The ‘too hard’ basket:
A trait more prominent within millennials, often has people label the generation as ‘lazy’ or ‘quitters’. Perhaps it is a significant flaw more prominent in this generation, compared to other generations. So, what are the reasons behind being ‘lazy’ or ‘quitting’ when things get tough?
There are many reasons, one of which is the rise of technology making information and data easily accessible. Years back, what would have taken hours of book searching in a library to find information, now takes minutes from the comfort of your own home. Technology has made living more manageable, allowing us to think less, do less; training us to believe that this new easy is the norm, labelling anything harder as ‘too hard!’
Technology is something we cannot change and is most likely going to continue on its trend to simplify the world. What we can change is how we teach the perception of what is ‘too hard.’ Teaching how to push through challenging moments instead of quitting!
Scenario)
Jane and Steve’s eldest son is an average math student. He has the necessary knowledge; however, struggles when trying to learn advanced mathematics, such as algebra. He is seven weeks into his final year of school and starting to get frustrated with the math subject. To make matters worse, he isn’t even trying to understand mathematics. Instead of seeking help and spending time at home studying and trying to improve himself, he is out socialising and enjoying himself. To make it easy for himself, he has requested a change in subject. Almost any subject is better than doing math. He has decided that it is just easier to quit.
What lead to this?)
Steve’s math was never the greatest. And for many years when his son brought home math homework and asked for help, Steve would look at it and say “I was never good at math, so I never tried!” Without realising, Steve has been teaching his son not to try just because he was not good at something.
The result)
By allowing the son to quit, Steve is reinforcing a ‘quit when the going gets tough’ attitude. As soon as his son finds something too hard, he has learnt that it is acceptable to quit!
What could have been done)
Steve should never have discouraged math just because he was never good at it. Steve should have always supported his son, encouraging him to push through the difficult moments, and possibly try to learn math together. Learning together would have taught his son that it is ok to struggle at something, and with hard work and persistence, he can achieve his goals.
