Just because you didn't write the rules, doesn't mean you can't win the game. The game will go on whether you choose to play it or not. Unfortunately, all the rules are not the same for everyone. Who you are determines the set of rules you must abide by until you can write your own rules. The concern with most young adults is starting the game without understanding how to play by the rules. Therefore, our children are being defeated. They are counted out before they can even make their first move. Not knowing the rules, like in any game, can lead to parental heartache, tough roads to travel, and mistakes that take an insurmountable time to recover from.
Guardians, teach your children these 4 rules of engagement to win at life:
1. Getting Started: Have Something To Get Something. You must have something to get something. Let me ask you a question. If I wanted to hire your young adult son or daughter for a dream job right now and needed him or her to move clear across the country, would he or she have the means to relocate without digging into your pockets? Would he or she have the skillsets or certifications to qualify for the position? YOU NEED SOMETHING! You need money and you need education to make it happen. These are the two essentials for anything you want to achieve. It's called being prepared. When preparation meets opportunity, will you be ready?
To help your kids get ready, determine the best cards dealt and use them to create something. It could be a simple trade or skill that you can now transition to your son. Or, it could be that your daughter has an interest in baking, start selling cakes. They may even have to do work that they don't necessarily want to do. That's ok. Realize that work is work and the grind is the grind. Whether it's entry level work at McDonald's or a senior manager at an IT company, the opportunity provides you with the ability to develop your skills and the means to stack away financial resources. It's not about the job, it's about the process of positioning yourself for a better tomorrow. Early on, if we teach them to invest in themselves and things that appreciate over time, they will have a fighting chance.
2. Bluffing is everything. I've been in the game long enough to know that perception is everything. This includes how you are portrayed to others in public and on social media. Some things just don't need to be posted on the internet. Kids are not aware of the damage social media can cause them down the road. You must take the time to enlighten them of the positive and negative power they hold in the palm of their hands. My point is that we are all ever-changing souls and have the right to grow and become at any moment. We must not immediately dig ourselves into holes that will take forever to get out of. Ask your children to think about every text or post. Could this possibly come back to haunt them later in life. If so, don't post. Building a good reputation is important to the game. It gives you more playing power. Teach your children to keep their name, record, and credit score clean, then build upon them in a positive direction. Don't give those who set the rules a reason to disqualify you before the game even starts. Bluff.
3. Bringing Value to the Game. Once you have a seat at the table and you understand how to play, then all you need to do next is bring value to the marketplace. Value is simply delivering good products, services, or talents in a reasonable amount of time. This happens by becoming an entrepreneur, landing a position at a company, or even selling your obvious talents and gifts to create value. When choosing how you will bring value be sure to remain true to the core of who you are and play to your personality. The faster your children can realize and reap the benefits of providing good value to the marketplace, the better off they will be. You set them up for success by showing them positive ways to make money. The more value you bring, the more money you can make.
So ask your young adults, "What value are you bringing or plan to bring to the table and how?"
4. Win. Once you've established your value, now you need to protect it. Protect your revenue stream by continuing to study your craft and increasing your value in the marketplace. Be the master of your own domain. Checkmate!
Playing the game is hard and there WILL be setbacks, but knowing the rules will get you there. It's a process. Do what you have to in the beginning while keeping in mind where you start is not where you will end. Start preparing for what's next by doing the right things with your hard earned money. Stay true to who you are and build your reputation so that it can be used as a power up when you need it. Once you decide on the value you will bring to the world, hone your craft and continue to get better everyday. When the time is right, make sure you protect your hard work and achievements. Then, use them to create more income streams. Remember to write your own rules this time.
You WIN!
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