Episode: 307

Episode Title: Becoming the Solution

Young people often see school or work as their problem, but really it’s their solution to achieve what they want. Let’s talk about it, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 307 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate! Yesterday, we talked about aligning our goals with those of young people, to move them forward in their educational and career journey. Today, I want to expand on the thought of becoming their solution to accomplishing those goals. 

Though we know that education is their solution, too many students don’t. Instead, they see education as one of their problems, something they have to deal with. It can be the same in the workplace, where hard work and focus are their solution. But many younger workers, lacking motivation and purpose, think that their jobs are actually getting in the way of what they want.  

Such young people will not be motivated to put forth their best effort. That’s why, instead of focusing on the demands that the class or the job makes on them, we should instead be focusing on how it serves them. 

What’s in it for me? Or more succinctly, why? Why should I work hard? Why should I do more than just show up? I’ll tell you why—because showing up, really showing up, at school and at work and caring while you’re there, is going to help you reach your personal lifestyle goals. This education, this career—it’s actually not your problem. It’s your solution to your problem of how you’re going to get what you want. 

Yes, they still have to turn in their homework. Yes, they still need to meet the requirements of the job. But all this gets easier when they see these behaviors as steps toward their goals. If you can connect those dots for them, bingo! You’ve just become their solution. 

Tomorrow: what are young people trying to get when they act out? Let’s tackle this question on the next episode of The Perna Syndicate. See you then!