A New (Academic) Year of Possibility

Happy New Year! That’s how the start of the traditional academic year has always felt to me… a fresh start; the beginning of a whole new year of possibility! Now that my work is no longer tied to this calendar, I live in this fervor vicariously through my children. I am sooo excited for what lies ahead for them as they venture off to unchartered territory – junior high and elementary grades.

While neither is changing schools, they are both advancing to grades 7 and 4 which alter their “classification” in academia. Interestingly, it is probably the last thing on their minds. They are excited (well, one more than the other) and little bit nervous (again, one more than the other) about the upcoming year. As a Professional Motivator, it is really easy for me to slip into the role of coach and talk them through their fears. Since I am first and foremost their mother, this is exactly what I did tonight as we enjoyed our last dinner before the big day.

I talked to the kids just like I would a client who is making New Year’s Resolutions. We reviewed the progress they had made since this time last year and we congratulated each other (yes, me, too!) on how far we had come. We brainstormed on what would make this year THE BEST YEAR EVER for each of them – a desk by the window, A’s on the report card, a speaking part in the class play, chess club (my kids are SOOO different). Then we wrote statements about how they would have to BE in order to DO what is necessary to HAVE what they wanted. Hey! This is starting to sound like my workshop activity! We have plans to create vision boards on the weekend when we have more time – I just thought of doing this when we were seated at the dinner table tonight and I took a PAUSE (amazing what brilliance can be found in silence). Tonight when I tuck them in, I’m going to sneak in a little creative visualization so they can really get a clear picture of what they want this year to be like.

Throughout the year, we’ll regroup and review the vision board, have another look at the resolutions that we made, and continually focus on how we are being so that we can have the best year possible. I am excited for them; I am excited for us as a family. I wish you and yours the same level of joy that I am experiencing in this moment. Live in Possibility, my friends! Lesson Learned.


If you need any help embracing your potential during the school year or otherwise, please contact me through my website http://embracingpotential.com