Picture yourself behind the wheel, cruising down the road when suddenly, someone cuts in front of you without warning. Instead of considering that they might be running late or simply didn’t see you due to a blind spot, you instantly label them as a reckless driver.
Now, think about when you find yourself in a similar situation. You swiftly justify your own actions, perhaps thinking, “I had to switch lanes because I’m late for a crucial meeting.” Here, you attribute your behavior to external circumstances, like time pressure, conveniently excusing yourself.
This phenomenon is what we call the fundamental attribution error. It’s the human tendency to overly attribute others’ actions to inherent traits (it’s who they are – they are inconsiderate) while underestimating the influence of external factors. Meanwhile, when it comes to our own behavior, we readily acknowledge situational factors, like being in a rush (it’s not my fault – I had valid reason – I am a considerate person).
So, next time you’re tempted to judge someone’s actions, remember the fundamental attribution error.
In a world seemingly obsessed with success and achievement, failure often carries a heavy stigma. We are conditioned to fear failure, to see it as a setback, a mark of incompetence or inadequacy. Yet, what if we were to shift our perspective and see failure not as an end, but as a crucial step toward something better?
Wendell Phillips, a prominent 19th-century American orator and abolitionist, once said, “What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first steps to something better.” These words resonate deeply in our journey towards personal and professional growth. They remind us that failure is not the opposite of success; rather, it is an integral part of the journey towards it.
Think about it – every great success story is peppered with failures, setbacks, and challenges. From Thomas Edison’s numerous attempts before inventing the light bulb to J.K. Rowling facing rejection from multiple publishers before Harry Potter became a global phenomenon, failure has been a common denominator in their paths to success.
So why is it that we fear failure so much? Part of it stems from societal pressures and expectations. We live in a culture that celebrates success and often overlooks the struggles and failures that pave the way to it. As a result, we internalize this fear, afraid to take risks or step outside our comfort zones for fear of falling short.
But what if we were to embrace failure as a teacher, a mentor guiding us towards growth and improvement? What if we were to view each setback as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve?
One of the biggest hurdles to embracing failure is our own mindset. We are conditioned to see failure as a reflection of our worth or abilities, rather than as a natural part of the learning process. But the truth is, failure is not a reflection of who we are; it is simply a temporary detour on the road to success.
When we allow ourselves to fail, we open the door to innovation, creativity, and resilience. We learn valuable lessons that we would never have learned otherwise. We discover new strengths, uncover hidden talents, and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our capabilities.
Moreover, embracing failure fosters a growth mindset – the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Instead of seeing challenges as insurmountable obstacles, we see them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
So how can we overcome our fear of failure and embrace it as a catalyst for growth? It starts with changing our mindset. Rather than seeing failure as something to be avoided at all costs, we should see it as an inevitable part of the journey towards success.
We should also cultivate resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adversity. Instead of dwelling on our failures, we should use them as fuel to propel us forward. We should celebrate our efforts, not just our achievements, and recognize that failure is not the end of the road, but merely a stepping stone to something greater.
You’re far more powerful than you realize. Every day, you wield the incredible ability to shape how you perceive the events unfolding around you and how you choose to respond to them. It’s a power that’s uniquely yours, and no one can strip it away unless you willingly surrender it. No one.
Now, if you’re content with wallowing in the murky depths of helpless victimhood, then feel free to close this tab and carry on with your day. But if you’re yearning for a reminder of the extraordinary personal power you wield, then by all means, keep reading.
Here are five pro tips you can implement today to supercharge your personal power:
Recognize Your Agency: At the heart of personal power lies the recognition of one’s agency – the understanding that you have the ability to shape your responses and outcomes. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance, focus on what is within your control. Your thoughts, actions, and choices are powerful tools in navigating professional interactions.
Embrace Emotional Resilience: Educators face myriad emotions daily, from joy and fulfillment to frustration and disappointment. It’s crucial to cultivate emotional resilience, the ability to bounce back from setbacks and remain centered amidst chaos. We can acknowledge our emotions without letting them dictate our responses. Practice mindfulness and self-awareness to maintain emotional equilibrium even in challenging situations.
Own Your Narrative: Let’s face it, no one looks forward to crucial conversations, however, true empowerment comes from taking ownership of one’s narrative. Instead of viewing conflicts as battles to be won or lost, approach them as opportunities for growth and understanding. Seek to understand perspectives, communicate assertively, and take proactive steps to resolve conflicts directly.
