I started the day at Rodillian School talking to Year 11...

The student in Year 11 were having a revision day and they were expecting an inspirational figure from the world of sport but she had let them down and I agreed to stand in. This is what I told the students...

"What you think about yourself is the single most important factor in your success.
o Your personality;
o Your actions;
o How you get along with other people;
o How you perform at school;
o Your feelings;
o Your beliefs;
o Your aspirations;
o Your talents;
o Your abilities…
..are all controlled by how you see yourself. We act like the person we imagine ourselves to be. So if you see yourself as a failure you will become a failure and if you see yourself as a success you will probably become successful.

FACT
Attitude is more important than facts. Those who believe they can, can and those who believe they can’t, can’t. It is as simple as that and no longer open to question.

People fail, people succeed not because of who they are but because of who they think they are. You have been programmed to believe that you are good at some things and rubbish at others. Like Joan of Arc we all hear voices… voices that talk to us all the time and control who we are and what we do. Who has programmed you? Your family, your friends, your teachers, the media and anyone you listen to.

FACT
They are wrong

The thing that determines your success is your attitude, your beliefs, your emotions about yourself. People constantly tell me why they can’t do things…
o not enough time;
o not enough money;
o not enough experience;
o they are not clever enough.

But actually they are all excuses because success is about determination, passion, persistence , commitment and resolve. If you are energetic enough and determined enough and work hard enough you can do anything. You can change your life by changing your attitude… OK what is stopping you from being successful… the last resort is I’m not clever enough… and it’s rubbish.

FACT
There is no such thing as genius… perhaps a tiny bit if I am pushed. Success is
o 30% coaching, teaching, mentoring and supporting; and
o 70% hard work.

Look at Tiger Woods, arguably the greatest golfer in the world. He started when he was tiny, focused, was coached by his Dad and worked harder at it than anyone else and he still does.

So 'I’m not clever enough' is simply an excuse for the lazy and those not prepared to put in the effort… there are no excuses. Attitude is the force that matters. We all, everyone in this room, have great minds, great talents and great potential… you might not believe it yet but understanding this means that you will be able to achieve so much more.

I know people who have been dealt the worst possible deals in life. People who have been abused, locked up, bullied and oppressed and still succeeded. Just look at Nelson Mandela! When Nelson Mandela was elected as President of South Africa he told the people of South Africa that they were all brilliant, talented, gorgeous and wonderful.

FACT
You are all brilliant, talented, gorgeous and wonderful but it’s your choice and there are no excuses."

After my input I had my photograph taken with two students who were simply brilliant. Chloe and Jordan want to be a dancer and a mathematician. However, it isn't as you might have predicted... Chloe is going to do mathematics in the Sixth Form at Rodillian School in September and Jordan is going to do a NVQ in Dance at Wakefield College. These are two amazing young people and great adverts for Rodillian School.

FACT
Chloe went to Middleton Primary School and Jordan went to Sharp Lane Primary School.
Simply brilliant!
Chris