The Power of Yet
Yet is such a small word, but it holds so much power. A simple “Yet” added to the end of a sentence can release a student from uncertainly, indecision, and perfectionism.
What are you going to major in? “I don’t know.”
The answer feels defeating. The question itself somehow implies students should know what the next five years has in store for them. But a simple “yet” added at the end of their answer implies that they are actively pursuing possibilities. They are limitless!
- What are you going to major in? “I don’t know, yet.”
- Will your CLEP credits transfer? “I don’t know, yet.”
- What will you do if you graduate from college early? “I don’t know, yet!”
Encourage your students to add this simple yet powerful word to the end of their sentences and declare with boldness that though they may not know what the future holds, it will be intentional, thoughtful, and purposeful.
Earning a Degree is not the same as Going to College. Plan your End Game and avoid the traditional admission-only plan.
Being Coachable
Today’s employers are looking for team members who are coachable. Being willing to learn is key to keeping up with technology, a global economy, and a multicultural workforce and customer base. The best way for an organization or business to ensure growth of new ideas is by developing a workforce that is comfortable with not knowing but is eager to figure it out!
YET is a powerful word to bring into your job. “I don’t know how to do that” is a phrase that implies limitations. Add the word YET and you have just signaled you are willing to learn. Whether you are interviewing for your first job, or you have experience in that role, letting an employer know you are coachable and eager to learn will help you stand out.
Being a Lifelong Learner
Parents play a significant role in helping their children develop persistence. Remind your students that learning involves a level of unfamiliarity. When presented with a challenging lesson, encourage them to get comfortable with not having the answer today, but believing that with persistence, they will learn the concept.
Encourage your students to add the word YET when talking about a difficult math, reading, or music lesson. “I don’t know how to do it, yet.” That is a sentence we can never outgrow.
Finally, be a life-long learner yourself Encourage your students to use this simple but powerful word by modeling a Growth Mindset.
Professor Carol Dweck teaches:
Growth Mindset: “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”
Fixed Mindset: “In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.”
Whether a student holds a fixed mindset or growth mindset significantly impacts their learning experience—from elementary to high school. Students that hold a fixed mindset often give up when they can’t solve a problem and easily admit defeat. With a growth mindset, students continually work to improve their skills, and accept challenges as part of the learning process.
Questions for Consideration and Discussion:
- Which mindset do you more easily model?
- Does your student view you as a life-long learner (growth mindset)?
- Is it easier for you to encourage others to TRY and believe in their potential than to believe in your own potential?
- Is there a time this week that you could have used the word YET at the end of one of your sentences?
- How would using YET impact your student’s learning experiences?
- Was there an opportunity this week to celebrate your student’s growth mindset amid a challenge?
- After being intentional about modeling and encouraging a growth mindset, have you noticed a difference in your student’s willingness to tackle learning challenges?
Dweck, C. (2015) Carol Dweck Revisits the ‘Growth Mindset’. Education Week.
Copyright © 2019 Cheri Frame – All Rights Reserved.
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