Perseverance makes a world of difference
In this era of social media, young people are bombarded with stories giving the illusion of instant success. While such stories can be inspiring, they also convey the false perception that achievement is quick and easy.
The reality is vastly different. Every accomplishment is the fruit of countless hours of work, determination, and patience. The road to success is rarely a straight one; it winds through detours, steep descents, and blind corners. These obstacles may seem discouraging, but they are also learning opportunities that can build self-confidence and unlock even bigger dreams.
Celebrating every step toward success
Success means different things to different people, but perseverance is always a key ingredient. It represents the drive that pushes us forward even in the face of multiple challenges. It represents our ability to keep plugging away, regardless of how fast we are progressing.
The belief that success happens quickly and easily is an illusion that can lead to disappointment and discouragement. By celebrating every small step and even the most modest advances, we help youth create solid foundations on which to build their future.
Together, let’s redefine the road to success and show young people that every effort counts!
Supporting youth – spotlight on effort
The 2025 edition of Hooked on School Days, which takes place from February 10 to 14, is all about highlighting the efforts and endeavours that lead to accomplishment.
Here are a few ideas for how you can support youth on the road to success:
- Present a realistic vision of success: success is a journey of constant effort, failure, and adaptation. Every obstacle overcome is a step toward success, one that builds the resilience and determination needed to achieve one’s goals.
- Place value on effort rather than results: applaud effort and every attempt rather than just the final result. Every step, large or small, deserves to be celebrated.
- Set short-term goals: help young people set realistic short-term goals to help them maintain motivation.
- Encourage positivity in the face of failure: failures are vital learning opportunities, not endpoints. Learning to see them this way is crucial to making progress.
- Promote realistic role-models: encourage media and influencers to share stories that reflect the reality of success, including challenges overcome and effort required.
By encouraging patience and by recognizing and understanding that everyone moves at their own pace, we offer youth the support they need to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, however grand or modest they may be. Because perseverance makes a world of difference.
Join the movement!
Let’s celebrate the effort and determination of our young people. Together, we can highlight every step toward success, because every effort counts!