Thursday, January 12, 2012

Open Your Mind

You can learn to keep an open mind and be optimistic about what you can accomplish!  Even in the teaching climate in which we find ourselves, where test scores are so "important" and you are being asked to do the "impossible" and being pulled in more directions than you thought possible.

I promise!  You can do it.

But it's gonna take some work. Instead of falling into the pattern of defending your beliefs and ideas, try taking the approach that anything is possible. Consider what your school district, superintendent, principal, or instructional coach has to say.  Even if your initial response is to laugh in their FACE!  Step back.  Consider the possibilities.  Get creative.  Is there a way to make things work?  Could you possibly be missing a piece of the puzzle?  Is it possible to change your view?

I'm not saying that you should always change your mind.  Don't become a wishy-washy "wet noodle." Just be open to CONSIDERING another point-of-view.  No fair PRETENDING to be open.  Really take a stab at it!

That's my challenge for you today!

BTW, ever heard of the book, Mindset, by Carol S. Dweck, P.H. D.?
It speaks to this topic quite well!  Check it out. Literally!  Or buy it.
Or at least go to the web site and take the quiz to find out about your
own mindset!

http://mindsetonline.com/testyourmindset/step1.php
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success