Perserverance

Again with a manifesto. Habitudes in the Classroom - Teaching the Habits and Attitudes our Students Need in the 21st Century.

There are several Habitudes the author lists but for today, I want to focus on Perseverance.

...steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Obviously, if you're reading this blog, you are old enough to understand that obstacles get in the way of what you are trying to accomplish. Even young kids understand this -- they might not like it -- they might fight against it -- but they understand it happens. (wait ... doesn't that apply to all but the most sanguine of us???)

The big question then is -- what do we do when faced with an obstacle? Do we chuck all our good intentions out the window until tomorrow? (maybe sometimes)

Do we give up?

Do we try again? Learn from the situation? Find a way to go over, around, or through the obstacle? I hope so!

"Persevering learners view failure as a learning experience, using each mistake as tuition and each situation as an opportunity to lean something new."

Does this describe you? Are you viewing each eating opportunity to learn something new? Are you curious about how much sugar is too much for you? How much protein you can eat before you feel sluggish? How few bites it really takes to alleviate your physical hunger?

Obstacles happen in learning a new skill. You don't get to have the perfect environment to develop those skills (and even if you did -- you would still need to learn how to using them in the real, less-than-perfect world).

Are you going to persevere today?