A Cold and a Short Note – How One Teacher’s Words Took Me to the Next Level

Way back when, I was in a business class at a local college. I don’t remember much from so many years ago, but I remember this class for a couple of reasons.

I had a teacher, a local business owner, who came to class one night with what could only be described as the worst cold any human had ever experienced. I was torn between giving her a big sympathy hug and moving my books and personal belongings to the very last row of the class.

Besides the cold, I remember I had turned in a paper that had something to do with, “where do you see yourself professionally in 10 or 20 years.” The same type of question you would see on an annual review or hear during an interview and cringe.

After grading my response and the paper overall, she returned my assignment with a note that went something like this: “Rick, you’re selling yourself short. You’re capable of way more than you’re giving yourself credit for. Set your goals a little higher.”

Even though this was a short comment on one assignment out of literally hundreds during college, I remembered it. Reading what she wrote made me reassess my professional future. I didn’t make any massive changes that week or month, or even year, but in the back of my mind I tried to see myself accomplishing more.

Words can be powerful, as we’ve all heard before. But this is just one example of how words and even short notes to someone can start to change how they view their future selves.

Some of us have ambitious goals from the beginning and the confidence to go with it. But for those of us who allow limits to weigh us down, a little perspective from someone who knows first hand can give us a little boost.

Have a great Monday,

Rick