As homeschooling parents, one of our primary goals is to help our children discover and cultivate their unique talents, passions, and potential. We want to empower them to lead lives of purpose, meaning, and genuine greatness. In his thought-provoking book, The Science of Being Great, Wallace D. Wattles offers invaluable insights into the nature of greatness and the importance of aligning our thoughts, actions, and habits with our highest potential. By incorporating his teachings into our homeschooling approach, we can help our children unlock their innate greatness and become the extraordinary individuals they were born to be.

At the core of Wattles’ philosophy is the idea that greatness comes not from external sources, but from within. As he explains, “The prophets and seers and great men and women, past and present, were made great by what they received from God, not by what they were taught by men.” By encouraging our children to trust their own inner wisdom, follow their passions, and seek guidance from the divine spark within, we empower them to tap into a limitless source of inspiration, creativity, and strength.

Our philosophy of “Question More, Action Knowledge” aligns perfectly with Wattles’ emphasis on self-discovery and personal growth. We believe that by nurturing our children’s natural curiosity, creativity, and love of learning, we help them develop the self-awareness and confidence necessary to pursue their own unique paths to greatness.

One key insight Wattles offers is the importance of overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety in order to access our full potential. As he explains, “You can never become a great man or woman until you have overcome anxiety, worry, and fear. It is impossible for an anxious person, a worried one, or a fearful one to perceive truth; all things are distorted and thrown out of their proper relations by such mental states, and those who are in them cannot read the thoughts of God.”

By teaching our children to recognize and release their fears, and to cultivate a mindset of faith, courage, and positive expectancy, we help them develop the emotional resilience and clarity necessary to navigate life’s challenges with grace and wisdom. Encourage your child to embrace their fears as opportunities for growth, and to trust in their own ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Wattles also stresses the transformative power of seeing ourselves as great, advancing souls, constantly growing and evolving toward our highest potential. As he advises, “You must always see yourself as a great advancing soul.” By helping our children cultivate a strong, positive self-image, rooted in their own unique strengths and possibilities, we empower them to approach life with confidence, enthusiasm, and a sense of purpose.

Incorporate this principle into your homeschooling journey by encouraging your child to focus on their strengths, celebrate their progress, and envision themselves as the extraordinary individuals they are becoming. Help them develop a clear, compelling vision of their ideal selves, and to make choices and take actions that align with that vision.

By unlocking your child’s innate greatness and empowering them to pursue their own unique path, you set the stage for a lifetime of personal growth, fulfillment, and positive impact. In our next article, we’ll explore practical strategies for cultivating the mindset and habits of greatness in your homeschooler, drawing upon the timeless wisdom of The Science of Being Great.