Building on Strengths

The California Association of School Administrators (ACSA) has a recognition called, "Every Student Succeeding."  This annual event honors students who have overcome adversity and continued to excel and succeed.  It is a wonderfully emotional event that is truly inspiring.  It serves as a strong reminder as to the importance and positive impact education plays in a student's life and future.

One of the students told his story about overcoming his challenges.  He was being raised by his aunt.  His mother had previously died.  He was failing in school and suffering from anxiety and depression.  As a result, he gained a significant amount of weight and felt horrible about himself and his abilities.  After moving to a new school, a basketball coach took interest in the student and encouraged him to participate in basketball.  The student said, "Never did Coach focus on my weight or all the things I was unable to do.  Coach focused on my strengths and had me capitalize on those skills."  Because of this Coach, the student began to enjoy school, participate more, and feel better about himself.  A little less than a year later, the student stood before us having lost over 100 lbs.  He was fit, enthusiastic, and planning for his future.

Once we identify one's strengths, the environment around us can change.  I like what Thomas Armstrong wrote in the article, "First Discover Their Strengths" (Educational Leadership, 2012).  He wrote about creating "positive niche construction" and finding environments in which students can thrive. "Animals in nature do this all the time.  Beavers build dams.  Bees creative hives.  Spiders spin webs.  Birds build nests."  All of these creatures are building upon their strengths and creating their own version of a "least restrictive environment."  Focusing on the positive is contagious!

I heard a phrase recently that I am going to start using:  "Become a noticer of the good!"  It seems like such a slippery slope when getting caught up in the negativity of daily life.  Why is the path to positivity such a steep uphill climb?  The more and more we focus on the positives and be a "noticer of the good" in situations and in others, the easier the climb becomes.  There are individual benefits to becoming a "noticer of the good!"  Research shows that focusing on positivity and on your strengths is better for your physical and emotional health.  It boosts creativity, improves relationships with others, helps you tackle difficult situations, and assists in achieving your goals.  To me, this is a win-win!  Focusing on strengths in our students and others reflects back positively in our own lives.