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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 14

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 14

January 28, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

I don't know why I even bother, I think as I walk out of French class, clutching my test marked with the large, red 68 at the top. And I actually studied for this one! I should have used the time working on Math. I'm doing well in that class—at least I can succeed at something. I'm just not good at languages; it's not even worth the effort.

I'm still angry as I walk down the hall to Math class.

Ms. Espie greets me as I walk in, "Casey, I have a favor to ask you."

"Yes, Ms. Espie."

"Well, Casey, Mark is struggling with this chapter. He seems to be getting more and frustrated and I'm apparently not explaining things in a way that makes sense to him; I don't want to lose him altogether. You seem to have a firm handle on things. Can you stay late today and tutor him?"

"Sure, Ms. Espie, that shouldn't be a problem."

As I wait for Mark to arrive, I take a few minutes to look at all the quotes Ms. Espie has hung up around the room. One of them is by Confucius and it really strikes me. It says, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Mark comes in a couple of minutes later and he looks worn out. When I ask him what's wrong, he starts telling me how much he's struggling with this chapter: "I'm just don't get this stuff. I'm not good at Math. I'm never going to understand it. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother to try."

I'm about to tell him that Confucius quote when I realize that his words sound oddly familiar. He sounds exactly like I did this morning after I got out of French class.

I better start listening to my own advice, I think. As much as I hate to admit it, that 68 on my French test was an improvement. If I keep working at it, maybe I'll get C or even a B next time. I've gotta keep trying because "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

This week's maxim is "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
    Confucius

Featured character trait

  • Perseverance — Despite setbacks, I stay focused on the goal and continue to work towards achieving it.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Resilience — I am able to withstand time of trial; disappointments may upset me, but I am able to overcome and remain true to myself and my ideals.
  • Determination — I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in my endeavor to improve myself.
  • Optimism — I continue to see goodness in myself and have faith that I will continue to improve.
  • Aspiration — I have goals and ideals which I work towards achieving; I believe that I can become a better version of myself and I am willing to put forth the effort to make that a reality.
  • Patience — I am willing to pace myself; I have enough perspective to look at the long term, rather than the short run.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Is it more difficult to carry out a resolution to do something new or to stick with a situation that is frustrating?
  • How are those two situations similar? What makes them different?
  • What kinds of things frustrate you?
  • How can you tell when you are starting to get frustrated?
  • What do you do to avoid getting more overwhelmed?
  • How do you deal with frustration?
  • When you feel like giving up, what makes you continue to try?
  • Think of a time that you wanted to give up, but didn't. How did you feel after that experience?
  • Think of a time that you did give up. How did that make you feel? It is often said that we most value the things that we have to struggle for. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

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