Thakn you <@N4X2Ovufb4Y1QA5vTRrTVBhZ5EV2> and <@BC1YLixHkyNvpZJ2VnwqjucqD3sMWbKe8zsArLByjrUh1rXMvCase9F> for a great discussion tonight. I know we devolved  a little at the end, but I appreciate you guys coming every week! And <@BC1YLfrSgRTCoXohrhXRhQWZRDNQuoCatdnX6F7N2hacHoxKDACG82k> and <@BC1YLg9Kd5acawmtLX2T894g7opKvZfmoYUHxNcZxMjfR7L8tf7KoYH> were listening in the audience, and I love when people drop by - just remember you can all be speakers as well any time! I wish you all a very wonderful week! Here are some things that ChatGPT said were good ways to teach people to be more self-reliant (I took a good look at the list, and I think it's pretty spot on too.) Tell me in the comments if you like the list, can relate, or if you think being self-reliant is not important -- whatever your opinion is, I'd always like to hear it...

Teaching someone to rely on themselves involves cultivating self-reliance, confidence, and critical thinking. Here’s an effective approach:

1. Encourage Problem-Solving Skills:
Ask Questions: Instead of giving direct answers, ask guiding questions that lead them to think critically and find solutions on their own.
Step-by-Step Challenges: Present small challenges and gradually increase their complexity. This helps build confidence in their problem-solving abilities.
2. Promote Self-Reflection:
Journaling: Encourage them to keep a journal where they reflect on their daily experiences, decisions, and outcomes. This fosters self-awareness and helps them learn from their actions.
Review and Learn: Teach them to review their successes and failures, identifying what worked and what didn’t. This reinforces the idea that they can learn from every experience.
3. Build Confidence:
Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge their efforts and successes, even the small ones. Positive reinforcement helps them see their own capabilities.
Encourage Independence: Gradually reduce your involvement in their tasks. Let them take the lead while you offer support only when necessary.
4. Teach Self-Discipline:
Goal Setting: Help them set personal goals and create plans to achieve them. This builds a sense of purpose and control over their life.
Time Management: Teach them to manage their time effectively, prioritizing tasks and responsibilities.
5. Model Self-Reliance:
Lead by Example: Demonstrate self-reliance in your actions. Show them how you handle challenges, make decisions, and rely on yourself.
Share Your Experiences: Talk about times when you relied on yourself and how it helped you grow.
6. Provide Resources, Not Answers:
Tools and Resources: Instead of giving direct solutions, provide them with the tools and resources they need to find answers on their own.
Encourage Research: Teach them how to research, ask questions, and seek out information.
7. Promote Resilience:
Normalize Failure: Emphasize that failure is a part of learning and growth. Teach them to view setbacks as opportunities to improve.
Stress Management: Equip them with techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which can hinder self-reliance.
8. Foster a Growth Mindset:
Emphasize Effort Over Outcome: Teach them that effort and perseverance are more important than immediate success.
Encourage Adaptability: Help them understand that being flexible and open to change is a key aspect of self-reliance.
9. Support, Don’t Enable:
Be a Supportive Guide: Offer support and encouragement, but avoid doing things for them that they can do themselves.
Set Boundaries: Make it clear that while you’re there to help, they are ultimately responsible for their own success.
10. Celebrate Independence:
Recognize Milestones: Celebrate their achievements in becoming more self-reliant, no matter how small.
Encourage Continued Growth: Motivate them to continue challenging themselves and growing independently.

Thanks for the tip Sean, and thanks for always being there for us all, I'm always happy when I see your comments, or get to chat with you! 