TIP #10: The Power of ‘YET’
This one small word can offer enormous encouragement. The power of ‘yet’ can mean the difference between success and failure, between persevering and giving up.
When kids learn to add “yet” to their vocabulary, their self-talk goes from, “I can’t do it” to “I can’t do it… yet”. This simple twist doesn’t remove the challenge but rather “adjusts” a child’s attitude from one of defeat to one of belief in their ability to persevere and grow.
Merriam-Webster defines “perseverance” as the “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition” (emphasis mine).
“Continued effort” is the key, but it can be hard for kids to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the gap between where they are and where they want to be – in their art ability or in any area where they want to improve. Teaching kids to be mindful of the words they use, and adding the word “yet” to their vocabulary, can help them develop a growth mindset that will benefit them their entire life.
Check out this blog post for my “Rules to Live By…” for more ways that words can increase the “positive vibe” in your art room and beyond!
an inspiring quote:
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela
This quote can apply to creating large-scale change, like Nelson Mandela level change, but also to the many small-scale changes involved in working on our own personal growth.
For many kids, learning a new skill can seem completely daunting at first. At times, the anxiety and frustration they feel when addressing a challenge can be enough to make them want to give up.
This is why perseverance is so important for kids. Every time we can encourage them to stick with a difficult task all the way to completion, their confidence grows a little bit more. With enough small wins behind them, who knows what “impossible” things they might achieve!