I recently ran a 5km race with my then 5 year-old grand daughter – her first race ever.  She was the youngest racer (and she got a lot of attention because of her young age!). 

It was a very special experience, for both of us.  She wanted to do the Toronto Women’s 5km race with her Granny Annie, while her Mom did the half marathon.  She trained for the “race” – as well as a 5 year old can – building her stamina, and her confidence.  On race day she was in awe of everything around her, soaking it all in.  She was also thrilled by the chocolate she got at the chocolate station, as well as her finisher’s medal!  We ran (and walked occasionally, understandably) a respectable time, crossing the finish line with our arms in the air and smiles on our faces.  It was a positive experience for her from start to finish:  she started the race feeling confident that she could do it, but finished with even greater confidence because she had in fact completed the race – achieving her own personal success.  When asked by someone if she would do it again, she said yes, but probably the half marathon the next time!  I chuckled at her response, in part because she really had no idea of how long a half marathon is (especially compared to a 5km race), but also because she was already setting her next goal – a stretch one at that – based on her success and the confidence it had given her to feel like she could aim higher. 

We are constantly learning from kids – that is, if we’re open to it!  In this case, I learned about how confidence can lead to success – and how success can build confidence – and how both can lead to setting bigger goals (and achieving them).  

What have you learned lately from a 5 year old?