Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors
Ken Rabow

GET UPDATES FROM Ken Rabow
 

Turn Teen Problems Into Teen Success: Follow Your Bliss

Posted: 02/ 1/2012 3:15 pm

2012-02-01-08aBlissKenRabow2.jpg

It often seems that being a teen is about hearing all things you cannot do, should not do or would not do. This can feel entirely frustrating, but what if you could do anything you wanted to with your life? What would you do? How would you be? How would you go about it? Who would you seek out? What if it wasn't what you thought it would be? How would you know when you'd arrived?

Be careful for what you wish for. I am going to give you the keys to make whatever you want happen, as long as it is for the benefit of all who are touched by your choices. These ideas have been stated many times in many ways by many people, but this one is for you.

Pick your target: What is it that makes you happy when you are doing it, but also contributes to the human collective? If this is something you would be happy doing for the next 10 years, make this your target.

Be the arrow: The only thing stopping us is our fears and limiting beliefs. When we eliminate those, anything is possible. If you have reached this stage in the steps to success, you are ready to go after your dreams. Don't let anyone tell you it's impractical. Don't let anyone tell you you can't do it. The people who have achieved greatness had everything you and I have, they just followed their bliss.

The Bliss Process
Target -- Think of your target. Make this your focus for everything you do from now on. As you get closer to your target, you will receive tempting offers to do other things. If it is not "on target"... let it go! You will be richly rewarded for sticking with your passions.

Aim -- Your short-term ways of hitting your target require aim. Focus on what you need to hit your target and make this your daily work.

Adjust -- Nothing comes easy (unless you truly believe it can). When you aim and miss, be OK with missing and simply adjust, re-aim and do it again. Someone once said; "I'm either getting it right or I'm learning."

Seek out those of like minds. If you are the smartest and anything-est in your group, find another group. Your life skills are affected by those who you spend time with. If they are successful and happy, you will learn subtle skills and positive subconscious self-speak that will help you succeed and bring you joy and happiness through osmosis.

Reboot the arrow: People never die regretting what they did. They regret what they didn't do. Having said that, sometimes you dive into something, embrace it with all of your heart only to discover it wasn't for you. You now have two camps: a) those who say "you started it, you finish it or you're a quitter" or b) those who say "life is a series of experiences bumping into accidents on the way to your bliss." It's not what you do but what you learn from the experience that counts.

Pierce the target: Guess what, we almost never arrive. New targets will come, new adventures will unfold themselves to you if you are on your true path. It is only in trying to make the world a bit better that we leave a legacy of love that resonates beyond the ages. Nothing resonates as much as loving your fellow human being. So many people spend their lives looking at what is wrong with the world. Look for what is right. It's easier and more fun.

"What did you do as a child that created timelessness, that made you forget time. Therein lies the myth to live by." -- Joseph Campbell

Illustration by Diana Piruzevska

private schools, summer camps

 

Follow Ken Rabow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/kenrabow

It often seems that being a teen is about hearing all things you cannot do, should not do or would not do. This can feel entirely frustrating, but what if you could do anything you wanted to with yo...
It often seems that being a teen is about hearing all things you cannot do, should not do or would not do. This can feel entirely frustrating, but what if you could do anything you wanted to with yo...
 
 
  • Comments
  • 8
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Comments are closed for this entry
View All
Recency  | 
Popularity
10:03 AM on 02/08/2012
As parents, we want the best for our children and want them to be successful in their endeavors. In watching out for them, do we crush their creativity to willingness to try new things? Are kids becoming so fearful about failing that they won’t try to reach and stretch? Ken, your article is wonderful and thought provoking. Encouraging our children, not tearing down for trying and not succeeding – this what it means to parent so our children learn, grow, thrive and take aim at their goals. And we, as parents, must walk the walk!
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." -- Martin Luther King, Jr.
01:40 PM on 02/06/2012
and btw, I found on YouTube Napoleon's Hill show, all 17 steps to success. Whoever is interested, just type "Napoleon Hill" and it will come up as a part 1, then just keep listening...amazing...I really loved it.
photo
HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ken Rabow
11:11 AM on 02/07/2012
Thanks for the tip, Ella. I listen to the audio of the Napoleon Hill shows from Audible but I would love to see the grand old chap in the flesh, as it were.
12:01 AM on 02/11/2012
Thx, Ken. I am always ready to help. I also wanted to mention, that I really liked
the painting that Diana created for your article. It's right to the point and it gives so much
of a positive energy when you look at it. Amazing! Good job Diana, you are a great artist,
I can tell, because I am myself have an artistic background and my B.A. is actually in history of art.
01:36 PM on 02/06/2012
Very nice article, Ken. Thank you. I agree with MamaMarlaine that we all need wisdom and optimism when it comes to our children ;-) I like that this article is divided to steps. It will be a good idea to enlarge the title of each paragraph and print it out for our kids, I would stick it on the wall beside their bed so they can see it every morning. This visual effect would help to remember what's important.
photo
HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ken Rabow
11:10 AM on 02/07/2012
You have given me an inspiring Idea, Ella. I will work on making each of the steps into large single-page paragraphs that can be seen on an iPad or printed. Anyone who can help me with that please contact me.
01:26 PM on 02/04/2012
Thank you for providing much needed wisdom and optimism to discussions of teen development Ken. As nearly everyone who has ever achieved their dreams will confirm, keys to success are in fact having a goal and sticking to it despite setbacks and disappointments. Sharon Lechter and Greg Reid’s book “Three Feet From Gold” is a wonderful read for parents and teens regarding this topic - highly recommend to all.
photo
HUFFPOST BLOGGER
Ken Rabow
09:36 PM on 02/05/2012
You are so right, Marlaine. I am also a big fan of Napoleon Hill's work, the inspiration for "Three Feet From Gold", which I recommend as well. Thank you for your feedback.