#SOL18 The Confidence Factor

At a recent parent's meeting I attended for my children's school, I spotted a mom wearing a shirt that said, "Any yoga I do is hot yoga." I had to read it a few times. Huh, I thought to myself. I would never have the confidence to wear something that pronounces myself as "hot". Not in a billion. 

 I've been thinking more and more about confidence lately- how some have it in spades while others, ahem- me- often don't. In teaching as well, some educators seem fully assured of their knowledge and abilities. I so often doubt myself. 

 The truth is we can always learn and grow and get better, yes. But the truth is I do know many things after being  a teacher for 17 years. Because I'm a teacher who always wants to learn, I read and write and talk a lot about teaching. There are things I know and do well and I need to start owning it.

 Why does that feel so hard?

Comments

  1. Diane AndersonJune 12, 2018 at 7:37 AM

    I am a lot like you. Wish I knew!

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    Replies
    1. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJune 13, 2018 at 5:56 AM

      Kindred spirits in confidence. If you figure it out, Diane, please let me know!

      Delete
  2. MichelleJune 12, 2018 at 8:11 AM

    I think you need to give yourself more credit! The amazing work you do with your students day in and day out, the sharing of great ideas, the connections and relationships you create with your students and teachers across the globe! You don't have to wear a t-shirt defining your greatness. You know in your heart, you got this! And yes, we are always trying to improve -- enjoy this journey and keep sharing with the world!

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    Replies
    1. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJune 13, 2018 at 5:55 AM

      Thanks so much Michelle! I don't think I will ever wear a t-shirt like that (lol) but appreciate your kindness!

      Delete
  3. RamonaJune 12, 2018 at 8:35 AM

    Love this post and your acknowledgment of the things you do well. You keep singing and sharing and learning and growing.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fran HaleyJune 12, 2018 at 12:05 PM

    With regard to the hot yoga shirt, perhaps as writers, we analyze (over-analyze?) how words can be interpreted or misinterpreted and it makes us maybe a little more guarded. I speak for myself, anyway. Some of us are naturally a little more reserved than others. I am so reserved that it was a Herculean effort for me to start a blog of my observations and experiences ... I expected that my stories wouldn't matter to anyone but me, so why do this? But here is what I've learned ... sharing stories and truths, such as yours here, encourages people who are feeling the very same way. Who actually need and are waiting for the very words you write. In a curious paradox, the bravery of pressing on when one feels less confident, and saying so, actually imparts a confidence to others to be as brave: "If she can do it, I can ...." To me, you're an amazing pillar of strength - I've been edified by your words so many times - however you may feel on the inside. For that, and for this post, I thank you. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. dawnJune 12, 2018 at 2:30 PM

      I could not agree more with Fran's eloquent words!

      Delete
    2. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJune 13, 2018 at 5:58 AM

      Thank you Fran! I always share with other teachers that idea when I talk about blogging- that we all have a story worth sharing with the world. I am so grateful that you are blogging and sharing your story as I often think back on your posts days after I've read them. I'm honored by your words and will possibly think of myself as a bit braver than I thought! :)

      Delete
  5. dawnJune 12, 2018 at 2:36 PM

    Kathleen, you are a gift to this profession! I have only been part of the TWT community for a little over a year now, but you are one of the my first cyber crushes! Your ideas, your energy, your stories were an inspiration! "I want to be like Kathleen" would run through my head! Please know that this 26 year veteran, who also loves to learn, loves learning and being inspired by YOU! It's hard work to put yourself out there, but it's worth it - for you and the world!

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    Replies
    1. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJune 13, 2018 at 5:59 AM

      You gave me a big smile and laugh with "first cyber crush"!! LOL! That is fabulous! I'm so honored you see me like that- especially as a 26 year veteran (I'm 17 years in the profession...). Thank you for sharing those kind words here and making me feel so happy! I'm so glad you are part of the TWT community as I love reading your stories.

      Delete
  6. NoëlJune 12, 2018 at 3:05 PM

    I often feel the same way. I am confident in my students, yet shy away from the fact that I helped them get to where they are. Thanks for giving me the confidence to own that.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Melanie MeehanJune 13, 2018 at 5:40 AM

    Fran's comment is spot on, Kathleen. Confidence is sort of a paradox, isn't it? If we have too much of it, we resist learning. If we have too little, we find ourselves in a place of stuckness within our own insecurities. I DO practice hot yoga, and it IS the only kind I currently do, and I would NEVER wear a t-shirt that says so. My sister-in-law (and best friend) owns the studio and I can't wait to share this with her. :)

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    Replies
    1. Kathleen Neagle SokolowskiJune 13, 2018 at 6:01 AM

      The t-shirt really got me thinking! (LOL)- I couldn't look away! Thanks for your truths about confidence. I think you are so right.

      Delete
  8. The Purple LadyJune 19, 2018 at 11:59 AM

    We just need to recognize that we are capable and not be bashful about it!

    ReplyDelete

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