I received (through hard work, ownership, responsibility, persistence and persistence) my best results when I was in an uncomfortable state. Drum it into those students, they need it and will (someday if they actually follow your lead) will remember the person who helped instil it in them.
I hope so! I think kids get it pretty easy these days. I know they have their shit to deal with as well - it's not an easy world to grow up in - but a lot of them are also cushioned a bit too much. You HAVE to struggle to grow and learn. I repeat that idea like a mantra.
Kids: 'It's really hard!'
Me: 'Good! You're learning!'
Kids: 'I can't do it!'
Me: 'Yet! You can't do it YET! Of course yoou can't do it NOW - you're learning! STruggle is good! Keep up the good struggle!
and etc.
Copy that, loud and clear.
I think they sometimes forget that we were once kids and growing up was also difficult at times, maybe different reasons, but difficulties are difficulties.
Have you got Netflix? I ask because I just completed a post (for tomorrow) about a doco I think you may be interested in. Knowing you, you might already have seen it, or have some concepts around the situation. Just letting you know; Not asking you to read the post, but click the link to the doco if you want a good watch.