How many times do you hear students in your dojo or school say, “I can’t”? Doesn’t that phrase make you cringe? I always tell my students; “Don’t say you can’t, because you can. Just say you’re going to try.”
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As teachers, the most important and rewarding part of our work is to recognize the vast potential within our students, to help them see it within themselves, and then support them in reaching that potential.
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Students’ desire and motivation to learn and succeed are increased when they feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, be allowed to fail, with no fear of humiliation, shame, or other repercussions.
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Research on self-efficacy suggests that building on past successes is central to believing in one’s ability to achieve in the future, as is seeing others around you succeed and do well. However, some students may not have many accomplishments to hold onto, or they may be growing up in an environment or society where, due to circumstances beyond their control, opportunities are scarce, obstacles are abundant, and success feels elusive.
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While there is no silver bullet that will solve all these challenges immediately, helping our students to believe in themselves when perhaps no one else does, and working with them to cultivate their potential, where seemingly there is none, are two of the greatest gifts teachers can offer to our students.
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Several studies have suggested that if a pupil believes they can do something, they’ll strive harder to do it, and achieve greater success.
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We have to help them to be diligent about rejecting the negative messages that surround them every day. You want them to remember that they are in charge of their own destiny.
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Every student has the potential to learn and grow. In order to help students believe in themselves, understand first that as teachers, you need to believe in them, and this will inspire the appropriate way to relate and instruct them.
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BELIEF starts with “YES I CAN.” 
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