What Are the Characteristics of a World Changer?
- Stephanie Haynes
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Every teen has the potential to be a World Changer—someone who pursues a fulfilling career while making a positive impact on the world. But what sets these individuals apart? What mindset and habits help them build a future they’re excited about?
In this post, we’ll explore the key characteristics of a World Changer and how parents and mentors can help teens develop these traits. (To learn what a World Changer is see this post)
1. World Changers Take Risks and Think Outside the Box
World Changers aren’t afraid to step outside their comfort zones. They explore unconventional career paths, embrace challenges, and see setbacks as opportunities to grow. Whether considering an apprenticeship, launching a small business, or pursuing a trade, they recognize that success often requires forging their own path.
How to Encourage This: Help your teen see mistakes as learning experiences. Encourage them to try new things—whether that’s taking a leadership role, starting a side project, or exploring careers that differ from the traditional four-year college route.
2. They Honor Their Values, Natural Aptitudes, and Passions
Instead of chasing careers based solely on external expectations, World Changers choose paths that align with who they are. They take time to understand their values, skills, and interests so they can build a career that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
How to Encourage This: Talk with your teen about what excites them. What activities make them lose track of time? What problems do they love solving? Guide them toward opportunities that align with their strengths and passions.
3. They Strive to Achieve Their Ideal Lifestyle Efficiently and with Minimal Debt
World Changers think long-term. They recognize that financial stability plays a crucial role in achieving their dream lifestyle, and they prioritize career paths that allow them to gain skills without unnecessary debt. Trade schools, apprenticeships, employer-funded education, and direct-to-work pathways are all options they explore.
How to Encourage This: Discuss financial literacy with your teen. Help them compare the costs and benefits of different education and training paths. Encourage them to think about their long-term financial goals when making career decisions.
4. They Are Willing to Do the Work to Gain Experience
A World Changer doesn’t expect success to happen overnight. They know that experience—whether through internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, or skill-building programs—will set them apart and open doors to opportunities.
How to Encourage This: Support your teen in finding ways to gain hands-on experience. Help them explore job shadowing, internships, summer jobs, or side projects that build relevant skills.
5. They Make the Most of Their Time in High School
Rather than coasting through school, World Changers use their high school years to explore interests, build skills, and gain clarity about their future. They seek mentorship, take on leadership opportunities, and try new experiences that help them grow.
How to Encourage This: Help your teen set goals for their high school years. Encourage them to take courses that align with their interests, join clubs, or pursue extracurricular activities that allow them to develop their skills and confidence.
Empowering the Next Generation of World Changers
Every teen has the potential to be a World Changer—it just takes the right support, encouragement, and opportunities. As parents and mentors, we can help guide them toward a future that aligns with their unique strengths and aspirations.
For more guidance on helping your teen build a future they’re excited about, check out my 5-Essential Steps to Guide Your Teen’s Post-High School Journey. You can also dive deeper into alternative post-high school pathways in my book, College Is Not Mandatory.
Want more insights? Visit my blog: Stephanie Haynes Coaching and Consulting Blog.
Comentários