Of course grandparents want advice for grandchildren to help them find success Teaching our grandchildren to get out of their comfort zones, into their courage zones, and ‘just do it’ leads to successful lives.

Teaching a lesson through stories

I have found the best way to ‘sink’ any important knowledge into my Grands’ heads is through my art of storytelling.

My philosophy is not scientific. Everyone, at every age, loves a story.

When I sense a problem, I jump in, as their wise grandmother, and ask them to sit down with me… that is, if I am lucky enough to be with them. If they are miles away, we talk over the phone or Skype.

I listen to them. I validate their situation. And then I say, “I want to tell you a true story that relates to your situation.” It gets their attention, every time, darlings.

Teaching to take chances

I have found with my 25 Grands that self-doubts occur as they wonder what paths they should take.

After we talk about their fears — be it a job change, tryouts for first string of the football team, or adding a vehicle to a new business — I say with my chronic enthusiasm, “DO IT! JUST DO IT! You know that is my life philosophy. It requires your discipline to overcome your fears and your strength in hard moments, to have the courage to rise to any occasion. I have a story to tell you about a famous man who took the right road, resisted all failures, and just did it.”

Darlings, you can share the story I use in advice for grandchildren with your Grands, if you like.

A story to help grandchildren find success

As a young man, this individual was not very popular. He ‘failed’ in business in his early twenties. He decided to run for the state legislature and lost. He failed again in another business. He had a nervous breakdown in his 20s. He would not give up on his purpose… to serve his country. He continued to run for public office, dear Grands, and continued to ‘fail.’ He ran for Speaker of the House and lost the nomination for Congress at the age of 34. At the age of 37, he was finally elected to Congress, only to lose his seat at age 39.

He had tremendous inner strength. He had courage. He would not let the fear of failure stop him from trying to achieve his purpose. He continued trying and, unfortunately, continued losing. He lost the race for a Senate seat at age 46 and was defeated for the Vice Presidency of the United States of America when he was 49 years old.

And then dear Grands of mine… he did it!

Who was the man? It was Abraham Lincoln.

At the age of 51, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th President of the United States of America. He issued the Emancipation Proclamation abolishing slavery. He is now an American hero.

How did Abraham Lincoln do it?

I am of the opinion that Abraham Lincoln was successful because he possessed strong-mindedness.

I believe Abraham Lincoln took the road less traveled, lived through his hard knocks, never giving up. This quality made the difference between success and failure. His ‘just do it’ tenacity helped free the slaves from slavery and made all Americans’ lives better.

That ‘just do it’ mindset will help you recover from adversity and will make the difference between success and failure, dear Grands, as you travel down the road of life.

Share some of your stories with me! What advice for grandchildren do you have? Connect with me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or leave your comments below.