--- title: 7 Ways to Cultivate Young People’s Possible Selves | Search Institute description: The Aspirations component of Search Institute’s new REACH Framework introduces the importance of helping all young people develop a positive view of themselves in the future and connecting their ability to become that positive possible self to the actions they do—or do not—take every day. For this reason, having a clear, positive idea of their [...] --- Theme + Migration = $1489 (Pay for the Theme Only). [Learn More.](https://www.lpd-themes.com/migration) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [BLOG](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [DONATE](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [CONTACT](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) [Why Relationships Matter and How to Get Started](https://searchinstitute.org/relationships-matter-get-started) Understand the foundations of developmental relationships and the power you have to strengthen those relationships for all young people to learn and grow. [Resources Tailored to Your Role](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Resource%20Audience) Tools to support everyone who works with young people — educators, youth program workers, schools and youth program leaders, and community members [Resources Related to the Setting Where Relationships Take Place](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Setting) Young people thrive when they experience a broader web of relationships, build strong relationships in a class or program, at home, and across your organization. [Resources on Key Topics](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?query=&page=1&configure%5BenablePersonalization%5D=true&configure%5BuserToken%5D=anonymous-2aec4746-2f17-46a7-871b-a10e30f1f2f7&configure%5BclickAnalytics%5D=true&hierarchicalMenu%5Btaxonomy.lvl0%5D=Topics) Relationships are key across several disciplines including family systems, social and emotional development, social capital, and community development. [Resources in Your Favorite Format](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/search?resourceTypes=Activity,Book,Guide,Journal%20Article,Measure%20/%20Assessment%20/%20Evaluation,Relational%20Practice,Report%20/%20Brief,Tool%20/%20Playbook,Video) Explore tools, frameworks, activities, guides, measures, and other research-based resources to build strong relationships with all young people. [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - BLOG - SHOP - DONATE - CONTACT - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) [![hlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/hlogo.webp?width=187&height=90&name=hlogo.webp "hlogo")](https://searchinstitute.org) - [RESEARCH](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [SOLUTIONS](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [INSIGHTS](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [FUNDERS & PARTNERS](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [ABOUT](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [RESOURCE HUB](https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub) # Blog June 28, 2016 2 Minutes Read By : [searchinstitute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) Topics Developmental Relationships Research Developmental Assets Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Programs Provide Support Family Engagement Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) SI Spotlight Social Capital Share Power Solutions Youth Thriving Education / School Expand Possibilities Student Voice Challenge Growth Summer Scholars Thriving Youth Voice Express Care Sparks Data Insights Faith Field Partner Spotlight LGBTQ+ Workshops Relationship Ready Schools Conversation Starters Sports Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) # 7 Ways to Cultivate Young People’s Possible Selves [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2F7-ways-cultivate-young-peoples-possible-selves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2F7-ways-cultivate-young-peoples-possible-selves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2F7-ways-cultivate-young-peoples-possible-selves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.searchinstitute.org%2F7-ways-cultivate-young-peoples-possible-selves%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) # 7 Ways to Cultivate Young People’s Possible Selves By [searchinstitute](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute) June 27 2016 2 Minutes Read The Aspirations component of Search Institute’s new [REACH Framework](https://www.search-institute.org/social-emotional-factors-impact-student-motivation) introduces the importance of helping all young people develop a positive view of themselves in the future and connecting their ability to become that positive possible self to the actions they do—or do not—take every day. For this reason, having a clear, positive idea of their “best possible selves” can motivate young people to work harder and do better in school, particularly if they are shown connections between what they’re doing in school and these future aspirations. Teachers, youth workers, mentors, parents, and other caring adults can do a lot to help students connect today’s learning and actions with future aspirations and goals. Here are seven ideas that can help you nurture a young person’s sense of purpose and plans for becoming her or his best self. 1. **Connect:** The foundation of helping youth cultivate their possible selves is to build a strong relationship with them that helps them trust you and open up to you. Then they’re more likely to share with you what they really aspire to do or be.   2. **Describe:** Regularly explain to young people how what they are learning in school will help them lead better lives in the future, including how they will use the knowledge and skills in future learning.   