A sense of pride in one’s self, aka positive self-esteem, is essential both for happiness NOW & for success later in life.
How do we build that pride & self-esteem?
By acknowledging effort, rewarding accomplishment, supporting teamwork
and developing resilience.
Traditionally, our society has rewarded accomplishment/achievement, victory, winning...
By only rewarding the successful completion of a task, however, we create a "fixed mindset"
in our young people that reduces creativity & resilience. It teaches them that there is only one kind of success, that anything other than that one outcome has no value, doesn't matter.
When we reward young people for effort,
the steps they take along the way, and we teach them that it's okay to have the wrong answer, to make a mistake
or to hit a roadblock, they develop a "resilient mindset" and a "not-yet"
attitude
instead of an "I can't" attitude.
They learn that set-backs aren't permanent & that obstacles CAN be overcome.
By using the WOW-bell, YOU are encouraging a "resilient mindset."
You are rewarding effort, teamwork, responsibility, helpfulness, creativity & problem-solving. You are giving value to the process of trying, failing & learning that leads to growth, improvement & ultimate success.
There are several ways to use your WOW-bell:
• To acknowledge accomplishment, some people like to make a list of “WOW-bell-worthy” tasks including: promptly completed homework, specific chores, or a goal that has been set in advance. Then they ring the bell when the things on the list are completed.
• You can reward effort & “stick-to-it-iveness”
by ringing the WOW-bell when someone finishes a project that took long time, had multiple steps, or presented unexpected challenges.
• Encourage resilience
by ringing the WOW-bell when someone faced with a setback or problem either asks for help (after having tried to solve the problem on their own) or comes up with a creative solution to that problem.
• The WOW-bell can also be used to acknowledge someone for going “above and beyond”
their regular responsibilities. For example, if someone helps with their siblings, takes out the trash, feeds the pet, helps make dinner, vacuums, folds the laundry… (anything that’s not normally their responsibility), that is a WOW-bell-worthy action.
• Speaking of going above & beyond, remember to ring the WOW-bell for YOURSELF. You’re going above & beyond almost every day, and you deserve some recognition too! If you do something that requires special effort or a task that you particularly dislike (for me that would include taking out the trash & dusting), RING that BELL!!!
Ring your WOW-bell often & enthusiastically!!!
Let people being celebrated ring that WOW-bell themselves!!!
Ring it to say "Good Job"
Make your WOW-bell ring LOUD & PROUD!
Once your family has had its WOW-bell for a week or two, write us a little note & let us know how it’s going. Tell us how you’re using it in YOUR home & what changes you’ve noticed.
• Do your children do their homework more readily knowing they get the to ring the bell when it’s done?
• Are your children doing their chores with less nagging because they know their effort will be acknowledged?
• Has the chance to ring the WOW-bell for going “above & beyond” inspired people in your household to be more helpful?
• How are YOU using the WOW-bell in your home to encourage the behavior you want?
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
Marsya~
