Family Representatives Program - Focus on the Family Australia

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Good, Better, Best

“Good, better, best, never let it rest,
Until your good is better and your better – best”

Do you recognize this saying? Perhaps your mother recited it to you when you were a child. It is the slogan that is imprinted on the cast iron water tanks known as the Furphy. John Furphy invented the tank in 1878 at his foundry in Shepparton, Victoria. It was filled with water and taken to the thirsty workers building the country roads.

When it comes to passing on this very Australian piece of wisdom to our grandchildren, they may find the work ethic a little too demanding. If this is so, remind them that PERSEVERENCE is a very important characteristic to develop. Think of the medical research done by Melbourne scientist, Professor Graeme Clark who invented the Bionic Ear. It was his father’s hearing impairment that set him on the path to finding an answer. Leaving a lucrative practice, he took up a research position. Twenty-five years of determined research brought the results that hearing impaired people can now enjoy.

Consider Professor Clark’s 5 Keys to Success (1) Have ideas or basic directions so that you can lead others in business (2) Curiosity or a gift of wanting to finding things out (3) The ability to cross disciplines, to take different areas and see the inter-relationships (4) To think laterally and to analyse problems (5) Have the support of your family. They get you through when you are stuck.

If your grandchild is struggling with a learning difficulty or a physical problem, encourage them to keep persevering and help them develop a strong desire to do their best whatever the outcome.
•    Start by setting the EXAMPLE. Children watch our daily routine and follow us, for good or bad
•    Build their EXPECTATIONS about what they can accomplish. Verbally picture the results for them. Help them to set their sights high
•    Provide the opportunity for EXPERIENCES. This will help them understand that helping others has its own rewards
•    Be ENCOURAGING with lots of praise and affirmation to build self-esteem and confidence

1. Source: Wealth Creator Magazine Nov/Dec 2006