Have you ever asked yourself why some people who come from very tough situations overcome these difficulties while others in similar circumstances are overwhelmed by very similar difficulties? Research has shown that one key difference between the first group, or the over comers, and the second group, or the victims, is their belief systems. Those that are able to rise above their difficulties are often characterized by a belief in self-efficacy. 

Self-efficacy is a million dollar word that simply means the belief that one has control over one’s own destiny. Such people believe that hard work and determination will pay off. They believe that disadvantages and setbacks are only temporary. Tomorrow can be a better day through working to make it so.

Having self-efficacy is particularly important for young people who come from tough home situations. Often people in poverty or other difficult backgrounds believe individuals get ahead by dumb luck instead of through hard work.

Once these young people understand that the future is dependent on their choices, they experience the power of self-efficacy. Helping people develop this belief is critical to their self-improvement and success. Youth who believe that the future is theirs to mold experience the tremendous freedom of taking charge of their lives.

Giving this knowledge to a discouraged child can be one of the greatest gifts of all. This can be done by showing them examples of people who have overcome difficulties and found success through determination and perseverance. It can also be done by sharing with them the pathways they can follow if they wish to make a bright future for themselves.

This can also be done by expressing confidence in them. It is amazing what people can do when they sense someone believes in them. Sometimes this simple knowledge can be life changing.

Another key to helping young people take charge of their own destinies is assisting them to discover their individual gifts and talents. Success in an area of strength leads to increased confidence. This in turn encourages them to take on challenges in other areas. Belief in oneself is an important prerequisite to success.

In his book, See You at the Top, Zig Ziglar shares the story of a high school student who was told by a teacher that he would never make anything of himself. This became a self-fulfilling prophesy for the young person as he failed class after class. A change occurred when he took an I.Q. test. The test results showed that he had genius-level intelligence.

Once this was known the young man’s life took an abrupt turn for the better. He suddenly believed in himself. As a result he finished school with high grades and went on to become a great inventor. All of this happened after he began to believe in himself. This led him to take charge of his own life.

This is something those who work with people from disadvantaged backgrounds need to remember. It does no good for people to see themselves as victims whose only hope is dumb luck. Rather, people need to see themselves as architects of their own futures.

As the designers of their own lives, people need to understand they can make their lives bright or bleak depending on their attitudes. Hard work, wise choices, and determination can make up for a multitude of disadvantages. It can also overcome much bad luck. This is a helpful message for people to grasp and put into practice.

Each life is a story. The content of each story is largely determined by choices a person makes. The beauty of living in the United States is that limitless opportunities are available to every person. Believing in one’s ability to take advantage of these opportunities often separates the victim from the over comer. Self-efficacy is the key that opens many golden doors.

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