Do you remember the story of The Little Engine that Could? According to my sources (aka Wikipedia), “The book is used to teach children the value of optimism and hard work.” Optimism? “The word optimism is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning ‘best.’ Being optimistic, in the typical sense of the world, ultimately means one expects the best possible outcome from any given situation.”
You may remember that in this tale, a long train was stranded and needed to be pulled over a high mountain. Many engines much larger than the this “Little Engine” are asked to pull the train but all refuse (excuses provided of course). Finally, given no other options, the Little Engine is asked. Of course, he gives it his best effort while repeating his optimistic motto: “I-think-I-can” the whole way through.
Of course, he succeeds. Optimism is powerful like that.
At such an early age, we begin grooming our kids for success with this and many other stories just like it:
- Reach for the stars.
- Believe in yourself.
What other messages do we try to convey? Moreover, do we just talk the talk or do we also put these lessons to use for our own success? And, if we don’t, why not?
walk the walk first, then talk about it… Kids are pretty smart…
You know I do (or at try at least).