To Inspire:

I think all of us know that young people in their teens and early 20’s are experiencing greater mental health challenges than ever before. Those trained in the mental health field cite a number of factors but high on the list is not understanding how amazing they are and the potential they have to live beautiful lives. One of the key things they lack is encouragement.

I’ve gotten involved with a new not-for-profit in Columbus called You’re Amazing Fitness. Its mission is powerful – to bring a culture of encouragement into the lives of young people through encouragement coaching. The initial focus is teaching local coaches 8 principles associated with encouragement:

1. Encourage the Who – focus more on the person’s inherent worth and dignity rather than their performance;
2. Catch Someone Doing Right – young people need to be praised when they’ve given effort and are striving to live up to their potential;
3. Win-Win – By being a good follower, young people can also become good leaders;
4. Hard Work – joy and realizing one’s inherent greatness comes from living a life of discipline and hard work – accountability is so important;
5. Laugh, Cry, Believe – Helping young people release their emotions in safe ways leads to healthier, happier lives;
6. Little Stuff – It’s the little things we do for one another consistently over time that strengthens lives, families, and communities;
7. Leave a legacy – build a life of caring and loving others and create a powerful legacy that lives on;
8. Love no matter what – love is the answer to everything.

The organization has begun offering encouragement coaching training and I’ve signed up for the initial class. I believe encouragement is so important and while I’m not a coach, like all of you, I can apply these principles in my personal and work life.

Let’s become encouragers – what a way to live a great life and help others live a great life!  And for those interested, go to YOUREAMAZINGFITNESS.ORG.

Written by Matt Palmer, Partner & Co-Founder