Practice Radical Acceptance: The power of radical acceptance is in the ability to accept things as they are, without judgment or resistance. This means acknowledging that not every colleague will share your values or act in ways that align with your expectations. Rather than dwelling on perceived wrongs or injustices, focus on what you can learn from each interaction and how you can adapt and grow as a professional.
Cultivate a Supportive Community: Personal power is not about isolation but about building meaningful connections and support networks. Surround yourself with colleagues who uplift and inspire you, who share your commitment to growth and excellence. Lean on each other for guidance and encouragement.
As educators, you hold the power to shape not only the minds of your students but also the culture of your educational communities. By embracing personal power, you unlock the potential for greater fulfillment, resilience, and professional growth.
Remember, true empowerment begins from within. Take back your personal power, one mindful step at a time, and witness the transformative impact it has on your professional journey.
Discrimination can often lurk in the shadows, subtly shaping our interactions and perpetuating inequities. Here in the Sequim School District we have an Equity Statement that says,
“The Sequim School District is dedicated to pursuing a learning environment that provides students with the best resources they deserve regardless of their social status or color of their skin. You have our unyielding commitment to work towards this righteous pursuit.
We continue to stand for equity, for our staff and administrators to be equipped with the skills to have these critical conversations with students and one another, to work together to build a community of equity, safety, and belonging, to show our students how to imagine and build justice-driven futures.”
We have said we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all, so it’s crucial that we recognize and address the less overt ways in which discrimination may manifest. Let’s take a few moments to explore a few of the more subtle forms of discrimination that may go unnoticed in our daily interactions.
Microaggressions
These are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that convey discriminatory attitudes toward marginalized groups. Whether it’s a backhanded compliment, a dismissive gesture, or a casual remark rooted in stereotypes, microaggressions can chip away at an individual’s sense of belonging and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Because such comments are many times unintentional, it is incumbent upon all of us to educate ourselves to avoid inadvertently engaging in this behavior. If you are interested in digging a little deeper into this topic, I recommend the Harvard Business Review article, Recognizing and Responding to Microaggressions at Work.
Cultural Imposition
Cultural imposition refers to the act of imposing one’s own cultural beliefs, values, and practices onto individuals or groups from different cultural backgrounds, often without considering or respecting their perspectives or traditions. It can occur consciously or unconsciously and can have detrimental effects on the autonomy, dignity, and well-being of those subjected to it. This can look like expecting everyone to speak a particular language, scheduling important events or meetings on religious holidays without considering the religious beliefs of participants, assuming that everyone celebrates holidays in the same way or adheres to the same dietary restrictions, assuming that everyone adheres to traditional family structures or gender roles, or other such cultural insensitivity.
Implicit Bias in Decision-Making
Implicit bias, or unconscious attitudes and stereotypes that influence our perceptions and behaviors, can seep into our decision-making processes, impacting everything from student discipline to hiring practices. It’s essential that we examine our own biases and work proactively to mitigate their influence, ensuring that our actions align with our commitment to equity and inclusion.
What Discrimination Isn’t
While discrimination takes many forms, wisdom tells us to distinguish between behaviors that are genuinely discriminatory and those that are not. Discrimination is not:
Setting Boundaries
Asserting personal and professional boundaries or enforcing workplace policies does not constitute discrimination. It’s important to establish clear guidelines for respectful behavior and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
Merit-Based Decisions
Making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and performance is not discriminatory. Evaluating candidates and employees objectively, regardless of their background or identity, fosters a fair and inclusive environment where individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their contributions.
Addressing Bias
Acknowledging and addressing unconscious bias is not discriminatory; it’s a critical step toward creating a more equitable society. By confronting implicit biases and challenging prejudiced attitudes through the lens of civility, we can cultivate empathy, promote understanding, and dismantle systemic barriers to equality.
In conclusion, discrimination in all its forms undermines the principles of equality and justice upon which our society is built. By raising awareness of hidden forms of discrimination and dispelling misconceptions surrounding certain behaviors, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. Let us commit to fostering environments where diversity is celebrated, differences are respected, and every individual is afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.
The Sequim School District has a policy and procedure for navigating this important topic. If you’d like to know more, or if you would like us to address a concern, please reach out to your supervisor or directly to me as the Civil Rights Coordinator.
“The fear you feel is a sign. If courage is never required in your life, you’re living a boring life. Put yourself in a position that demands you leap.” – Ryan Holiday
In our work together, courage can emerge as a defining trait, guiding us through challenges and shaping our interactions with others. It’s not always about grand gestures or heroic acts but rather about the quiet strength to confront uncomfortable truths and have honest conversations.
