This week I’m running a special one hour presentation for fifty grade five students at a primary school.

It’s part of the Pozitive Kidz are happy kidz program I run, and in this session the emphasis will be on leadership, self esteem and confidence.

All the skills I teach are based on Tai Chi. I simply adapt them to suit the various age groups I work with – from 5 years old to 103 years old!

As usual, I’ll have my props with me for the students to emphasise key points – Hammy Hamster, Spooky and Monkey Brain. I’ll also run a short conversation segment (based on the principles of Appreciative Inquiry) to highlight positive leadership experiences and skills.

To finish the session, I’ll use my favourite toy, ‘Jacques the Shark’, which always gets the students excited and laughing.

And I’ll bring my teachers’ aide to help – a two metre long Tai Chi staff. 🙂

In my Sports Chi program one of the areas we cover is to look at the practical meaning of various Chinese proverbs and/or quotes that can help athletes improve their performance.

One of my favourite quotes is ‘invest in loss’, which is thought provoking because it makes you think on a different level when it comes to success in contests and games.

Obviously you need to focus on what needs to done to be successful, but just as importantly you need to think about what you’re prepared to give up to be successful.

For example, you may have to give up time, money, energy or booze etc. to achieve your sporting goals.

Once you identify what you need to give up and take action on that, then you’ll understand and appreciate the true meaning of ‘invest in loss’ and move towards success.