Ep. 44: Challenge Yourself

Happy October, everyone! 👻 

I've been working with students to craft their narratives for college. The sooner young learners start thinking about their personal experiences in terms of how their identity is evolving, the better! Here’s a thought: the more something challenges how you see yourself, the more likely you are to avoid it.

This happens because your identity—what you believe about yourself—is a big part of your comfort zone. When something doesn’t fit with your idea of who you are, it can feel uncomfortable or even scary. For example, if you think of yourself as “bad at sports,” you might avoid trying out for a team, even if part of you wants to. Why? Because trying might make you question that identity, and that can feel threatening. This dynamic plays out similarly for taking honors courses ("I'm not that smart", or worse, "my kid just isn't that smart"). But here’s the thing: high school is exactly the time to push against those limits.

Your identity isn’t fixed—it's something you’re building, and that means it’s okay to feel uncomfortable. Challenging those beliefs, like trying something new or stepping outside what feels familiar, helps you discover new parts of yourself. I'm currently learning this lesson over and over again as a junior doctor.

Takeaway: Next time you find yourself, your student, a good friend avoiding something because it doesn’t fit who you/they think you/they are, ask them this: What’s the worst that could happen? You might just find out that you’re more capable than you ever thought.

Check out 5 great questions you can ask yourself or your learner to get the self-reflection gears turning:

1. What are the key moments that have shaped who I am today?

2. Reflect on the experiences that have had a lasting impact on your life. What stories do I tell myself about who I am? Are they positive or limiting?

3. Identify the internal narratives that shape your self-image, and consider whether they serve or hinder you. What beliefs about myself have I held onto since childhood? Are they still true?

4. Examine how early experiences and beliefs may still influence how you view yourself today. What do I fear most about changing or challenging my identity?

5. Dive into the emotions and anxieties that arise when you think about personal growth or stepping outside your comfort zone. When have I avoided something because it didn’t align with how I see myself?

Happy Halloween! 🎃 

I'll see you in November 🍁 

Deepak

Currently:

📖 : Reading | 👀: watching/listening | 🎵: song of the week | 📚️: Team Message

📖 : The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: by Mark Manson

👀 : The Penguin- HBO

🎵 : Insane - Flume ft Moon Holiday

📚️ : Ehm Academy: Feel free to reach out for lessons with our awesome team!