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I had recently turned nineteen and for the first time in my life, I was seated, not standing across from my father and having a real adult conversation. Regaling him of my achievements with all the experience of nineteen years, he listened silently. When I eventually ran out of bluster, Dad quietly looked me right in the eye and said, "Raymond you are a mug!" It did not take long for me to realise how right was this old seasoned campaigner! Why had I not had insights like this shared earlier in life? I was subsequently "freed up" (sacked) from my first three positions! However, remaining undaunted I had saved enough funds to embark on what turned out a solo trip across the world. From London, on a secondhand Triumph motorbike beckoned Europe and beyond. Broke and begging in Italy, hitching through the Middle East camping alone under the stars, swimming to try to save a life in Kashmir and nearly eaten by a roaming Sumatran tiger were some experiences. Back in OZ a previously "whining poor me" type had somehow transitioned into a different soul who could have a good crack at enduring virtually anything life threw my way. From running marathons to a black belt, captaining Rugby representative teams to sales management and state management roles I became quite successful. What had changed? The question is, what will you do when you do not know what to do? Had been well answered, through literally enduring a journey from being deserted, double-crossed, deceived, jilted, jarred, wondered and blundered across the world terrified to pure elation and strangely good luck. As Oscar Wilde said, "Education is a wonderful thing but it is well to remember from time to time, nothing that is useful can ever be taught." I discovered certain actions more often than not consistently produce better outcomes. So I started applying these skills in my work and life which coincidentally are actually universal, but so few embrace. After retiring I decided to try to pay it forward and share these concepts with some of the local high schools. A cohort today I am convinced in dire need of purpose and a set of critical skills to navigate the minefield of today's world. Being aware of school curriculums and printed material available there appears a gaping hole in this area with many schools only offering an already "stretched" Humanities teacher. Nationally over 80% of students have identified anxiety as their area of most concern. From sixty presentations 84% of students who have participated rated 8.5 to 10 as effecting positive change in their lives. Currently, three Headmasters have written recommendations. The book is seventeen chapters and targeted at young adults to instill a set of easily implementable skills for life. The manuscript is deliberately relayed in an attempted humorous narrative with many personal anecdotes. The scaffolding is built from topics such as, the past was just practice, developing friends for life, accept and adapt, acknowledging life is difficult, whatever befalls us this too shall pass, stoicism and goal setting. Also easily applicable ways to manage the pressure of anxiety. There is a Summary after each Chapter and an Action Plan. The book offers actual strategies and actions to build a confident and competent life of purpose. Particularly when the messages are shared by some harrowing, entertaining experiences from someone who has lived the actual trauma and not from a textbook. I am convinced had I or any teenager access to these skills from age fifteen their capabilities would be maximized. Thus far school student survey results have been outstanding. The last chapters of the book include a Letter of commitment. A personal call to your honour. A Toolkit to follow and hopefully the key is found to open the lock of a life lived well.
