Dear Educator,

Like everyone, you want things. Not “things” as in “stuff,” but “things” as in certain results, outcomes, or changes in the world around you. You may want your students to pay closer attention. You may want your significant other to understand your struggles. You may even want to change the very foundations of society.

But remember everyone has their own priorities, and nobody has experienced life as you have. To other people, all may be right and good. What you want may be – from another’s perspective – completely unexpected or undesirable. That does not make you wrong, or them right. Rather, it means the burden is on you to help people see the merit of your goals, wishes, or desires.

“If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive.”

Dale Carnegie

So many of us get in our own way by kicking the beehive. We proceed from pride and judgment rather than compassion and understanding. We forget that success often requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and sensitivity. We must be confident in our words, decisions, and actions, while also being mindful of the impact they have on others.

Is there something in your life which stubbornly refuses to change? Is there a person who seems to be standing between you and your desired outcomes? If so, take a moment to think about what you have done in the past to further your goal. Then put yourself in the shoes of everyone else involved and ask “Did I expect cooperation after insult or injury (real or perceived)?”

Make it a great day, dear educator, and don’t kick before you gather honey.