In the movie Big Hero 6 we meet two orphaned brothers in the future city of San Fransokyo, the elder following his dreams to make the world a better place, the younger frittering away his talents as a robotics prodigy. Tadashi, the elder, wants more for his brother Hiro and challenges him to put his talents to better use.
Throughout the story we follow Hiro’s choices and his brother’s influence on the goals he sets. It’s a wonderful relationship and a great example of the power of modeling in goal setting. At one point Baymax, a robot created by Tadashi who becomes Hiro’s closest friend, reminds Hiro of his older brother’s dream. This reminder propels him in a new direction.
Like Tadashi, we can get behind our kids and encourage them to make choices that will lead them to fulfilling their bucket list dreams and living up to their potential. We should encourage them to be committed to practicing their skills at piano, or soccer, or mathematics if their dream is to reach a higher level in those activities. We need to provide them with opportunities and resources to reach their goals, like private lessons and visits to important places.
But none of that can replace the role of going after our own life longings. Like Hiro, when our kids are faced with a choice without us there to guide them, they need something to call on that enables them to step forward in the best direction. Something that prompts them to choose the best goals. They may remember our words of encouragement and instruction. But more likely they’ll recall mental pictures of us living out our dreams. And those memories of watching us take steps toward our goals (and which types of goals we went after) can make all the difference – in how they pursue their bucket list dreams and what kind of dreams they choose to focus on.
What story are you living in front of your kids? What actions are you taking that they will remember seeing? Is there a bucket list goal you’ve neglected that you need to start on now – for your sake and your kids’?
