When it comes to kids, it's better to celebrate effort over perfection

Nurturing potential is one of the most important roles we play in the lives of young people. — MIG REYES/Pexels

I was out for a walk recently when I came across a child being coached to play tennis, and she had all the determination of a future Wimbledon champion.

At first, the girl struggled to coordinate her movements and timing, but as the lesson progressed, she started to find her rhythm. Her focus was locked in, and with each swing, her confidence grew. In the process, the coach offered a lot of patient encouragement, keeping the drills consistent, and providing helpful feedback.