3. **Reveal:** Share your own sense of purpose related to your profession and other things you are passionate about. It may not be their interest, but your energy and enthusiasm can still inspire them to reflect on what really matters for them.   4. **Notice:** Pay attention to the things young people are interested in. This lets them know that you see and support their aspirations for the future. Ask what they enjoy. How does it relate to their hopes or goals for the next few years? Where possible, find connections between what’s important to them and their focus on learning in school.   5. **Coach:** When you learn about students’ aspirations or sources of purpose, coach them to identify actions they can take and people who they can connect to in order to work toward that aspiration.   6. **Highlight:** Find and share stories about people from your community or the world who are using the knowledge and skills they learned in school to make a difference.   7. **Dig deeper:** When young people are disengaged, don’t immediately dismiss their behavior as evidence that they don’t care. Try to connect with their aspirations, which can help to re-engage them in learning.   In the end, a student’s possible self must come from within; teachers, parents, and others can’t impose it or create it for the young person. However, adults can open up opportunities, create relationships, and be available and supportive as young people explore and discover their aspirations and sense of purpose. **For more information on the REACH Framework, [request “The REACH Resources Overview” White Paper](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/request-reach-white-paper) or [register for our upcoming webinar](https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5745723786079290115) and learn how schools can use REACH to strengthen students’ motivation to succeed in the classroom and beyond.** #### searchinstitute Author ## Recommended For You [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/joanna_williams_480.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-joanna-williams) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) 4 Min Read ### [Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Joanna Williams](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-joanna-williams) [Search Institute August 07 2023](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Ben_Houltberg_2.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-ben-houltberg) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Equity and Inclusion (DEI)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/equity-and-inclusion-dei) [Diversity](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/diversity) [SI Spotlight](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/si-spotlight) 4 Min Read ### [Search Institute Spotlight: Meet Ben Houltberg](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-spotlight-meet-ben-houltberg) [Search Institute July 11 2023](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) [![Peter Scales image](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/Peter%20Scales.jpg)](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-celebrates-a-distinguished-career) [Developmental Assets](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-assets) [Developmental Relationships](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/developmental-relationships) [Research](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/tag/research) 4 Min Read ### [Search Institute Celebrates a Distinguished Career: Peter C. Scales, Ph.D., Retires After 30 Years](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/search-institute-celebrates-a-distinguished-career) [Search Institute May 06 2025](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/search-institute) ![search-footerlogo](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/search-footerlogo.png "search-footerlogo") ## Search Institute 2550 University Avenue West Suite 200N St. Paul, MN 55114 800.888.7828 612.376.8955 i[nfo@searchinstitute.org](mailto:info@searchinstitute.org) - [Research](https://searchinstitute.org/research) - [Solutions](https://searchinstitute.org/solutions) - [Insights](https://searchinstitute.org/insights) - [Funders & Partners](https://searchinstitute.org/funders-partners) - [About](https://searchinstitute.org/about) - [Blog](https://blog.searchinstitute.org/) - [Donate](https://searchinstitute.org/donate) - [Contact](https://searchinstitute.org/contact) - [Subscribe to our Newsletter](https://searchinstitute.org/subscribe-to-our-enewsletter) - [Cancellations, Returns & Refunds](https://searchinstitute.org/cancellations-returns-refunds) - [Public Records](https://searchinstitute.org/nonprofit-status-public-records) - [Permissions Request Form](https://survey.search-institute.org/s3/Permissions-Request-Form) - [Keep Connected](http://keepconnected.searchinstitute.org/) ©2024 Search Institute | [Terms of Use](https://www.search-institute.org/terms-of-use/) Search Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable corporation. All contributions are tax deductible ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "searchinstitute", "url" : "https://blog.searchinstitute.org/author/searchinstitute" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-18T17:13:30.935Z", "datePublished" : "2016-06-28T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "7 Ways to Cultivate Young People’s Possible Selves | Search Institute", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.searchinstitute.org/7-ways-cultivate-young-peoples-possible-selves", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.searchinstitute.org/hubfs/SI_BrandingProject2024_Logo_RGB_FULL.svg" }, "name" : "Search Institute" } } ```