I have always been afraid of failure, embarrassment and my list continues on.
My profession is a teacher of first graders and recently I have been trying to get them to grasp the concept of having a growth mindset; which really translates to understanding that they will make many mistakes along their learning journey.
As teachers we walk a fine line of not becoming frustrated with our blessings when they cannot do something. And really, it falls down to us. We first have to figure out how they learn at home and translate that learning style into classroom strategies. Unfortunately, we spend too much time telling parents foolish things like my colleague does about working with their child; when many parents are working multiple jobs and just don’t have the time; or they do not have confidence in their abilities to teach and leave that up to the educators.
My post is not about teachers, but about my venture into the world of small business. I have had a dream for many years of starting a crafting business, where people purchase my handmade items like wire wrapped jewelry, crocheted shawls and ponchos, handmade candles, uniquely abled dolls.
Yet, I have been so discouraged because I looked to my friends for support and very few bought anything. So, I did the next best thing which was to just try to give away things I made to gain a following. That did not work either. Finally, I just gave up like many of my students do. I had amassed a lot of items made over the years and one day just gave them all to Goodwill. I became negative! Why not? No one liked my items. I was not making any money.
Recently, I realized that failure brings a growth mindset. What have I learned about failing? Well, I think I learned that if having a successful business means having to fail, then when I do I have to get back up again and start all over. So, I have. I am launching my website. I am exposing myself to criticism, dislike, and potentially disgruntled customers. How will I survive this new world? I think by trusting my vision and accepting the criticisms and complaints with a growth mindset to help me to do better.
I hope my students in the upcoming 2024-2025 school year can do the same.
Healing Cultural Artifacts 