Opinion Columnists
Email
Print
A determined 6-year-old meets goal, inspires others
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: August 24, 2008
If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders. -Abigail Van Buren
Six-year old Jordan Hayes might be the next Oprah Winfrey or a successful attorney, if you believe her aunt, Sybil Boyd. While they differ on Jordan's career choice, they agree wholeheartedly on one thing: She can talk, and does all the time. Whatever she decides to do, I believe she will be successful. She has demonstrated determination, focus and persistence.
Jordan, to be 7 years old in October, decided to have her own money when she went to the beach this year. And she did. She set a goal to earn $50 and met it. Not only was she successful, but she also inspired everyone around her, young and old alike.
Each year, Sybil and Norris Boyd are hosts for a family vacation. This year, they wanted to do a little more for the children, adding what Sybil described as a few "side adventures." Of course, that would require more money. The cost of an outing can add up quickly for 10 children.
Therein lies the motivation for Jordan. It would be the children's responsibility to earn money for the trip and the little extras they wanted. They accepted the challenge. Some decided to collect and sell cans, others planned a bake sale, and a few simply chose to save their allowances and birthday money, Sybil told me. Jordan was tenacious, she said. The near-7-year-old had made up her mind to be successful.
She is very intelligent and, as you know, she can talk. I have heard she'll argue the shoes off a shoe salesman. She has provided some indication that she is wise beyond her 6 years, too, often sharing her opinion about how to solve the other children's problems. Her input usually brings a chorus of "Shut up Jordan!" that produces laughter for all.
She had not only a goal, but also a plan for reaching it: collecting cans to be redeemed for cash. She was a good leader, too, engaging others in her plan. She kept her vision before her and asked everyone she knew to save cans for her. She didn't miss an opportunity. If she saw a can along the side of the road, for example, she would almost jump out of the car to get it. Once, I understand, she told her Grandma Sharon to drive her around so they could walk the streets looking for cans.
Right before the trip to the beach a few weeks ago, Jordan's uncle, Norris or "Nor-Nor" as he is called, took her cans to the recycling center to cash in on her hard work. He was surprised at her earnings, a whopping $29.75, and couldn't wait to share the good news. Her earnings were rounded up to $30 and were presented to her at the beach. Of course, she was a little short of her goal, but her initiative and desire prompted a $20 contribution from a family friend, my wife. She was so moved by Jordan's responsible action and her initiative that she wanted to help her. Goal accomplished.
Now, it was time for the reward for her efforts. Jordan was "beaming, all 32s showing," said Sybil. After the presentation, she ate a big breakfast of pancakes and bacon, put on her swimsuit and cover-up, slung her backpack over her shoulder and headed straight for the gift shop with her mother, Stacy, to make some special purchases -- "diamond" rings and matching bracelets. But not before she bought something for her mother first.
Next year, a trip to Disney World is planned, and all the children are inspired by Jordan's success. If you have any cans, I am sure they will collect them, starting now. Savings accounts are already being opened to deposit their earnings. Jordan's success has 10 children eager to earn and save their own money, a great lesson at an early age.
"You're never too young (and certainly never too old) to set a goal, work toward it and reap the benefits of your hard work," Sybil told me, reflecting on Jordan's accomplishment. "You never know who will match your efforts with money, a job or an opportunity of a lifetime!"
How confident was Jordan? She challenged her grandmother to give her $2 if she met her goal. If she didn't make it, she would give her $2 of her earnings. The enterprising 6-year-old had a great trip to the beach and, I am told, has a few dollars remaining. That is a great start on the next trip.
Move over Oprah, Jordan is on the way.
■ Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
N.C. Politics
Federal Politics
Advertisement
