Mistakes, making choices that did not result in what we wanted or needed, poor judgement, and whatever other potentially derailing action is your jam are always possible when we dare to take action and to try. But, these things do not have the power to derail us unless we give it to them.

Our students struggle with this 24/7 as they live in a space of constant self-judgement and comparison breeding discouragement and low self-esteem.

The next time you make a mistake, take the advice you give your students... simply begin again. Don't make it a thing by reacting with negative self-talk and judgmental thoughts (that, by the way, are all untrue!)

• I should have done this instead.
• I should have known better.
• I knew that was a mistake.
• I don't belong here.
• I am not good at this.

Whether these are true or not is irrelevant (and, they aren't true). What is relevant is that these thoughts do not serve anyone nor do they change anything that has already happened. If we let them, these thoughts can trap us in a space of stagnation, inertia, and unproductive negative thought loops.

Don't react. Respond.

Respond by simply beginning again and moving on. Nope, no "buts". Just begin again without judgement, and a bit wiser this time thanks to you trying it the first time.

That's right, respond by thanking yourself for daring to try and taking action even though it was possible that it wouldn't turn out perfectly! Then, if you choose, simply begin again.

Having been to several ISTEs at this point, we have good news and bad news. The good news is---ISTE can be a game changer! The bad news is--- ISTE can be a game changer!

The reality is that as awesome as ISTE is, the best thing about ISTE is what happens after ISTE… what educators do with the potential energy of ISTE. We have learned that ISTE empowers, but not in vain. ISTE empowers educators so that they can in turn empower others. In a perfect world, the passing of the torch of empowerment would continue infinitely, and all our problems would be solved…rainbows and sunshine every day! But, seriously, the path to that perfect world truly starts with you. What will you do with your ISTE experience? How will you be bold and brave in empowering your colleagues and students?

Whether you attended ISTE this year, or in year's past, the learning never ends! Visit our ISTE Notes Doc to check out some of what was learned.