In our professional environments, especially, the courage to engage in candid discussions can be transformative. Yet, too often, we find ourselves in cultures where people talk about each other but not to each other. Gossip becomes the norm, and our fragility stifles honest dialogue beneath layers of unspoken tension.
Speaking directly and openly is scary, but our fear should not be a barrier but a signpost on the path to growth. A life devoid of courage is one lived within the confines of mediocrity, where opportunities for genuine connection and meaningful change slip through our fingers.
Challenge yourself:
When you notice a conversation spiraling into gossip, summon the courage to acknowledge it for what it is and steer towards a more constructive dialogue. As Eleanor Roosevelt said: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
If you catch yourself attributing ulterior motives to someone, challenge your assumptions. Don’t blindly accept your thoughts; instead, muster the courage to seek clarity. This simple act serves a dual purpose: 1) If your suspicions are validated, you expose the truth, potentially preventing future occurrences of the behavior. 2) If you’re mistaken, you save yourself from needless anguish that could span hours, days, or even years.
When someone has the courage to confront you with truth, set aside defensiveness and embrace reflection. Own your part and thank them for caring enough to risk speaking up.
Bottom line, choose courage. It is our willingness to confront discomfort that propels us forward, both personally and professionally.
Steve Jobs once posed a question that continues to resonate deeply: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I’m about to do today?” It’s a question that cuts to the core of our existence, challenging us to confront the fleeting nature of our time on this earth.
At its essence, Jobs’ inquiry embodies the ancient concept of memento mori – a reminder of our mortality. While contemplating our own impermanence may seem daunting, it serves as a catalyst for profound self-reflection.
Consider for a moment the impact of every word we speak and every action we take. Each interaction, however fleeting, leaves an imprint on the fabric of our lives and the lives of those around us. If today were indeed our last, would we be proud of the legacy we leave behind?
This reflection invites us to pause and consider the motives behind our words and deeds. Are we seeking to uplift and inspire, or do our actions serve to tear down and diminish – if only a little? Wouldn’t you rather shape a legacy defined by integrity, honesty, kindness, empathy, and authenticity?
Every day offers us an opportunity to rewrite the narrative of our lives, to choose compassion over indifference and generosity over scarcity.
So today, begin with the end in mind. Live with purpose and intention. Move to the high road. Memento mori.
If you’ve never heard of it, I highly recommend picking up a little book called, “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday. It is full of truth bombs that can help shift our unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors toward healthier states of mind. Like this little nugget for example:
“You know what’s better than building things up in your imagination? Building things up in real life.”
How often do we find ourselves lost in the labyrinth of our own thoughts, constructing scenarios in our minds that are far more daunting or complex than they are in reality? The habit of building situations up in our heads can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and a distorted perception of the challenges we face.
Imagination is a double-edged sword. While it allows us to dream, create, and envision possibilities, it also has the potential to amplify our fears and concerns beyond reason. We ruminate on what might go wrong, playing out scenarios that may never come to pass. This cycle of overthinking can be paralyzing, hindering our ability to take decisive action.
Holiday’s quote encourages us to shift our focus from the mental construction of problems to the physical construction of solutions. Instead of dwelling on what could happen, we are prompted to engage in the proactive and tangible process of building in the real world. Action becomes the antidote to overthinking, providing a healthier and more productive outlet for our energy.
When we immerse ourselves in the act of building things in real life, we break the loop of anxious thoughts. Taking concrete steps toward our goals empowers us and dispels the illusions created by our imagination. It allows us to confront challenges with a grounded perspective, realizing that the perceived enormity of a situation is often a product of our own mental exaggeration.
Building things in “real life” harnesses transformative power of action. By engaging in the physical world, we not only address immediate concerns but also cultivate a habit of resilience. Each step taken, no matter how small, becomes a triumph over the inertia of overthinking. It’s a reminder that progress is made through deeds, not just thoughts.
This is a call to arms against the tendency to overthink. Let’s break free from the confines of our minds and embrace the healthier choice of action over rumination. By doing so, we not only navigate challenges more effectively but also reclaim control over our lives, one tangible step at a time. So, let’s silence the noise in our heads and let our hands create the reality we desire.
Creating a safe and respectful environment is paramount within our school district. As dedicated employees, we must be vigilant in identifying and addressing all forms of sexual harassment, including the subtle ones that can often go unnoticed. While we have all done our Vector training for the year by now (right?), it never hurts to continue to raise awareness about these subtleties, empowering you to recognize and combat sexual harassment in all its forms.
