The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything by Ken Robinson

Lesson #1: Unleash Your Inner Superhero!

Imagine you’re a superhero with a special power, something only you can do in the whole wide world. That’s what Sir Ken Robinson wants you to discover – your very own superpower! He calls it your “Element.”

Think of Paul. He was just an ordinary kid until he discovered his Element: dancing! Paul couldn’t sit still in class, but when he danced, he felt alive. It was like he had superpowers, flying across the dance floor with grace and joy.

Then there’s Emily. She loved drawing more than anything in the world. Her doodles filled every page of her notebook. But Emily didn’t know her drawings could be more than just a hobby until she met an artist who showed her the way. Now, she’s a superhero illustrator, spreading happiness with her colorful creations.

Just like Paul and Emily, you have your own special talent waiting to be discovered. It might be singing, painting, writing stories, or even making people laugh. Whatever it is, it’s your superpower – your Element!

Sir Ken Robinson wants you to go on an adventure to find your Element. Look inside yourself and think about what makes you come alive. Is it building things with Lego? Solving puzzles? Playing sports? Whatever it is, that’s your clue to discovering your superpower.

But here’s the secret: finding your Element isn’t just about what you’re good at. It’s also about what you love to do. So don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different paths. Your Element is waiting for you to unleash it and become the superhero you were always meant to be!

Lesson #2: Imagine a World Painted with Passion!

Close your eyes and imagine a world where everyone is doing what they love. Can you see it? That’s the dream Sir Ken Robinson wants to make real. He believes that when we discover our passion – the thing that makes our heart sing – the world becomes a magical place.

Think about a time when you were so excited about something that you couldn’t wait to jump out of bed in the morning. Maybe it was building sandcastles on the beach, playing with your favorite toy, or creating a masterpiece with crayons. That feeling of pure joy and excitement is what Sir Ken wants for all of us – to live our lives filled with passion and purpose.

When you find your passion, it’s like discovering a secret superpower within yourself. Just like a wizard waving a magic wand, you’ll feel motivated, inspired, and full of energy to create amazing things.

Imagine meeting people who are living their passion every day – like Jane, who turned her love for animals into a career as a veterinarian, or Jack, who travels the world as a photographer capturing breathtaking moments. These people aren’t just living ordinary lives – they’re painting their world with passion, turning every moment into a masterpiece.

But here’s the thing: discovering your passion isn’t always easy. It takes courage to explore new things and step outside your comfort zone. Sir Ken encourages us to be brave and follow our hearts, even when it feels scary.

So, let’s imagine a world where everyone is living their passion – where every street is filled with laughter, every corner is bursting with creativity, and every heart is brimming with joy. It may sound like a fairy tale, but with Sir Ken’s guidance, we can turn this dream into reality, one passion-filled moment at a time.

Lesson #3: Meet Your Imagination Animal!

Ever feel like your brain is stuck in mud? No new ideas, no inspiration for that drawing, or that story due tomorrow? Don’t worry, Sir Ken Robinson has a cool trick to get you unstuck: your Imagination Animal!

Imagine a fun friend who lives in your head, like a cuddly puppy or a super-smart owl. That’s your Imagination Animal, here to help you dream big and come up with awesome ideas!

Remember Sarah? Stuck writing a story, her mind felt like a blank page. Then, she remembered her Imagination Animal – a silly monkey named Max! As soon as Sarah pictured Max swinging from trees, BAM! Her brain came alive with ideas. Words started flowing like magic, and her story came to life!

Your Imagination Animal can be anything you want: a brave eagle, a clever fox, or even a friendly dragon! It’s your special partner in creativity, exploring the amazing world inside your head and finding hidden treasures of ideas.

Feeling stuck on a drawing or a problem? Close your eyes and see your Imagination Animal. Ask it for help, and let its playful spirit give you a boost.  Whether you’re painting, solving math, or writing a song, your Imagination Animal is there with you, cheering you on!

With your Imagination Animal by your side, there are no limits to what you can imagine. Let your brain fly like a bird, and watch as a whole new world of ideas opens up before you. Together, you and your Imagination Animal can conquer any block and unlock a treasure chest of possibilities!

Lesson #4: Embrace the Adventure!

Finding your passion isn’t always like riding a bike on a sunny day – smooth and easy. Sometimes, you might feel lost, like you’re wandering through a maze with no clue which way to turn. Or maybe you see a cool new activity, but you’re scared to try it because it seems unfamiliar. That’s okay! Sir Ken Robinson says this is all part of the adventure.

