New Beginnings (and the First Day of School)

Today is the first day of school for my daughters.  It's hard to believe I have a Senior and a Freshman...but here we go!

As we led up to the "end of summer," I hear adults ask kids all the time "are you excited for school to start?"  Of course the answer is always a resounding "No!"  I understand.  It's the end of late nights, late mornings, fewer commitments, no homework, warm weather and more.  (My guess is, teachers feel the same).  :)

There are very real reasons why they would never want summer to end.

But what about new beginnings?  With each new school year, students have the opportunity to create a new path.  They can create new memories.  Try new things.  They can create a new future.  They do not have to settle for what happened "last year."  They can start today to make a new experience that they will remember for a lifetime.  As an adult, you can see that for them...right?

But what about you?  Are you excited about new beginnings?  Do you see them as opportunities or for more work?  Do you see them as a chance to take your career to the next level or do you sigh at the potential failure?  To some degree, this attitude will create your future. 

In the book Mindset, Dr. Carol Dwek says people define people as "growth" OR "fixed" mindset.  People with a "growth" mindset are naturally more excited for new chances.  New chances mean new opportunities to learn and grow. 

So with each new project or new business trip, try and focus on the opportunity ahead.  Don't think of the homework and the teachers (or students) nagging at you.  Focus on the chance to get better. 

Each of these new challenges are your "First Day of School."  Make it a great day.

Oh, and to my lovely young daughters, here's to a great school year!  I love you!  Here's to New Beginnings.