The Counseling Corner
Perseverance & Grit
Character Trait for January: Perseverance
- Perseverance is a continued effort to do or achieve something. Perseverance requires working hard and finishing what you start.
- Perseverance means overcoming barriers and obstacles that get in your way. It also requires have a positive and growth mindset.
- The satisfaction of completing tasks builds our confidence and is important in building trust in our own abilities. Sometimes we have to dig deep to overcome thoughts of giving up.
Perseverance Requires Grit!
- The ability to stick to long-term goals
- The ability to keep going despite adversity
How We Increase Grit
•Practice, practice, practice
•Forgive yourself for mistakes and setbacks
•Develop a growth mindset
•Get up after you fall down
•Surround yourself with other hardworking and encouraging people
•Remember, perfection is NOT the goal!
•Learn how to motivate yourself through music, art, or positive self-talk
•Focus on effort and not results
•Know your worth and importance
Affirm Yourself
Affirmation Examples
1. I believe in myself.
2. I can build self-esteem when I step outside my comfort zone.
3. It is enough to do my best.
4. I give myself permission to make mistakes.
5. I will trust myself.
6. Today I will spread positive energy.
7. I deserve my dreams.
8. Mistakes are opportunities for growth
9. My voice matters.
10. I am beautiful inside and out.
Baby Steps
There is a saying, How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Okay, you don't have to eat an elephant! This saying means that even a really big challenge is possible if you do it in small steps. For example, if you have a goal of increasing your math grade break your goal down into smaller action plans to help achieve it. The first week, pick a time to do 5 extra minutes of review each day. The next week, make it your goal to study 2x with a friend. This way focus on only on one small goal at a time, and it won't seem so overwhelming.
Social Skills
How To Support a Friend Who Is Struggling
What People Don't See...
60 Articles to Improve Yourself Based on Science and Research
Academic Tips & Strategies
1. Timers: Break up big goals into smaller goals that you can complete in 10 minutes or less. Set your timer and go! As you start to complete the small goals your confidence will grow in tackling the big ones.
2. Phone Apps: Flashcards+, Evernote, and myHomework Student Planner are all great apps for keeping track of assignments. You can also use apps to reminders and timers on your phone. Remember to set your timer for breaks too!
3. Journals/Agendas: Successful people write down their goals as well as things they need to remember. You can also use a journal to make lists or to write about how you are feeling.
4. Inspiration Board: Sometimes we need a visual reminder of our dreams. Create a vision board for your future dreams with pictures, quotes, art, textures, inspiration, etc. Keep it somewhere visible so you are motivated and inspired to do all the little things that move you towards your big goals.
Gritty Artists
Vincent Van Gogh
Henri Matisse
"When Henri Matisse developed cancer and became weak, he picked up scissors and started to create his famous cut-outs that took him into a new artistic direction. Many say it was the among best work he created."
Michaela DePrince
Michaela DePrince was born in war-torn Sierra Leone during the country’s decade-long civil war. Rebels killed her father, and shortly after her mother died of fever and starvation. Michaela had vitiligo, a condition that causes patches of skin to lose its color. In Michaela’s native land vitiligo was considered a curse of the devil. This caused her uncle to abandon her at an orphanage. There she was taunted and abused by the women who cared for the children.
Michaela found hope and determination when she was adopted by an American Family. Her new parents recognized her talent for ballet and she started lessons. DePrince became a professional ballerina with the Dutch National Ballet. She has been featured on Dancing with the Stars and continues to speak out regarding diversity and barriers she struggled with in the dance world.
Mindful Minute
A Student's Perspective on Learning Mindfulness
Mindfulness Skill Sheet
Activités to Promote Mindfulness Skills
Mindfulness Coloring Printable
Link
Printables
Video: Starfish Breathing
Video: Yoga Class
Video Link
Yoga Class