Imagine Leo, who loved building things with Legos. But then his friends all started playing soccer, and Leo felt pressured to join them. He tried soccer, but it just wasn’t his thing. He felt lost and confused. But then, Leo remembered Sir Ken’s advice: listen to your heart! So, he decided to be brave and follow his passion for building. He started creating even more amazing things with Legos, and guess what? He discovered a whole community of other kids who loved building too! They shared ideas, learned from each other, and had a blast together.

Finding your passion is like exploring a hidden treasure chest. There might be twists and turns along the way, and some things might seem scary at first. But Sir Ken says the most amazing discoveries are often hidden outside your comfort zone. So don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they seem weird. You never know what you might love until you give it a shot!

Lesson #5: Create Your Own Treasure Map!

Imagine you’re on a quest to find buried treasure, but instead of gold and jewels, the treasure you seek is your passion – your Element. And just like a real treasure hunt, Sir Ken Robinson provides practical tips to help you navigate the twists and turns of your journey.

First, he suggests keeping a “Passion Journal.” This is your treasure map, where you write down everything that brings you joy and excitement. Whether it’s playing sports, painting pictures, or telling funny jokes, each entry is a clue that brings you one step closer to discovering your passion.

Take Josh, for example. He loved to tinker with gadgets and build things out of spare parts. His Passion Journal was filled with doodles of robots and inventions, each one sparking his imagination and fueling his curiosity. Eventually, Josh realized that his true passion lay in engineering, and he set off on a quest to become a world-renowned inventor.

Next, Sir Ken encourages you to find your inspiration by talking to people who have already found their passion. These are the treasure hunters who have unearthed their own Element and are eager to share their wisdom with you. Listen to their stories, ask questions, and soak up their advice like a sponge. You never know what valuable nuggets of insight you might discover along the way.

Imagine meeting Maya, a fearless explorer who traveled the world in search of adventure. Maya’s tales of daring escapades and thrilling discoveries inspired you to embark on your own quest for passion. With her guidance, you navigated treacherous waters and conquered formidable challenges, all in pursuit of your own buried treasure.

Lastly, Sir Ken encourages you to build your “Passion Tribe” – a group of supportive friends who believe in your dreams. These are your fellow adventurers, the companions who cheer you on when the journey gets tough and celebrate with you when you strike gold. Together, you share your discoveries, swap stories, and lift each other up on your quest for passion.

So grab your map, pack your journal, and gather your tribe. The treasure of your passion awaits, just waiting to be unearthed. With Sir Ken’s practical tips as your guide, you’ll navigate the twists and turns of your journey with courage, curiosity, and determination. And who knows? Along the way, you might just discover the greatest treasure of all – yourself.

Lesson #6: It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Spark!

Finding your passion, your “Element” as Sir Ken Robinson calls it, is like digging for a buried treasure. You might think it’s something only young kids can do, but that’s not true at all! Imagine Mrs. Jones, a kind librarian who loved reading stories to children. For years, she felt stuck in a job she didn’t love. Then, one day, she remembered a childhood dream of writing her own stories. Even though she was a grown-up, Mrs. Jones decided to be brave and follow her dream. She started writing in her free time, and guess what? Her stories were amazing! Soon, she was sharing them with the children at the library, and they loved them just as much as she loved writing them. Mrs. Jones finally found her Element, and it brought her so much joy, even at her age!

Sir Ken reminds us that everyone has the potential to find their passion, no matter how old you are. Maybe you’re a student who loves learning about dinosaurs, or a bus driver who secretly paints beautiful landscapes. Your Element could be anywhere, waiting to be discovered.

Here’s the key: Never stop exploring! 

Try new things, even if they seem strange at first. Take a pottery class, learn a new language, or join a club for something you’ve always been curious about. You never know what might spark your passion and make you feel truly alive.

Here are some tips to help you keep digging for your treasure:

• Keep a “Dream Journal”: Write down anything that catches your eye, from a cool bird you saw to a fascinating documentary you watched. Maybe these ideas will lead you closer to your Element.
• Talk to Inspiring People: Do you know someone who seems to light up when they talk about their work? Ask them about their passion and what led them to it. Their story might inspire you to find your own.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Change Course: Maybe you started down one path, but now you realize it’s not for you. That’s okay! It just means you’re getting closer to finding your true Element. Be brave and adjust your course whenever needed.

Remember, “The Element” is a guide to help you find your unique path. Embrace the lessons Sir Ken offers, don’t be afraid to keep exploring, and trust that your passion, your very own treasure, is waiting to be discovered – no matter your age! So, keep digging, keep dreaming, and get ready to be surprised by the amazing things you can achieve when you find your Element!