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,. ., @THEPACIFIClNSTI11ITE" Santa Ana Youth Council: Event Objectives "Breaking Barriers to Success in Life" The Pacific Institute (TP!) understands the objective of its work with the Santa-Ana Work Center, Youth Council Constituents is to provide these adolescents and young adults with a survey overview of the habits of thought which impede success. Participants will gain knowledge to help them to fulfill objectives in the following areas: Transitioning towards self-sufficiency A person who consciously or unconsciously lacks a belief in their ability to be self-sufficient a) will struggle to benefit from any "hard skills" program offered b) will most likely lack the motivation necessary to acquire new knowledge. Research also demonstrates that people resist change. When moved beyond a pre-established a comfort zone, even if the comfort zone is unhealthy, the brain brain-self-regulates, by blocking performance, impairing thinking and by causing people to creatively avoid that which may be necessary for self-sufficiency. By understanding these and other cognitive youth will be empowered perform at higher levels. Academic Performance Cognitive Research demonstrates that peoples' performance matches their self-perception. A student who believes they are incapable of succeeding in a certain subject sets him or herself up for failure. By understanding the thought processes that impede or accelerate success, participant will increase their chances of performing at their potential. Motivation and Self Esteem Because the expectation of success tends to be very limited for "at risk youth" the desire to grow in a given area is often lacking. Participants will be given the tools needed to raise the awareness of their true potential thereby increasing his or her desire to grow or improve. Leadership and Independence At the very core of leadership development is a high sense of Efficacy (ones causative power or ones belief in their ability to bring about effective change) and Self-confidence. Participants will be equipped with the tools to raise their own efficacy levels. Establishing and Maintaining New Goals Because the brain self-regulates and is resistant to change, a person who has established habits of failure will often find it difficult to stick to a new goal whether it is academic or professional. By understanding how the mind self-regulates and how to assimilate new goals, participants will be better equipped to establish and maintain their goals. Decision Making Decisions are often based on what has occurred in the past, not on what could be. People often make their decisions based on previously stored information about themselves or their abilities. When self-efficacy and self-confidence are low, we often settle for less. If the information we have about ourselves is inaccurate, negative or limiting, their choices will follow a similar pattern. By understanding the relationship between efficacy levels and decision making, participants will be empowered to make more effective choices about their lives and futures.