Throughout childhood, children are taught to measure success by how well they comply to other people's demands, expectations, and the next level of achievement expected. Students are prepared for the next of everything: the next academic skill, subject, and grade level. In high school, they are told to prepare for college. In college, they are told to prepare for a "well paying job."

There is, however, a void between what is taught in school and what is essential to learn to live a fulfilled life as an adult. There is a tendency for people to overemphasize a host of skills during childhood that will have little or no use in the workplace or adult world.

According to the acclaimed pediatrician, Dr. Mel Levine, young adults may enter adulthood unskilled in areas that are essential for success in the adult world such as the ability to think critically, to brainstorm, to monitor and refine their own performance, to communicate convincingly, to manage their reputation, and to plan and preview work. These are "make or break" skills in the world of adults and need to be developed and refined throughout life so children avoid being unprepared for each stage of adulthood.

Based on Dr. Levine's research covered in his book, Ready or Not, Here Life Comes, a successful launch into the adult world with its added responsibilities and specialization requires children to develop four important processes. These processes are:

Inner Direction: They have insight into themselves as people which can include a good understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, personal values, and aspirations for the future. They also have the ability to motivate themselves to focus on achieving their most valued goals.

Interpretation: They are able to interpret and understand the outside world around them which enables them to make good judgments and decisions, along with evaluating critical opportunities, issues, products and people.

Instrumentation: They are able to develop the skills needed for high quality thinking and productivity which can include organization skills, use of effective mental energy, brainstorming ability, and creative and sound decision making.

Interaction: They are able to establish and conduct effective interpersonal relationships through good communications, developing strong alliances, and managing the politics around them.

Within these four areas, there are twelve growth processes that children must develop to eventually launch themselves into the adult world and create a fulfilled life that's in line with their talents and values. These processes can be an important guide to parents, teachers, and coaches as they help children and young adults develop the skills needed to transition from family and school to the world of adults.


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