I recently read the book Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith, and I was struck by a contrast that the author described between two scenarios.

In one scenario, a person goes into a meeting knowing that it's going to be a waste of time but he's required to attend.

He has no interest in the meeting, and it shows on the expression on his face and how

he slouches in his chair, resists eye contact, doodles on his notepad, and gives short

replies only when he's called on.

In the other scenario, a person goes into the same meeting, knowing that it will be a waste

of time, but also knowing that at the end of it he will be required to answer these four

questions.

Did I do my best to be happy?

Did I do my best to find meaning?

Did I do my best to find meaning? Did I do my best to build positive relationships? Did I do my best

to be fully engaged? Now, comparing those two scenarios. Think about this. If you knew that

you were going to be required to answer those four questions after the meeting,

what would you do differently during the meeting?

Those five words, did I do my best, can make a huge difference.

Let's talk about cultivating a habit of best effort.

Welcome to the Simply Charlotte Mason podcast.

I'm Sonia Schaefer.

As you think about that meeting example, I encourage you to shift it in your mind to your school lessons.

When your child comes to schoolwork for the day, or comes to each subject on the schedule,

for that matter, which scenario do you see?

Does she come to the lesson already disengaged?

...