By: Bec Robertson
Head Trainer
It takes a special person to commit to guiding youth through their pivotal years of development. The habits and goals established by young people during this time, will set them on the path to success. It takes skill, empathy and lived experience to deliver mentoring programs that engage youth and support the community to do better for our young people in society.
Since 2017, Scott Norman of the mentoring program Boys to Gentlemen has been developing a program for youth that targets skill development for life. Growing up in the country, learning a trade as an electrician, then opening his own Adelaide based gym/fitness centre has given Scott a perspective that enables him to understand the challenges that youth face. He engages them with programs focused on health and fitness, confidence, goal setting and social skills.
Scott Norman, Boys To Gentlemen
In particular, Scott has set out to meet a much needed demand for mentoring programs for young males who have been diagnosed with Autism or ADD/ADHD. The Boys To Gentlemen program targets practical skills and strategies learnt through connection to nature, fitness and community interaction. Such practical programs are often missing from the toolkit available to youth who have additional support needs. Scott has stepped up to fill that gap.
Having worked with Scott for many years and watching his fast trajectory, we knew he was the perfect person to talk about a strong mindset and attitude in life.
HB: What life philosophies have helped you the most in achieving your goals?
As clichéd as it sounds, we only do get one chance on this planet. I want to give my best effort to make a positive impact on this Earth during my lifetime. I also believe that you have full control over how your life will turn out. You can create every single day, however you want it to be.
HB: How can someone develop grit and a strong attitude?
There are always going to be speed bumps on your journey and you have to deal with every situation as they come. Not giving up and having a positive mindset are the two biggest assets that you can have. As soon as you can develop that positive mindset and start taking the necessary action to achieve whatever your goals are; followed by never giving up, you will have guaranteed success one day.
HB: As we evolve, our goals change. What are your top strategies for re-defining your goals to stay motivated?
I can’t speak for anyone else here but I ask myself what my ultimate goal in life is? It always seems to go back to; How do I want to experience MY life on this planet being Scott Norman, the only person’s life we have control over is our own. I think of what I want to be doing in my day to day life, who I am now and who I want to become, who do I want to share my life with and how do I want to leave an impact? From there, you can break it down to a million little achievable goals. I guess if I could recommend a couple strategies they would be:
- Be honest with yourself
- Put time into thinking how you want your life & future to be
- Trust your intuition (always)
- Do the work needed
- Always be positive and kind
Find out more about Boys To Gentlemen
Disclaimer: The Headspace and Bass Movement is not trained to provide or administer medical advice/treatment. Please do not hesitate to consult a trusted medical physician for help with any medical issues, diagnosis or symptoms. This includes any issues relating to mental health or addiction. We work alongside the mainstream medical system, not as a replacement for it. We believe that natural health and healing are best utilised in conjunction with treatment from trusted and qualified medical and health practitioners.