By Scarlett Lewis, Chief Movement OFficer
Self-management is a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. It involves the ability to control thoughts, emotions, and actions in various situations, which is crucial for setting and achieving personal goals. Teaching self-management, especially within the framework of choosing love as a thoughtful response, can have profound impacts on an individual’s life.
At its core, choosing love as a response means prioritizing love in our interactions and decisions. The Choose Love Formula™—courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion-in-action—provides a structured approach to this.
Courage enables us to face challenges head-on, taking responsibility for actions, and standing up for what is right.
Gratitude helps in appreciating what we have, which can shift focus from negative to positive aspects, fostering a healthier mindset.
Forgiveness enables us to let go of grudges, reducing stress, and improving mental wellbeing.
Compassion-in-action promotes empathy and acts of kindness, strengthening social bonds and creating a supportive environment.
Teaching these principles at home and reinforcing them at school is paramount. Children learn best through consistent models and practice. At home, parents can model these behaviors, creating a nurturing and supportive atmosphere. For instance, parents showing courage in difficult situations, expressing gratitude regularly, forgiving easily, and demonstrating compassion in daily actions teach these values implicitly.
Schools play a crucial role in reinforcing these teachings. Incorporating self-management and the principles of the Choose Love Formula™ into the curriculum can provide structured learning and opportunities to practice these skills. Programs that focus on these essential life skills can help students develop self-awareness, manage their emotions, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
Benefits of instilling these values are vast! Decades of research show that kids who are taught these life skills experience improved mental health. Practicing gratitude and forgiveness reduces anxiety and depression. Compassion and forgiveness foster strong, healthy relationships, necessary for thriving.
Students with good self-management skills are more focused and resilient, leading to better academic outcomes. These skills are essential in adulthood for personal and professional success.
In essence, teaching self-management through the lens of the Choose Love Formula™ can transform lives. It equips individuals with the tools needed to handle life’s challenges, maintain emotional balance, and build lasting, positive relationships. Ensuring these teachings are a staple both at home and in school will set a strong foundation for a lifetime of well-being and success.
