"Teaching is the greatest act of optimism."- Colleen Wilcox

Teaching is an act of giving. Many people, who are ready are striving to learn how to break through their limitations, will appreciate your action.

They want to know how to deal with failures and setbacks. They want to have control over their emotions before these feelings ruin their lives. They want to progress and succeed.

You can impart new ideas to help them change their perceptions. You are doing them a favor by showing them on how to think differently.

Educate them to accept personal responsibility. Explain to them that regardless of how others treat them or the dismal result of an action, they have contributed in some ways.

They have one thing that no one can have a say and that is how they choose their responses. They can deliberately take different actions that will break the patterns of thoughts. You can educate them to ask questions from others, to contemplate, or do any encouraging activities.

How do you impart your knowledge and skills?

• By example.

This is the best way to coach. If you want someone to learn about respect, do that to yourself and others. If you wish for them to fight their fears, show them what knowledge and skills they need to acquire to overcome them.

Become a role model or an icon of achievement and you will have people emulating your actions and mentality to produce the same results.

• Communicate effectively.

Give them step by step lessons on how to get something done. Some people are confused and just need to know how to begin, what to do next and how to proceed from then on.

Your teaching becomes effective when you are able to communicate successfully. It will make a huge difference on how others respond.

People not only listen to what you say but also look at your non verbal signals. So you have to pay attention to the words you use and your body cues.

• Help them plant their dreams.

Many have pushed aside their dreams and functioning aimlessly to make ends meet and call it a day. Help them build their dreams again by telling them about possibilities and opportunities.

Help them create and nurture in their minds the pictures of their desires. Evoke their emotions by telling them the pains of going through life without making changes and the pleasures of raising their standards.

• Telling stories.

Making it personal and telling your own story is a great tool. You must have had at least a tale to tell about how you have acquired or enhanced a certain skill or gained understanding about a subject. Enlighten them with your own experiences.

Encourage them to read as many books and watch or listen to motivational programs that will help them change their past conditionings and perceptions.

• Become a learner yourself.

Hone your skills, become a voracious reader and keen learner. There are continuous new discoveries and technology keeps advancing. If you want to continue with your personal growth and move forward, you must take the time to study and develop new abilities and understandings.

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