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#0097: Born or Built? Can Success Actually Be Taught?

Education Next- Ninety-seventh Edition

Reading time: 8.70 min

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Hi there,

I'm Atharva, a 10-year-old self-learner who believes the world is an incredible classroom waiting to be explored.

With the guidance of my mom, I've embarked on a journey of discovery and growth, and together, we share our discoveries on EducationNext.in to inspire families to embrace learning in their unique ways.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to challenge the traditional norms of education and empower parents and children to forge their paths of learning and growth.

We've witnessed firsthand how schools can sometimes stifle creativity, drive a wedge between parents and children, and contribute to rising mental health issues among young people worldwide. It's time to change this narrative.

At EducationNext.in, we advocate for a new approach to learning that emphasizes

  • Family Involvement: Positions learning as a collaborative and enjoyable experience for families.

  • Future-Ready Skills: Emphasizes the practical value of the learning approach.

  • Spark of Joy: Highlights the importance of making learning intrinsically motivating.

For too long, society has dictated a rigid nine-to-five lifestyle, prioritising work over relationships and personal fulfilment.

We not only question the existing system; we actively live our values by learning from others, sharing our experiences, and fostering a community where everyone's gifts are recognized and celebrated.

Join us on this journey of discovery, exploration, and transformation. Together, we can build a brighter future for families everywhere.

Warm regards,

Atharva

Content This Week:

  1. What did the school and society tell you wrong about being successful? 

  2. From Bullied Bookworm To Billionaire Innovator

  3.  More teens are choosing to be entrepreneurs.

  4. A learning tool to explore this week

  5. Podcast with Adi

  6. 88 Thought Leaders Feature.

What did the school and society tell you wrong about being successful? 

Success has been ingrained in our minds since childhood - we are told that to be successful, we must go to school, get good grades, go to college, get a good job, and work hard until we retire.

But the truth is that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. What we were taught about success is often limited and sometimes needs to be more accurate.

For example, we were taught that success is solely based on academic achievement and material wealth, when in reality, success can be found in many areas of life, such as personal growth, relationships, creativity, and community involvement.

Moreover, we were told that success is a linear process and that failure is a setback when, in fact, failure is an integral part of the learning process and can lead to breakthroughs and personal growth.

It's time to redefine what success means to us and break free from the narrow definition that society has imposed on us.

School, politics, sports, and games train us to compete against others. True rewards — wealth, knowledge, love, fitness, and equanimity — come from ignoring others and improving ourselves.

Naval Ravikant

Read more here.

From Bullied Bookworm To Billionaire Innovator

Elon Musk, born in Pretoria, South Africa, displayed his entrepreneurial skills from a young age, selling homemade chocolate Easter eggs door-to-door.

Young Elon was different from your typical athlete. He preferred the company of books, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales that fueled his fascination with technology and the future.

At a young age, Elon displayed a natural aptitude for coding. 

By 12, he had already created a video game and sold it to a computer magazine, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and ability to turn ideas into reality.

“The things that’s worth doing is trying to improve our understanding of the world and gain a better appreciation of the universe and not to worry too much about there being no meaning.”

- Elon Musk

 More teens are choosing to be entrepreneurs.

60% of teenagers are more interested in someday starting their own business than working a traditional job. - 2021, Survey from Junior Achievement USA.

In a world that traditionally viewed successful entrepreneurs as seasoned adults, young people are choosing to bypass the typical route of starting a business later in life.

According to a recent report, teens increasingly opt to become entrepreneurs, demonstrating a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to make a difference.

This is about more than wanting to be their boss or make extra cash. Teen entrepreneurs are motivated by a desire to take risks, solve problems, and create something new.

So, what exactly is fueling this trend of teen entrepreneurship?

Learn more here:

A learning tool to explore this week

Have you heard of "Future Me"? It's an exciting product we came across this week that allows you to write a letter to your future self. What's most fascinating about it is that the founder had the idea back when he was in 5th grade.

It can be exciting for kids and young people to write a letter to their future self and schedule it so that they receive it on a particular day they want; a fun exercise.

Want to know more …read here.

Podcast with Adi

Join 10-year-old Adi and his mother as they delve into entrepreneurship on their podcast. In this episode, they explore the common patterns and best practices observed in successful entrepreneurs.

From the wisdom of Naval Ravikant to the audacity of Elon Musk and the innovation of the founder of Stripe, they dissect the strategies that have led these visionaries to the pinnacle of success.

Tune in to gain insights and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey!

Discover:

  • Stories of Successful Entrepreneurs

  • Building skills in young kids

  • Facing Failures and challenges in Project-based learning

Adi brings a fresh perspective to the conversation, making it an engaging and enlightening experience for kids and adults.

88 Thought Leaders Feature

Imagine a Home That Breeds Entrepreneurs: Inside the Homeschooling Revolution!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to raise your kids to be independent, creative thinkers ready to take on the world?

We talk to Rustum, a thought leader recently featured on the 88 Thought Leaders Podcast, and delve into his approach to raising his homeschooled children.

Discover how he's transforming his home into a launchpad for future CEOs, inventors, and world-changers!

This video explores:

  • The rise of homeschooling as a breeding ground for entrepreneurial spirits.

  • Practical tips for fostering independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills in kids.

  • How to create a nurturing environment encouraging your children to chase their dreams.

I hope you enjoyed reading the newsletter; see you soon!

Bye,

Priyanka