My #OneWord for 2022…Believe

“I believe in hope. I believe in Believe.”- Ted Lasso

Wow! Can’t believe that it is already 2022. These past couple of years have seemed like they have lasted forever while at the same time it feels like it was just yesterday that it was March 12, 2020…the day when we went into remote learning and our lives drastically changed. I have learned so much about myself, society, and education ever since that day, and I believe I have grown for the better because of it.

This year I have chosen the word “Believe” for my #OneWord for 2022. I have so much to believe in for myself, my family, my students, and the world. Our society is an amazing thing. My students are some of the best you can ever have. My family is so supportive and caring. Myself…that is where I need to believe more.

The past couple of years I have had several challenges that have caused me to lower the way I think about myself. I felt that I had opportunities that were positively suited for me and I was overlooked. I felt that I wasn’t good enough. I felt that my time will never come along. Taking these lessons and making the most of them is challenging, but necessary.

After these challenges, I came across a television show that I never expected to help me in so many ways. This show is about a coach that is given an opportunity that he may not look the most suited for but takes every opportunity to make it the best and guide those around him to success. I found this show to be something that actually is quite inspirational. This show is Ted Lasso.

One line from the show that I have found to be helpful is the following: “You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory.” I need to be a goldfish. I need to briefly remember these challenging moments but then move on to find the good in the other opportunities around me. I need to believe in myself and realize that when things do not go the way that I want them to that I need to move forward and use that 10-second memory and find excitement in the next challenge.

But why the word “Believe”? Believe is a verb that means to accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of. I need to do! I need to believe that I am able to achieve the next level! Simply, I need to believe in myself more. This word also comes from Ted Lasso. He places a sign up in the locker room that says believe to remind his players to believe that they can succeed. I have done the same in my classroom.

I believe that with the support of my family that I will be able to be the best me that I am able to be. I know that I have a long way to go to becoming my best, but I believe that I am on the right path. I am so thankful for my family, especially my wife, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am right now without them. I believe they are my strength and I will challenge myself to believe in myself more.

My students are so great! I believe that they will become some of the finest future leaders of our society. Their intentions, their compassion, and their resilience gives me hope for our future. My current class and my previous classes are all filled with these characteristics and this inspires me to continue to become better. They are a huge inspiration to me and I believe in each and every single student that I encounter.

Our society and nation is one I still believe in. I believe that we can unite and overcome the challenges facing our nation. I believe we need an understanding of what makes each one of us unique and how that makes us a great nation. I believe this is possible with a little bit of care for one another. I still believe that we will come through this pandemic with a greater sense of care and love for our neighbors.

I don’t want to say the whole cliché of “New Year, New Me” or “This is my year!”, but I will say this, each day I will continue to believe in myself and I will work my hardest to be better than I was yesterday. I believe that with each day I will begin to become more successful and hopefully achieve my career goals. I also believe that everyone around me will help me become even better. I know that I cannot make it through this journey alone. I believe that every person I encounter has a purpose for being in my life. I need to learn from them and make this year one that will push me forward.

I do not know what this year has in store for me. I do believe that I am where I need to be. I may not be where I want to be, but I am where I need to be. I believe that I will be even better than I was last year, and wherever the road leads me, I believe it is the right thing for me!