Our beliefs and abilities can make or break us. Today, let's talk about a few beliefs and abilities that each of you might want to develop to live a more productive, successful life, allowing you to make a positive difference each day.
 
Everyone knows that the three "Rs" - "reading, (w)riting and (a)rithmetic" - are critical skills to have. But there are other abilities and beliefs that are equally critical if you are going to live a successful life. 
 
You must believe that you are a capable person, you contribute in meaningful ways to your relationships and society, and that you have the power to influence what happens to you in your life. 
 
You must have the ability to understand your own emotions and use that understanding to develop self-discipline and to learn from your experiences. You should be able to work with others and develop friendships through communication, cooperation, negotiation, sharing, listening and empathizing,
 
And you should be able to respond to the limits and consequences of everyday life with accountability, adaptability, flexibility, and integrity. Finally, you should be able to use your wisdom, judgment and experience to evaluate situations according to appropriate values that you have chosen to live by. 
 
What do you suppose the world would look like if our kids came out of school with these abilities and beliefs as well as the usual "three Rs?"