A Lesson in Focus and Growth: In today’s world, young adults face immense pressure from external expectations—whether it's about grades, college admissions, or personal achievements. However, real success stems not from these markers but from building the inner skills that lead to long-term well-being. This issue explores what it means to shift focus away from external pressures and toward nurturing internal growth and resilience, especially for parents and young adults navigating this journey.

What pressures do you feel from external expectations, and how do they impact your daily life?

When was the last time you focused on building a personal skill that wasn’t tied to external validation? How did it feel?

Are there areas in your life where you prioritize others' expectations over your own values and goals? How can you shift that focus?

How do you measure success internally, and what steps can you take to strengthen that mindset?

This week’s episode highlight:
Ana Homayoun on Rethinking Success

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ana Homayoun, an academic advisor and author of Erasing the Finish Line: A New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admissions. Her two decades of experience working with students offer valuable insights on building executive functioning skills, fostering authentic connection, and shaping young adults’ paths toward fulfilling lives. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Here are three key takeaways:

1. Build Strong Executive Functioning Skills
   Success isn’t just about grades; it's about having systems and routines in place to stay organized, prioritize tasks, and adapt when things don’t go as planned. These are the skills that will carry young adults through life—whether they're in school or pursuing a career.

2. Intrinsic Motivation Fuels Success
   It’s important for students to understand what drives them. When kids are connected to what truly matters to them, they naturally become more organized, focused, and motivated. Confidence, competence, and belonging play critical roles in helping them stay the course.

3. Connection is Key to Growth
   Authentic connection is fundamental to success. Encouraging young adults to build meaningful relationships not only improves their social life but also supports academic growth and reduces stress. Feeling connected helps foster a sense of safety and purpose, making the challenges of life feel more manageable.

Strategy Spotlight:
Distraction-Free Time Every Day

Create a structured, distraction-free environment for personal projects. Set daily and weekly routines that promote productivity, and establish designated “offline hours” to ensure quality, uninterrupted focus time. This not only boosts your productivity but also sets an example for young people on how to manage their time effectively, fostering an atmosphere of support and focus.

Positivity Corner: Self-Evaluation

Take an honest look at yourself—celebrate your strengths and acknowledge areas where growth is needed. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about progress. Embrace each step forward, knowing that self-awareness leads to confidence and resilience. Growth comes not from perfection, but from the courage to evolve. By consistently reflecting and acting on your insights, you’ll unlock your full potential.

Thank you for being a part of Time To Live: Thriving in Business and Beyond! As always, we love hearing from you, so feel free to share your thoughts, questions, or feedback.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

Internal Growth Over External Validation

External achievements—whether they be grades, job titles, or awards—don’t define long-term success. What truly matters is nurturing the skills and internal strength to navigate challenges with confidence.

What are your strengths, and how can you use them to push yourself further?

Where do you feel challenged, and how can you turn that into a chance to grow?

Want to connect? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you.

Last Week’s Episode Highlight:

Duran Morley
He didn’t go to college and started a business instead.
Now, at 24 years old, VanSpeed makes 8 figures in revenue per year.

I was so inspired by this conversation with Duran. His knowledge and understanding and yoda-esque wisdom just goes to show that age is not a factor. Young or old, the right mindset, passion, and thirst for learning - your potential is limitless.

Stay inspired,

Anne McGinty
Host of 'How I Built My Small Business'

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