As homeschooling parents, we are committed to helping our children reach their full potential and thrive in all areas of life. However, as Robert K. Cooper argues in his thought-provoking book, The Other 90%, most of us are only using a fraction of our true potential. By incorporating Cooper’s insights into our homeschooling approach, we can empower our children to tap into their vast untapped potential and excel in their personal growth and learning.

At the core of Cooper’s philosophy is the idea that we should strive to excel, not just compete. As he explains, “To excel means to reach beyond the best you have ever given because doing so matters to you personally, for its own sake. It means to run your own race—as an individual, team, or organization.” By encouraging our children to focus on personal growth and mastery, rather than merely outperforming others, we help them develop a lifelong love of learning and a drive to continually improve.

Our philosophy of “Question More, Action Knowledge” aligns perfectly with Cooper’s emphasis on personal growth and excellence. Encourage your child to approach their learning with curiosity and a desire to push beyond their current limits. Help them understand that true success comes from being superior to their former selves, not from comparing themselves to others.

One key insight from The Other 90% is the concept of “syntropy,” which Cooper defines as the “innate drive in living matter to perfect itself.” He emphasizes that in every moment, we are either growing or dying—there is no neutral ground. By instilling this growth mindset in your homeschooler, you empower them to embrace challenges and view obstacles as opportunities for learning and development.

Incorporate this principle into your homeschooling journey by celebrating your child’s progress and effort, rather than just their final outcomes. Encourage them to set personal goals and reflect on their growth over time. Help them understand that failure and setbacks are natural parts of the learning process, and that what matters most is their willingness to keep striving and improving.

By unlocking your homeschooler’s vast potential and nurturing their drive for personal excellence, you set the stage for a lifetime of growth, achievement, and fulfillment. In our next article, we’ll explore how to help your child cultivate the mindset and habits necessary to excel in all areas of their life.