I suspect that over the years many of my students have become sick of hearing my response when they say they can’t do something. I have continually maintained my ignorance of understanding or even acknowledging the existence of that word – can’t. Of course, they try to slip in the ‘cannot’ version, but again I deny any comprehension of what they are referring to. The truth is, if we say we can or can’t, chances are that we will be correct in either case.
No one enjoys experiencing failure but saying that we can’t do something, whatever it is, stands in the way of giving it a go. I always encourage my students to go for it, give it a try, their best shot, and if at first they don’t succeed, then chances are they are very much the same as every other imperfect human being. Mistakes are great and simply learning opportunities.
As a parent I believe that the two most important things we can wish for our children is that they are happy and feel good about themselves – have a healthy self-esteem. The pressures today are considerable. Social media and selfies have resulted in many young people drawing on the ‘like’ responses of friends and acquaintances, even strangers, to support their self image, often to their detriment. It is a sad situation when the opinions of random people affect how someone feels about themselves. If we are told often enough that we are ugly, useless and can’t do whatever, then it is possible that we will finally believe it.
I tell my students that they can do anything and, do you know what? I believe it!
Check out this short five minute clip, Never Say Can’t. It is inspiring, hope you enjoy it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPdmXsQMmBc
Have a happy and safe term break.
Kind regards,
Rodney
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