LifeChanger CEO Scott Watters shares how to transform exam stress into lifelong learning

The CEO of an organisation dedicated to improving the lives and wellbeing of teens shares how to transform the challenge of exams into lifelong learning and skills.

Exam time can be one of the most intense periods in a young person’s life.

I’ve seen how the pressure builds and not just for the students sitting their final exams, but also for the parents, educators or mentors watching on, wanting to help but not always sure how.

LifeChanger chief executive Scott Watters. Picture: Supplied

For many teens, it can feel like a defining moment, where their sense of self-worth gets tangled up with their academic performance.

From my experience at LifeChanger, where we work with thousands of young Australians every year, I see how moments like these can test a teen’s confidence and emotional wellbeing.

But I also see how much potential they hold for growth.

With the right support, these high-pressured moments can build resilience, self-belief, and perspective that lasts long after the exams are over.

Start with connection, not pressure

Year 12 student Travis Cappelluti said the “unseen” things mother Alison do help him cope with the pressure of exams. Picture: Keryn Stevens

One of the most powerful things we can offer young people during this time is connection.

Instead of asking, “How much have you studied?”, try asking, “How are you feeling?” or “How can I support you?”.

These questions shift the focus from performance to wellbeing.

They let young people know you’re walking beside them, not standing over them.

When teens feel heard and supported, they’re more likely to perform at their best and less likely to internalise stress.

Remind them exams don’t define them

Veteran teacher Kirsty Raymond tells her Brighton Secondary School students exams results won’t define them. Picture: Dean Martin

Exams are really just one moment in time and not a measure of a young person’s value or potential.

I remind the teens I work with that learning is a journey, and that real growth often comes from setbacks, not straight A’s.

We all know people who didn’t ace their exams but went on to lead incredible, successful lives.

Helping young people see themselves as more than a test score — as curious, capable, and full of potential — builds a stronger foundation for their future.

Teach resilience in real time

LifeChanger CEO Scott Watters (L) with the LifeChanger team teach young people how to build critical social and emotional skills. Picture: Supplied

Resilience isn’t something you’re born with but it is a skill that is learned.

And the exam period, as tough as it can be, is actually one of the best times for that learning.

My best advice is to encourage small, practical habits: take breaks, move around, eat well, breathe, sleep, and make time for something they enjoy. 

At LifeChanger, we call it building an “inner toolkit” — self-awareness, positive self-talk, goal-setting, and emotional regulation.

These are skills that help teenagers handle challenges now and throughout life.

Celebrate the effort

No matter the result, it’s important to celebrate the effort it took to get through.

Recognising discipline, persistence, and courage helps young people develop a mindset that values growth over perfection.

Adolescence is all about finding independence and confidence and moments like these are opportunities to help them believe in their own strength.

Keep the conversation going

When the last exam ends, the support shouldn’t. Many young people feel a wave of uncertainty afterwards — “What now?” is a common question.

I often encourage families to reflect on the experience together.

Ask, “What did you learn about yourself?” or “What are you proud of?”.

LifeChanger workshop hosted by Mr Watters. Picture: Supplied

These conversations help teens see exams not as the end of something, but as part of their journey towards adulthood.

We can’t remove the challenges young people face, and nor should we.

What we can do is walk beside them as they learn to face them — sometimes they’ll succeed, sometimes they’ll stumble, and both outcomes matter.

By being present, asking the right questions, and celebrating the process, we can help them build the kind of resilience and self-belief that lasts well beyond the classroom.

Scott Watters is the CEO of LifeChanger Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young Australians to thrive through self-awareness, resilience, and community connection.

Originally published as LifeChanger CEO Scott Watters shares how to transform exam stress into lifelong learning