“Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.” – Og Mandino
We all find ourselves in jobs and situations that we would have never planned to be in. At those times it is tempting to hang our heads and give up hope. We might believe that we are lost and will never find a way to live the lives we dream about. The good news is that we can transform any situation by bringing our best to what we are doing. When we show up inspired, it does not matter where we find ourselves. We will meet people and make new connections in wonderfully unexpected ways.
Recently, I was working in a classroom that was being taught by a substitute teacher. The substitute teacher was teaching the class while the district did a search for a new, full-time teacher. Although she knew that she would eventually be replaced, she was doing a phenomenal job with her students. The room was well organized and the lessons well-planned. If I had not known better, I would have assumed that she was the full-time teacher.
This was a great example of someone choosing to bring their best to a job situation that others might have given only a half-hearted effort. As a result, the lives of all the students in the class were blessed with stability, and a classroom that felt safe and inspired them to learn. It felt good to pass this wonderful news on to the parents of the students in the classroom, and they were equally grateful to hear it. The decision to do a wonderful job was rippling out to countless people.
This same lesson often comes up with students in our district who find themselves in challenging situations. Whether it is a difficulty at home or a learning challenge, our students have a choice about how they will face these unexpected, and often undesired conditions. Together, we work as a team to find a new vision that inspires these young people. When a student has a renewed perspective on what they are doing, it generates the intrinsic motivation to be the best version of themselves.
There was an autistic student who came to my lunch group but had no real desire to be there. He was very open about wanting to eat his lunch somewhere else. By regularly reminding him how much we appreciated his presence in the group, and giving him jobs to do that gave him a sense of ownership, his attitude started to change. These days, he comes to the group with a smile. He is also great at encouraging other students and acting as a leader for the younger members.
If you are in a situation or a job that you never dreamt you would be in, take heart. It is time to write a new story. It is time to let go of feeling victimized and bring your “A game” to whatever you are doing. You will be amazed at the results. You will find more satisfaction and success, and doors will open that you never knew existed. Before long, you will be feeling right at home.
Edward Biagiotti is the Inclusion Specialist for Culver City Unified School District. He is also co-host of the popular radio show, Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed, to find out more go to www.DarrellandEd.com.
