WEAVING THE CARDINAL THREAD FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
CREATING NARRATIVES LED BY THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE
One of the most delightful parts of our role at Scotch is helping boys to weave their understanding of self , their dreams and ambitions with possible pathways and opportunities for the future .
Central to this is the contribution made by the extended Scotch Family , and particularly OSCA . The contribution of Old Boys in sharing their experience in certain industries and their career journeys through our Mentoring , Careers Convention and Beyond the Gates programs this year , helped boys to connect the thread of real world understanding and their dreams . It is wonderful to watch current Scotchies begin to create their own narratives when they are informed by those who have gone before .
One of the key messages Old Boys have been delivering to current students is the importance of being adaptable and open to new opportunities . This is particularly important given that we know how much change is ahead for the future of work . A recent report about the competing forces shaping the workplaces of 2030 , ‘ Workforce of the Future ’, by PWC , identifies sustainable practices , technology and creativity as key in developing workplaces that are future ready .
Encouraging lifelong learning and ensuring boys can identify their skill sets - not just defining themselves through a particular job - is an important part of making sure boys are prepared to weave themselves into the future fabric of society .
Optimism is a key element of coping well with change . Career conversations with young people which promote an optimistic outlook and an overall positive mindset may also support boys in staying motivated throughout their schooling . The contribution of the Scotch Family in sharing their lived experience with current boys helps to develop optimism by showing the boys how many possible futures there are for them .
There are many traits and characteristics associated with a positive mindset , including :
• Optimism : a willingness to make an effort and take a chance instead of assuming your efforts won ’ t pay off .
• Acceptance : acknowledging that things don ’ t always turn out how you want them to , but learning from your mistakes .
• Resilience : bouncing back from adversity , disappointment and failure , instead of giving up .
• Gratitude : actively , continuously appreciating the good things in your life .
• Consciousness / mindfulness : dedicating the mind to conscious awareness and enhancing the ability to focus .
• Integrity : the trait of being honourable , righteous , and straightforward , instead of deceitful and / or self-serving .
Albert Ellis ’ s ABC Model is a significant part of the form of therapy that he developed , known as Rational-Emotive Behaviour Therapy ( REBT ) in the 1950s . From : https :// positivepsychology . com / positive-mindset /
According to positive psychologist Martin Seligman ( 2006 ), optimism can be cultivated by challenging the negative stories we create in our minds . This ‘ learned optimism ’ can be beneficial in helping us to feel happier and healthier , to release stress , and to increase performance and motivation . The ABC Model outlined at left , originally developed by Albert Ellis and later adapted by Martin Seligman , is an approach to help us think more optimistically .
OPHELIA HOPKINS – HEAD OF FUTURE PATHWAYS
www . scotch . vic . edu . au Great Scot 37