ACTIVITY 2

1.2 Ways of converting less successful experiences into positive learning experiences

Things do not always work out the way we would like them to. You might have wanted to win first place in the Eisteddfod, but you came third. You are sad, because you know you are a good artist; it is one of your strong points. But maybe you are prone to being hasty. Maybe you tried to complete your picture as fast as possible and did not pay enough attention to neatness and the finer details. On the positive side, you can use your strengths to improve your weaknesses.

In future, you can focus on your talent and the finer details of your artwork, and promise yourself never to rattle off your artwork again! It is important for your development into a well-rounded young adult not to focus on the negative, but to learn a lesson from it. Then you can improve on the things you are not that good at.

ACTIVITY 2 Read the story below and complete it so that it has a positive outcome.

Erica really wants to participate in the revue. Even though she knows she cannot sing very well, she auditions anyway. Unfortunately, she does not get cast in the revue. She is very sad. Erica then hears that the teacher is looking for someone to pain the decor, and she is a very good artist ...

1.3 Read about role models or successful people with self-confidence

There are many people who use their strengths to overcome their weaknesses. We see these people as role models. Countless books have been written by people who had to overcome obstacles on their road to success.

Examples of books you could read:

All these books tell the stories of people who successfully overcame obstacles in their lives.

Also read the story about Siya Kolisi, captain of the Springbok rugby team that won the World Cup in 2019.

Siya Kolisi is a role model today for people throughout the world

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Siyamthanda (Siya) Kolisi is probably the one South African sportsman that most South Africans know and admire.

Kolisi is captain of the Springboks, our South African rugby team, and has led his team to a World Cup victory in 2019. Kolisi is the first black man to hold the position of Springbok captain.

Even as a child, Kolisi was a formidable talent. He was raised in the Zwide informal settlement in Port Elizabeth and excelled in rugby at the Emsengeni Primary School.

He was chosen for the Eastern Province u12 B team and was subsequently spotted by the prestigious school Grey High School. Grey is known for excellence on the sports field and has produced a number of famous sportsmen. Grey awarded Kolisi a scholarship and he was a natural leader at the school.

There was a big contrast between his life at Grey and at home and when he returned home, he often received scathing comments from community members. He however soon gained their respect.

Kolisi suffered several hardships as a child since his mother and grandmother passed away while he was still at school. He went through very difficult times, but he worked hard and set a brilliant example both on and off the field. His work rate and commitment were exemplary. Kolisi was a favourite amongst the Grey pupils and proved to be a role model for younger pupils.

According to the information website Wikipedia a role model is a person whose behaviour, example or success is or can be emulated by others.

Kolisi is a role model today for thousands of people throughout the world – he is a shining example of someone who rose above his circumstances to achieve great successes. He is proud of all the accolades, but he is still a humble guy who is thankful to all the people who have made a difference in his life.

He believes that one should give back to the community and is involved with several projects to make a difference in the lives of children.

Search for a couple of articles about people we regard as role models. Paste the articles into your workbook.

1.4 Reach your full potential by practising good self-management

What does a young person striving for success look like? It is someone who believes in him/herself and knows what he/she wants to accomplish, who works hard and never gives up. Successful people set clear goals and surround themselves with positive people from whom they can learn to be successful.

Each person has certain skills, talents and interests and you have to determine what yours are. You can improve your talents and skills and it can become your strengths. Weaknesses make you feel negatively about yourself and it can prevent you from reaching your full potential. You should work on improving your weaknesses every day.

Self-management is a skill that helps you plan and enables you to adapt to change. It helps you move towards your goals.

How do I practise good self-management?

Step 1: Set clear goals • What do you want to achieve in the short term? (The end of the term) • What do you want to achieve in the medium term? (The end of the year) • What do you want to achieve in the long term? (When you grow up)

Step 2: Use your time wisely • Time is precious – plan how you use your time. • Use a diary and lists. • Set deadlines and stick to them.

Step 3: Keep the balance • Eat healthy. • Exercise regularly.