mixed emotions

So, it is 3:08 on the Friday before spring break. The children were dismissed 23 minutes ago. And I am not sure how I feel.

I am looking forward to this break. I have already started reflected back on the chunk of the year that has passed. I believe I have seen a lot of success and growth in my students. I have developed some great relationships with parents, students, and staff. Did I do things perfectly? Of course not. But, I know I can learn from my mistakes. I can shoot for more than what I got last time. This break will give me the time to really reflect on how I can improve my performance and continue to move forward.

The mindset I embrace tells me that I am flexible, that my abilities are never fixed, and that I should constantly grow, learn, and try new things...even if those things aren't so easy at first.

The growth mindset allows people to try things that are difficult for them. The growth mindset values effort of any kind of fixed ability or intelligence. People who are growth mindset oriented are those who come out stronger in the face of adversity. They see a fall as an opportunity to rise back up.

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."- Thomas Edison.

That is a growth mindset mentality.

Fixed mindset people often give up quickly when they fail or something is difficult. They believe that ability and intelligence is fixed. They believe in talent over effort, practice, dedication, and hard work.

In my growth mindset I know that I am continually learning, growing, and changing.

And this is part of what I will reflect on over this glorious and much needed break.