A Powerful Little Word!

Have you tried to learn a new skill recently? Set out to pursue a new challenge, opportunity or venture? It might be as simple as adding a new recipe to the weekly family menu or as complex as learning a new language. Regardless of the scope of the challenge, there are opportunities for growth and development everywhere, and how we approach it is up to us! 

I have to admit, I don’t spend much time on social media, but every time I do, there is a new recipe reel that seems to find its way into my feed. I like to cook, but tend to play it safe when dinner time comes around – sticking to the same menu items, knowing that they are quick, tasty and generally well received by the family! 

Recently I noticed that instead of stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new, I have found myself regularly forwarding these reels to my daughter. She is adventurous, will try something new and as a result, her repertoire for evening dinners is much more extensive and exciting than mine. Every time I press the send button, I am making a choice, and closing the opportunity to upskill and develop in the process.

Within the school context, our students are faced with multiple challenges and opportunities to learn and step out of their comfort zone every day. Like my experience in the kitchen, they could choose to play it safe and only do tasks that they feel comfortable with, ones that don’t challenge them to develop new skills and grow. 

But what I love about our DCC students is this – daily they are prepared to embrace new ideas and skills. They are not afraid to have a go, and they appreciate that being a learner who has a Growth Mindset is one who can grow and progress over time with a whole lot of effort, energy and commitment. And our young learners understand the importance of a powerful little word that can turn their thinking around. That word being YET! 

Instead of saying I can’t, I won’t, I don’t understand, or this doesn’t make sense, adding YET to the end of each phrase can be the turning point to any challenge that is before us.

I can’t do this….yet!

I don’t understand this….yet!

This doesn’t work….yet!

It’s such a simple word, but it is so powerful and effective. I know I could do with a little more ‘yet’ in my life…and maybe my family would appreciate something new and delicious as a result! 

The next time you hear your child say “I can’t”, prompt them to add this powerful little word to the end of their statement, and see how it can help turn their CAN’T into CAN over time.