There are very few life stories that will bring about the kind of emotions you get with today’s guest. Todd Sylvester is that person. As a mental fitness coach, author, and podcaster, Todd has help for those looking to get more out of life, move beyond limiting beliefs, and overcome addictions, depression, and anxiety. What actions have you decided to take today to become the person you talk about being? It’s a powerful question only you can answer. Learn more about Todd’s unbelievable life story, his thoughts on self-image, belief systems, self-discipline, and ways to help you and your family begin your journey to happiness!
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Who are you? Many of us answer the question incorrectly. We often respond with what we do instead of who we truly are at our core. Instead of defining ourselves with the roles we fill, let’s define ourselves with the characteristics that make us unique individuals. This is just one part of the conversation we had with the incredible Todd Sylvester on the podcast today! In this podcast excerpt, he explains the importance of teaching kids how to respond to the question, “Who are you?”
Adam Nugent:
Those of us that are parents, we want to instill confidence in our kids and have well-rounded children so that they don’t have their identity tied up into whatever activity they are doing. I just think self-awareness is critical.
Todd Sylvester:
Very good point. And I would say to any parent listening to this right now that the best thing you can do for your children, the number one thing in all of my studies over 32 years, the number one question your kids have to answer with conviction is, “Who are you?” They’re going to struggle with it. You listening to this right now are probably gonna struggle it. If I ask 10 people on the street randomly, they can’t answer it. That is the single most important question that we must be able to answer with conviction.
I used to say, “I’m a basketball player.” That’s not true. I have four kids, but I’m not a dad. I get the label as dad, which is fantastic. But I get the label of dad because I have kids. It’s not who I am. I was a basketball player. It’s what I did, but it’s not who I am.
One of the things I do in order to help kids answer that question is to ask them, “What are the characteristics of a child?” You usually get things like honest, kind, compassionate, understanding. And I’ll ask, “Where did they get those characteristics?”
And they eventually have to get to the point where they say they were born with it. And I’ll say, “Well, what does that mean about you then?”
“Well, I was born with it too.”
We just forget that we have that. We don’t lose it. We just forget. And so reminding them and having your kids be able to answer that question with conviction is the key. So ask me who I am, Adam. I want to prove the point here.
Adam Nugent:
Todd, who are you?
Todd Sylvester:
I am a creator. I am honest. I am an integrist. I am hardworking. I am compassionate. I am sympathy. I am brave. I am tenacious. I am love. I am light. I am energy.
See how I answered that with conviction? And I’m looking you right in the eye. And if you can get your kids to answer that question like that, I’m telling you that it is the greatest gift you could ever give them. If they play basketball, if they play football, if they’re into singing, if they’re in a band, if they love education in general, it’s great. That’s all stuff they’re doing. But when they know who they are, then where do alcohol in drugs or any of this irrational, negative behavior fit into that? It doesn’t fit.
Visit toddinspires.com to learn more.
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