“Yet” is a powerful word. Especially tacked onto the end of any thought or statement that expresses doubt, or worse announces a foregone negative conclusion. For example:
“I can’t write this novel.” “I can’t quit my job.” “I haven’t lost 20 pounds.”
Three letters to the rescue: “I can’t write this novel… yet.” “I can’t quit my job… yet.” “I haven’t lost 20 pounds… yet.” Three little words… yet, yet, yet, give these statements hope. (As I typed three little words, the lyrics to Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” came into my mind: “Don’t worry, about a thing, ‘cuz every little thing is gonna be alright.” I think one of those little birds is named “Yet!”)
In education, growth mindset is a buzzword. Utilizing the word yet in conversations with students is a game changer. You can literally see them move from a dead end of “I can’t do this,” or “I’ve never really been good at history,” to a place where they can see that things are achievable. “Yet” presents a fork in a road that was viewed as a dead end. It invites students to take things a step further.
This is true for all of us – high school students are merely younger humans, but we’re all students for life, if we allow ourselves to be. And why shouldn’t we? It is the only way to keep moving forward.
So the next time you think something is futile, remember you just haven’t achieved it… yet!