisions. Which subjects to focus on, which friendships to cultivate, what passions to pursue. And in a world teeming with information, making those decisions can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I want to share with you a toolkit which can help you help your young people navigate their decision-making journeys.
- Starting simple, building a connection is key. Just being understood makes all the difference and that’s what we’re aiming for. Using NLP techniques like ‘mirroring’ where you naturally (but carefully) mirror their behaviours, you can create an environment where they feel genuinely listened to and understood.
- Delving a bit deeper, what makes our youngsters tick? By helping them recognise and voice their core values, they can align their decisions with what truly resonates with them.
- Encourage them to picture the ripple effects of their choices. If they can ‘see’ where each decision leads, it might just make the path clearer.
- Nagging doubts, these can be enough to hold anyone back. Try turning those “I can’t” thoughts into “I can and I will”. Embrace a positive mindset and you’re half way there.
- Make it real. Help them anchor their decision, whether that’s a high-five, a code word, or even just a memorable image. It’s like putting a pin on a map, marking where they’ve decided to journey next.
Navigating life’s many choices can be daunting, especially for our young people. Through understanding and utilising the tools of NLP, we can not only aid them in their decision-making but also empower them to chart their own paths with confidence.
