You are what you think and believe
"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve."
Napoleon Hill
In the early 20th century, Napoleon Hill was commissioned by multimillionaire Andrew Carnegie to study the world's most successful people. Hill spent the rest of his life interviewing, learning from, and understanding the thinking and qualities of more than 500 rags-to-riches tycoons.
Hill's masterpiece, Think and Grow Rich, published originally in 1937, is still read by thousands today. His seventeen principles for success are timeless, and many have since been substantiated through scientific studies.
Key in Hill's research is the discovery that successful people think differently. They have adopted a set of beliefs that enable them to be successful.
We believe that the true purpose of our educational system is to enable every student to realize his or her potential in life. Research shows students most likely to succeed in school are those who consciously work toward a positive vision of their future. The Student Success Mindset helps students create this vision, foster the beliefs that make the vision possible, and integrate the tools and practices of success into their daily lives. What once seemed no more than a dream becomes possible or even highly probable.
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When Eric, a junior high student identified as high risk, was first asked to imagine his future, he said the only thing he was good at was playing video games. Since nobody in his family had attended college, the idea was simply out of the question for him. Thus, he had no compelling reasons to study. By the end of the school year, Eric was already actively working toward his vision of becoming a CEO of his own gaming company and planned on attending college to learn the necessary business skills.
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Positive Psychology is a growing field that brings a new body of research to living a life of well-being and success. The deficit model of focusing on illness and disease does not work in preventing teen suicide, depression, and substance abuse. What the research indicates is that teaching new skills such as how to interpret bad events in healthier ways and how to build and capitalize on personal strengths produces the inner resiliency needed to cope with life's troubles. ¹
The Student Success Mindset works because when kids think they can, they will.
Through a process of self-reflection, students learn to become more self-aware. They take charge of their own self-esteem by taking charge of their thoughts and beliefs, and they learn the self-discipline to attain their goals and aspirations.
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"I have seen change in the kids. They'll say, 'stinkin thinkin' when they hear a negative comment. They're proud of their vision posters and will often comment on their goals. I have heard some of them talk about going to college or getting a good job, and they seem to feel better about themselves. They get more work in and participate more in class. They take pride in what they do."
Mike H. - 6th grade teacher
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Our Values and Commitment
Integrity. Integrity to us means congruency in what we think, say, and do. We don't play games, we are straightforward and believe passionately in the work we do. In short, we practice what we preach.
Excellence. We are committed to continuous improvement and excellence, but not at the expense of having fun! We recognize our purpose is to learn and grow, and do so with a keen eye toward enjoying the process.
Flexibility. We view ourselves as your partner, eager to collaborate with you to get the results you are looking for. Every school and district is unique in its needs and goals; our process can be integrated to support the work your school is already doing.
References
¹Edited by Corey L. Keyes and Jonathan Haidt, Flourishing: Positive Psychology and the Life Well-Lived, American Psychological Association, Washington D.C., 2003, p.xv.
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