How YofA can contribute to a life of success

Have you ever worked really, really hard at something?! Created something or achieved something through blood, sweat and tears? Do you know the feeling of success after pouring your all into a project? Now take a moment to remember how amazing that feels. How great do you feel after achieving something that you've been working on for a long time, something that wasn't easy to get off the ground?

A sense of achievement and the feeling of success are crucial aspects of a fulfilling and meaningful life. They motivate individuals to set goals, work hard, and overcome challenges, and this in turn leads to success, personal growth and happiness. Which is what most of us are after for our children. (ánd for ourselves!)

Through the YofA programme we can foster motivation through goal setting. Using art learning, hands-on practice and the exhibition, we work on self-confidence and self esteem so that we can allow and encourage our kids to grow, while laying the foundations for a life of success and well-being.

Learning about different types of art, cultures and art throughout history for a longer period of time, and allowing this knowledge to be the foundation for creating your own pieces to exhibit for the world to see creates a sense of achievement and success which provides us with the drive to set goals and take actions to accomplish them. Not just in art, but in life. When we experience success, we feel motivated to keep pushing ourselves, aiming higher, and setting new targets. This motivation helps to build a strong work ethic and a proactive attitude towards personal and professional development.

When we accomplish these goals, and we finally display our hard work, and celebrate it with others, it reinforces belief in our abilities, talents, and skills. With this increased confidence we can take on new challenges with a positive mindset, as we know we are unstoppable when we set goals and put in the work. Especially, when backed by our amazing community of home educators, all with different skillsets, from different backgrounds, but with the same excitement and joy to encourage others, learn from each other, and build connections together.

A sense of purpose within YofA can be adapted to life in general. Yes, success and achievement often require for us to step out of our comfort zone. We have to take risks and learn new skills, show people our mistakes and confront ourselves with challenges. But the process of overcoming these challenges leads to personal growth, expanded capabilities, and the development of new perspectives. Achievements not only validate the progress made, but also encourage us to continue learning and evolving.

People often say that all they want for their children is to grow up happy, but what does that mean? Is this something we can teach? Can we create happiness? Guarantee it? What we CAN guarantee is that accomplishments elicit a feeling of joy, satisfaction, and contentment. Studies have shown that this feeling releases dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin and endorphines in the brain.

We know that dopamine reinforces positive behaviours and motivates the pursuit of similar rewarding experiences. Serotonin helps with regulating mood, happiness, and overall well-being. it is associated with feelings of confidence, contentment, and social dominance. Oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone" promotes social bonding, trust, and feelings of warmth and connection towards others. Whilst endorphins (also known as the body's natural painkillers) help reduce stress, and can contribute to an overall feeling of well-being.

If we can give our kids this feeling and the toolbox and structure that allows them to re-create it in life, on their own journey, what more could we want?!