Others believe that they are realists and that children should be brought down to earth and grounded with a 'realistic' world view which can also stunt a child’s evolution into adulthood.

Many well-meaning parents (they and only they believe it to be well-meaning) clip the wings of their offspring and prevent them from taking flight and reaching for the skies. It’s really quite sad.

I believe that children should be given as many positive messages as possible and encouraged to follow their dreams and at least ‘give something a go’.

What’s the worst that could happen? They fail, and failure is a great way to learn and grow.

Realist Thinking

Firstly, those who believe they are realists are unaware that realism is mainly a personal perception of the world based on their individual experiences and habitual way of thinking and is not actually ‘real’. Every human experiences the world differently so to say that 'someone cannot do something' because you didn’t do it, is simply wrong.

Secondly, realists and those people who believe that children should be grounded and not encouraged to aim for things above their station are not psychic, nor do they know the capabilities of another person.

No one knows what will happen in the future

Future outcomes and results are based on many variables, many of which are controlled and managed by each person. What a person is capable of is also determined by the person themselves. You won't know what you are capable of until you give it a go.

Yes, if you are 73 with bad knees, you know that it is highly unlikely that you will win a race against Usain Bolt, but if you think you cannot run a marathon, you could actually be wrong. 

Many people who were thought incapable of doing certain things went out and did them just to see if they could do it and in the process proved the doubters wrong.

Children absorb what is said to them on a daily basis

Earlier I mentioned that I have gone into schools to teach children entrepreneurship as part of a Young Enterprise. Here are two reactions that I had from two different local schools.

One school was a grammar school; the other was the comprehensive that I attended myself many moons ago.

The reaction from the teachers was miles apart. 

The teachers at the grammar school were saying things such as ‘yes, we can do that’, or ‘that is doable, no problem with that’ whenever we suggested the children set up social events with music DJs and MCs.

However, the response from the teachers at my old comprehensive school was very different. 

Whenever we suggested that the children could make money by hosting such an event, the teachers were quick to say things like "oh no, we can’t do that, the kids will be bringing in alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and there will be fights breaking out left, right and centre".

The teachers and the second school were very negative and they put obstacles in the way. They made objections and cast doubts about the children’s behaviour from the start.

Yes, there may be a case to say that the different schools had different ‘types’ of students and that those teachers had a good understanding of their students, but those teachers were simply repeating the same messages that they heard most of their lives.

"you can't.... you can't... you can't..."

They wonder why the children from the comprehensive misbehaved and wanted to smuggle in liquor and cigarettes… the idea was being placed into their minds by those who were meant to be bringing the best out of them.

In the UK, you are meant to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At my old comprehensive school, the pupils were found guilty of crimes they had yet to commit…  and which they may never commit!

Okay, so you may be wondering where I am going with this. The point I want to make is that what you believe is not always correct and could be a belief that was formed simply through the messages you have heard from those closest to you, your parents, peers, and friends.

About the Author

I dropped out of school aged of sixteen, failed by the education system .I do not have professional qualifications. Just an education from 'the real world and life of hard knocks'. I was identified as being dyslexic aged 10 and struggled through school until I started my own business. I am a self-made millionaire despite the complete lack of official qualifications. 

I manage to write and publish my own books and courses, generate millions of dollars, donate generously to charities (and volunteer for organisations that visit high schools to present extracurricular lessons that teach entrepreneurialism to children) each year. 

I have made a success of my life despite various people over the years telling me that I would fail. 

Find out more about Nick James