In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

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children

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they can achieve anything if they try hard enough is common in many families and schools. It sounds positive—and in many ways, it is. But it’s not always that simple. The biggest benefit of

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message is motivation.

Children

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who believe in their own potential are more likely to set goals, take risks, and work through failure. It teaches resilience . Even if they don’t reach the top, the effort itself builds useful habits like discipline and problem-solving . Some

children

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find confidence in knowing their future depends on how hard they try, not just on luck or background.

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message can be misleading. It

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suggests

that success is always within reach, when in reality, there are limits —some based on talent, others on social or financial situations. A child might dream of becoming a famous athlete, but natural ability still plays a role . If they fail, they might blame themselves, even if the goal was never realistic . That kind of pressure can lead to anxiety, burnout, or a fear of failure . It’s

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easy to confuse effort with control. Not everything in life can be fixed by working harder .

Children

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should be encouraged to dream big

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taught how to adapt , accept failure, and find meaning even when things don’t go as planned The message isn’t wrong, but it should come with honesty and support. Believing in yourself matters—but knowing your limits and learning from them is just as important .