And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. Titus 3:14, ESV
I don’t know if there is anything more frustrating to a parent, educator, or boss than to watch someone fail to reach his/her potential. As educators, we search for the button to push that will jump-start students to apply the abilities that we know they possess but have not been motivated to utilize. It would be so much easier if we could purchase motivation and confidence, or somehow prove to them that they can reach higher levels of success.
What causes people to settle for less than they could accomplish? Apprehension of the unknown, laziness, fear of failure, or sometimes just not knowing the right steps to take may hold people back. Can you think of other reasons? How do you help a student reach their potential? Encouragement? Bribes? Challenges?
I have seen how a taste of success can bring about unbelievable motivation. Although we’ve all had students whose abilities we could see, the students may not have known or believed they could succeed until they got a taste of success. For the competitive type, a good competition will spark a flame. For those who like to please, “I am proud of you” will go a long way. If you are a parent of more than one child, you know that they can be very different. What works for one doesn’t always work for the other. The challenge of finding the secret of motivating a classroom, or several classrooms full of students, can be overwhelming. Pray for them. Ask God to show you what will inspire them. Use different methods and note which students respond to each method.
What are some things that have held you back? What inspires you to go beyond your comfort zone, work harder, and take risks?
Lord, we ask Your help in applying Your Word in our lives and by so doing bring glory to You. Amen.
Copyright Kathy Branzell.
Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.
