Many kids today have fallen into the busy trap. Whether that’s been self-imposed or induced, they often appear the same, like headless chickens aimlessly shuttled around from one activity to the next with no true direction. On the contrary, kids who discover their identities, passions and talents early on channel their efforts with more focus.
I started The Lemonade Post because I wanted to help young people discover their passions and talents, and steer them towards the right career, preferably earlier than post college, and most certainly earlier than I did. And paradoxically because I think today’s kids should be doing less work, not more.
Kids with focused energy are busy too, don’t get me wrong. But theirs is a busy devoid of anxiety and migraines. They know what they want and pursue it with purpose and fun. And besides, there is research to prove that kids with passionate hobbies perform better in school. Having passion and purpose is synergy at its best.
When I started this website, I hoped it would serve as a virtual resource to help young people become empowered to pursue their passions. “Counseling” on The Lemonade Post comes in the form of interviews with entrepreneurial and enterprising kids who have channeled their inner voice and distinct interests, and turned them into a product, service or an organization that solves a problem in their direct or greater community. In other words, it’s kids giving other kids advice.
Since kids rarely pursue a business, create a product or found a non-profit exclusively for money or fame, at the heart of their entrepreneurial journey is a passion that reflects their identity. The fact that they incorporate a business angle this early on can only help them in the future. Some have even helped their families, which can be really empowering.
Pursuing a passion project is never a singular effort. Ten times out of ten, it requires the supportive role of parents and mentors, which is why The Lemonade Post is as much a parenting website as it is a resource for young people who are hungry to innovate.
The idea that you have to wait until you’ve graduated high school or college to enter the professional realm is not only antiquated but also inhibiting to a young person’s professional and academic growth. The benefits of starting young are undeniable: you don’t have grownup responsibilities, mistakes aren’t so costly, you can pivot as many times as you want, and let’s face it, confidence begets confidence.
So many grownups wish they could go back and do things differently. And that’s ok because it’s never too late. But why take a detour when you don’t have to, or why learn those lessons when it’s most painful to do so? There are many things I wish I could do differently. But by helping other young people avoid some of the costly potholes I’ve stepped in, I feel largely that I am rewriting my own story. So thanks for letting me by part of your journey.