Verbal Microaggressions: Subtle derogatory comments, jokes, or remarks regarding someone’s appearance, clothing, or personal life can create an unwelcoming atmosphere. Despite their initial appearance as harmless, these statements can be offensive or unsuitable. It’s crucial to understand that the impact of the comment depends on how the listener interprets it, rather than the speaker’s intention.
Unwanted Advances or Attention: Unwanted compliments, persistent requests for social interaction, or invasive questioning about personal matters can be indicative of sexual harassment. Be aware of personal boundaries and the importance of respecting them.
Exclusion or Isolation: Deliberate exclusion from meetings, social gatherings, or work-related events based on gender can be a subtle form of harassment. Do your part to promote an environment where all employees feel valued and included.
Innuendos and Suggestive Comments: Comments that carry sexual innuendos or double meanings can make others uncomfortable. This is a professional place of work, and not only that, we are setting examples for our students. Refuse to engage in such dialogue as there is never an acceptable time to do so in the work place.
Unfair Treatment: Allocating tasks, projects, or duties based on gender, or treating individuals disparately due to their gender, can represent a subtle yet impactful type of harassment. Take on the role of an equality advocate and remain vigilant about influential biases.
Respect and professionalism are non-negotiable. By being aware of the subtle forms of sexual harassment, we can work together to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful school district for everyone. It is the responsibility of each of us to contribute to a positive work environment, and by doing so, we can prevent and address sexual harassment in all its manifestations. Refamiliarize yourself with our Policy and Procedure 5011 and 5011P and remember, reporting and addressing these issues promptly can make a significant difference in the lives of our colleagues and the overall atmosphere within our school district.
Before you ELA teachers scold me, I am not the one who coined the term “unmessablewith.” I heard it first from Josselyne Herman-Saccio, and she coaches CEOs, athletes, rock stars and movie stars, so it’s okay. She also says what I’m going to attempt below in a much better way, so if you’d like to skip the prosaic and move straight to the profound, click HERE.
Being unmessablewith means that there is nothing that can distract you from your dreams. In essence, it is the state of being so deeply rooted in one’s purpose and self-worth that external circumstances, criticisms, or setbacks cannot shake our inner foundation.
Let’s explore practical steps to infuse our lives with this empowering philosophy.
Define Your Dreams:
Start by clearly defining your dreams. What aspirations ignite your passion? Whether it’s creating a more welcoming school environment, mastering a new skill, or fostering stronger community connections, identifying your dreams is the first step toward making them a reality.
Cultivate Self-Awareness:
Being “unmessablewith” begins with a deep understanding of oneself. Reflect on your strengths, values, and the impact you wish to make. Acknowledge areas for growth without letting self-doubt cloud your vision. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of resilience.
Set Concrete Goals:
Transform dreams into achievable goals. Break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s attending professional development workshops, initiating a community outreach program, or enhancing your skills, clear and tangible goals propel you forward.
Embrace Growth Mindset:
Foster a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey, knowing that each obstacle brings valuable lessons. A resilient mindset is the key to staying “unmessablewith” in the face of adversity.
Develop a Support System:
Build a network of support within our diverse school community. Connect with colleagues, share your dreams, and learn from one another. A supportive community not only offers encouragement but also provides valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.
Prioritize Self-Care:
To be “unmessablewith,” prioritize self-care. Ensure that you allocate time for rest, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy. A well-nurtured self is better equipped to face challenges and remain steadfast in the pursuit of dreams.
Take Bold Action:
Becoming “unmessablewith” requires action. Step outside your comfort zone, take risks, and embrace opportunities for growth. Each small action contributes to the momentum needed to turn dreams into reality.
Celebrate Progress:
Acknowledge and celebrate each milestone achieved. Recognizing progress, no matter how small, reinforces the belief that your dreams are within reach. Celebrate not only your accomplishments but also those of your colleagues, fostering a culture of shared success.
I know there are many things we face each and every day that might feel pretty messed-up, and it’s easy for me to rattle off a list of things you already know to do. But I really like viewing our challenges as opportunities to learn to be “unmessablewith.” Imagine the possibilities if you could move through each day in a state of unshakeable purpose that guides you to your true north.
In the spirit of “unmessablewith,” let us dismantle the barriers that stand between us and our dreams. Challenges may arise, but they are mere ripples in the vast ocean of possibility. Take a moment to reflect on the goals you’ve set for yourself and for our educational community. Are there perceived limitations that can be reframed as opportunities for growth? Can setbacks be viewed as stepping stones toward greater achievements?
Remember that the power to turn dreams into reality lies within each one of us. Let the spirit of resilience, self-awareness, and supportive community guide us toward the fulfillment of our aspirations.