FUTURE TALENTED Autumn Term 2018 - Issue 1 | Page 63

PAUL GURNEY FOUNDER, BECOMINGX veryone has the potential to achieve extraordinary things. Whether it’s climbing Everest, running a marathon, getting a degree, or simply landing a job to be able to support your family. No matter what the perceived obstacles, if we work hard enough we can all realise our dreams. At least, that’s what we’re led to believe. It used to be “do well at school” or “learn a trade” and be set up for life. But the narrative has changed. We are now told that by “finding our passion” and “striving every day”, we can land our dream job, go on great holidays and retire early by a beach. Sadly, it’s not that simple and this isn’t how life plays out for most. Despite the efforts of social mobility groups and the many books, articles and videos that provide ‘the secrets of success’, the greatest predictor of a child’s future standard of living remains the education level and income of their parents. Even for those who have opportunities and support, most people never really discover what they’re capable of and never achieve the goals they set for themselves growing up. Many young people don’t see a bright future and lack the hope that things will work out for them. Stanford psychologist William Damon believes “a sense of emptiness has ensnared young people” and we live in an age where “apathy and anxiety have become the dominant moods”. As a society, we need to pause for thought and ask how we can really prepare young people for a rapidly changing and uncertain future. E “Paddle your own canoe. Choose your own path. Don’t expect the world to give it to you” LEADERSHIP QUICK • Everyone has the potential to achieve extraordinary things. • BecomingX aims to demystify what it means to succeed – and will be working with Future Talent magazine to share insights. • In this introductory article, four celebrities provide headline tips on achieving success. Bear Grylls – became ‘the world’s best-known adventurer’ ›› Sir Ranulph Fiennes – became ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’ “Follow your dream at all costs. The only person who should make you change that course is you, not anybody else” FUTURE TALENT // 63