Deputy Principal's Points for Reflection

by Mrs Shannon Lusk

2007 Reflections (Click to see Reflections from 2007)

2008 Reflections

Thoughts and feelings are inextricably
linked to the way a body functions. What we know is that a positive attitude will often accelerate healing and renewal; conversely, a negative attitude can be a factor in breakdown and deterioration of mind and body. More startling is the fact that it is within our power to transform a negative attitude by our self-talk.
When we talk to ourselves in a positive way, we can change the course of our lives. It takes discipline and determination to choose positive thoughts over negative ones. Improving relationships with both yourself and others depends upon whether your communications are positive or negative.

Becoming Self Aware

To become self aware we each need the time to reflect. Listening to our thoughts and navigating our way through our feelings and responses. Self awareness is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence.

(Wilson McCaskill – the Game Factory)

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Anything new is different and has an affect on how comfortable we feel. Most people naturally prefer something with which they are familiar rather than doing something in a different way. Anything new feels odd at first, until the new habits become established.
If you approach new situations or challenges with a positive approach and ask reflective questions you may soon discover that stress is reduced, relationships improve, and life becomes more enjoyable.

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One of the great approaches to successful living is to develop the art of prompting positive mindsets.
For example, a plank on the ground could easily be walked on from one end to the other. But if it were to be raised the 20metres off the ground, how many people do you think would get across it without falling?
Why can people walk the plank when it's on the ground but not while it's elevated? A prime reason is that when the plank is on the ground, people imagine success. They believe and feel they can accomplish the task. Off the ground, there is a tendency to question the success of the endeavour.
Your mindset is vital. What you think, what you visualize, what you image is to a large degree what you will become.

YOU CANNOT LEARN AND BE PERFECT AT THE SAME TIME.

“With the risk comes the reward."

Trying something different promotes self-growth. This type of growth is one of the pleasures of living. Therefore, making mistakes becomes a learning experience.

Successful role models empower. They are positive. They encourage others by sharing expectations, not by telling others what to do. They treat people with dignity and respect.

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Feeling is what you get for thinking the way you do.
Therefore, thinking of OTHER PEOPLE'S FEELINGS is a
win-win approach.

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The following comment by the poet Maya Angelou is thought provoking:
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people
will forget what you did, but people will never forget how
you made them feel."

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Patience is critical when working with others who are experiencing difficulty either academically, behaviourally or socially. Building relationships is the ONLY way you will have success.
Since success is built on success and not failure, compliment others on their successes however small they may be.

Be wary of using any of the seven disconnecting habits: criticizing, blaming, complaining, nagging, threatening, punishing, or rewarding/bribing to control.
Use the connecting habits of listening, supporting, encouraging, respecting, trusting, accepting, and negotiating.

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Each time you coerce someone into doing something by using
your power of authority or external motivation, you deprive that person of an opportunity to become more responsible.

It can be very empowering for young people to assess their satisfaction arising from doing the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do, without any intention to impress or please another or to avoid some type of punishment. When adults witness such behaviour, they often want to reinforce it. The external rewards change motivation. Research studies consistently show that if desired behaviour is repeatedly reinforced with external motivators, there is a greater likelihood that in the future the motivation levels will actually drop.

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NEGATIVITY IS CONTAGIOUS. Combat it by being proactive.
Ask questions such as, "How is this helping?" "Is there anything else we could do so that we will feel good rather than negative?" Pose questions that prompt the other person to reflect.
Persevere! It can take but one person to redirect the negative talk.

By taking the initiative, you will be helping others to problem solve rather than remain in a negative cycle. Perhaps most importantly, this will have a positive affect on relationships.

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Most relationships would benefit enormously if both people
asked, and then reflectively answered, the following question:
"What must it be like to be in a relationship with me?"

When engaging with others it is helpful to remember that there are always two perspectives. Ask questions to clarify a viewpoint if you need to. Understanding and accepting difference builds our capacity for ‘Tolerance’ and ‘Fair Go’ (Values Education)

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