But You Did

On By LaurenMKaufmanIn 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values, 2. Ethics and Professional Norms, 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel, 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff, Professional Standards For Educational Leaders

The other day, I was drawn to the only blurry photo I have from my first year of teaching in 2006. The photo survived Hurricane Sandy in 2012 when my house flooded. I remember clearly shaking the water off the photo and setting it out to dry by the window.

The picture shows me perched in the middle of my classroom on Halloween day, dressed up among a sea of costumed kids. It dates back to just two months into my teaching career, a time when everything was new and felt unfamiliar. Looking at the photo, I was reminded of the many times I navigated the unknown, embracing the challenges and surprises of each moment in the classroom. There were times I thought, “I can’t do this,” BUT I DID.

Scrolling through social media this week, I paused at an illustration by Janis Ozolins that was shared by organizational psychologist and best selling author, Adam Grant. Take a moment to really look at what the illustration and words convey. Do you see yourself in it? Your past self doubting with “I can’t do this,” only to find that YOU DID. Your future self, considering “Maybe I can do this” and realizing “YES, YOU CAN.”

Illustration by Janis Ozolins

When you reflect on the different versions of your past self, what do you see?

Perhaps you see that time you received a rejection from an interview and thought, “I can’t do this again,” BUT YOU DID.

Maybe you recall teaching a lesson that you meticulously planned, only to realize it wasn’t resonating with your students. At that moment, you probably pivoted on the plan and may have thought to yourself, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID. 

Do you remember having a difficult conversation with a parent, colleague, or student that felt uncomfortable and heavy on your heart and mind? Before it even happened, did you say, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID?

Was there a moment when you were asked to implement a new curriculum or approach to teaching just as you were hitting your stride with the familiar one? Perhaps you thought, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID.

Maybe it was when you decided to earn another education credential to grow your skill set and support your students and colleagues. You may have wondered how you could manage to find the time to add more to your already full plate, BUT YOU DID.

What about that time you tried everything you could to reach a student who was struggling, determined to help them? You may have considered the idea of “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID because you relentlessly care about the social, emotional and intellectual success of every student you encounter. 

Can you relate? How many times throughout your journey have you said, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID?

Your past selves form a bridge to your future. How many times have you doubted yourself, only to discover later that you succeeded? In those moments, you may have said, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID.

In the same post I mentioned above, Adam Grant shared the following: “Confidence doesn’t always come from believing in yourself today. It often stems from recalling the obstacles you overcame yesterday. A history of resilience can silence self-doubt. Challenges conquered are clues to hidden strengths. Past progress is proof of future potential.” 

This quote deeply resonated with me as I have watched you, dedicated educators, navigate the ebbs and flows of your journeys. Through the celebrations, learning, joy, and obstacles you’ve encountered step by step, you’ve unveiled hidden strengths and potential.

On Adam Grant’s Re:Thinking podcast, recent guest psychologist and neuroscientist Charan Ranganath noted, “Many of our truths we cling to depend on our own perspectives.” Often, you shape your own stories by bringing past experiences and versions of yourself into the present, all while building a bridge to your future.

When I pulled that photo out of four feet of water, I didn’t think it would survive against the odds. 

But it did. 

Remember, your past selves form a bridge to your future. I know there will still be times you’ll say, “I can’t do this,” I know all about it… I will too. BUT YOU WILL. 

I know YOU CAN. 

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow

Reflect on Personal and Team Successes: Take time to reflect on past experiences of overcoming challenges and doubts, both individually and as a team. This reflection can help boost confidence and resilience when facing new obstacles. Encourage educators to share their reflections with colleagues to foster a culture of perseverance and support.
Integrate Stories of Perseverance into Instruction: Share personal stories of challenges and triumphs with students and staff to inspire and motivate them. By discussing how you or your team have navigated through “I can’t do this” moments and emerged successfully, you can create a learning environment that values persistence and growth, helping both educators and students build confidence in their abilities.