The Significant Seven

problems and learning through challenges and experiences.

Perceptions of personal significance–capable of contributing in meaningful ways and believing that life has meaning and purpose.

Perceptions of personal influence over life—capacity to understand that one’s actions and choices influence one’s life and hold one accountable.

Intrapersonal skills—capacity to manage emotions through self-assessment, self-control and self-discipline.

Interpersonal skills—capacities necessary to deal effectively with others through communication, cooperation, negotiation, sharing, empathizing, and listening.

Systemic skills—capacity for responding to the limits, consequences, and interrelatedness of human and natural systems with responsibility, adaptability, flexibility, and integrity.

Judgment skills—capacity for making decisions and choices that reflect moral and ethical principles, wisdom, and values.

A primary goal of parenting and teaching processes is that of strengthening these areas so that our young people can take on life with an adequate base of these personal resources and assets. To comprehend the critical importance of this task, understand that young people who believe they are incapable and insignificant and that whatever happens is beyond their control tend to live life by default and reaction. They are generally exceptionally vulnerable sexually, chemically, socially, legally, and/or academically.

However, young people who strongly believe they are capable of initiating learning and change in their lives have significance, and that no matter what circumstances they encounter, they have the capacity within themselves to influence how they respond and live in the face of them usually live by intent and action and are therefore much less vulnerable.

It is possible to help people in the first category to progress to the second at any time in life, but the younger they are when they develop a strong base, the greater the lifelong benefits.