Decisiveness In School

What ‘Could’ I Do?

Daniel Pink did a Pinkcast on changing one word when thinking about problem-solving. I think it applies to decisions in general. We often say to ourselves, “What ‘should’ I do?   His suggestion is to change the word to ‘could’. He describes ‘should thinking’ as narrowing and ‘could thinking’ as widening. Saying to yourself, “What ‘could’ I do?” provides more possibilities to think about without trying to hit on the perfect answer in a single try. I ‘could’ ask my brother to help me with my homework. I ‘could’ reread the chapter. I ‘could’ try one more time. The benefit is that the more options you have to choose from, the more likely you are to hit on the best one or at least a good one.

I offer an additional option. Ask yourself, “What shouldn’t I do?”  Sometimes, it is easier to identify and eliminate the bad or less desirable options first. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ just quit doing my homework. No, I ‘shouldn’t’ watch TV instead. Thinking of the easier options can provide a jumpstart into thinking about the options that are workable or have a chance at success. Recognizing bad options can give you a small confidence boost as well. If I can recognize a bad option, then I am capable of recognizing a good option, also.

This month, how will you frame your questions for being Decisive?

Watch his 2-minute Pinkcast here.

The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in the classroom or in homeschool
to teach the Character Quality of Decisiveness.

Need to build community in your classroom?  Try these team building activities!

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