Give What You've Got

 

"My foot hurts."

"I'm on my period."

"I'm tired."

"I forgot my supplies."

"I was absent that day."

Excuses abound when people choose not to give their 100% in life.  Sadly, those excuses are often the same things that keep us from reaching our goals.  Yes, a balance of hard work and relaxation are important; and yes, accommodations need to be made for special circumstances and needs.  What I'm talking about, though, is when we take advantage of unnecessary opportunities to "relax", and when we try to use accommodations as a crutch that stops us from trying to walk and work with the strength we actually have.    

From day one in a Promethean Spark class, students are informed that we expect their 100%.  It's part of our class rules:  "Never, never, never, never, NEVER give up!  100%!"  Every day thereafter, we drill it.  If we catch them slacking off and only giving part of their energy and part of their attention, they know it.  We demand 100%.  The trick is to recognize what one's 100% is, and to give it.  

So, your foot hurts?  You can still dance with your arms.  Can you stand?  Okay, be gentle on that foot, but do everything else full out.

You're on your period?  Cool, me too!  Let's do this together.  You're cramping?  Good news-- exercise actually helps reduce the pain!  (It releases endorphins which block pain receptors.)

You're tired?  Moving can actually help you generate energy that will wake your mind up!  It's mostly physical fatigue?  See how much you can still give; we will have time to rest soon. 

You forgot your supplies? Ask around to see if someone will share some paper and a pen with you.  They don't have anything to offer you?  Be sure to sit close to the front where you can stay focused and involved in the lesson without getting distracted.

You were absent that day?  Ask someone to help you catch up on what you missed, and see what assignments you need to make up.  

Don't let excuses hold you back.  Turn potential excuses into a prompt to think outside the box, and find a way to prove to yourself that you actually CAN do things.  Give what you've got.  

Your 100% will not look the same every day, but you will ALWAYS have something to offer.  Even if you're sick in bed, you still have something to offer.  Give it.  Give what you've got.  If you want to reach your goals, if you want to become smarter / better / faster / stronger with something, give what you've got.  

"Live at your limits, and your limits will change." ~ Shaun Parry

Photo by Zakaria (translator)