Genie

 When young children are learning new skills, you will sometimes hear them say,

“I can’t do it.”

Words are powerful. And if words like these are left unchecked they can quickly become unhelpful beliefs. When we hear words like these at Goat Track we find it helpful to introduce younger children to the idea of ‘the Genie.’  

We tell the children, ‘Imagine there’s a genie in your head, and it’s job is to grant your wishes. If you say, “I can’t do something” then it will say “as you wish.”

And you will have your wish granted –“You won’t be able to do it.” 

We then ask them, if there’s something else they might like to say to the genie instead. They might reply,   

“I can’t do it, yet. But I’m learning how to.” 

Then we might ask, 

“Is there anything else you’d like to say to this genie? Any more detail?”

To which they might say,

“I can’t do it yet. But I’m learning quickly and I’m enjoying the process.”

“As you wish,” comes the voice of the Genie. 

It’s estimated that 90% of people’s ‘self- talk’ throughout the day is negative. If we can give young people tools that allow them to nip this in the bud and focus on what we want rather than what we don’t want, then I feel like we are doing them a great service. 

Make it a great day. 

Andrew ‘the Genie’ Wright