My heart was full. I looked out at a sea of smiling second graders. I was returning to the school district that many years ago taught me how to read, write and do arithmetic. I was now there to read my own children’s book, America Gives Thanks, and for this full circle moment I felt so incredibly blessed.
Like I did at their age, almost all of these students live in a low-income household. Some live on the same street I did. For all I know in the same home. While sometimes authors get paid for school visits or use it as an opportunity to sell books, my only material compensation was a t-shirt that read, “Keep Believing! Chelsea Public Schools.” I’m wearing it as I write this and consider it priceless.
Believing is a tricky proposition. On one hand, a belief is a necessary first step in almost any enterprise. Research shows that those people who believe in social mobility are more likely to achieve it. Something that should give us pause every time someone says the American Dream is dead. On the other hand, beliefs are by themselves insufficient. In addition to our own beliefs, we often need to work hard, have access to resources, tools and people that can support our beliefs.
It can be hard to believe in ourselves. Many, myself included, struggle with pernicious self-doubt – which is why it is so helpful for us to have others who believe in us. People who can remind us of our potential, promise and past accomplishments.
Last night, I stood with over 35,000 Red Sox fans at Fenway Park; who in spite of so many past disappointments, stood cheering, believing that the home team could pull out a win in the bottom of the 9th inning to secure their first playoff spot in four years. When they did, the team and the crowd went crazy. I wondered how much the crowd’s belief contributed to the players’ performance.
There is a real and measured phenomena called The Audience Effect, which essentially means that the “energy and activation of the audience has a positive correlation with the arousal and performance of the athletes.” It is why teams generally score more and win more at home. This “social facilitation” is exactly what it sounds like – others’ support manifests our beliefs.
Of course, the power of believing in someone else doesn’t require a throng of thousands.
In the cafeteria, I had hundreds of second graders who reminded me to believe in myself.
In the classroom, a teacher demonstrate their belief in their students.
At home, we believe in our children, our partner, our friends and family.
We live in times when we could use more people believing in ourselves and the potential of others.
Believing was a central theme in the show Ted Lasso. In this scene from the final episode, belief literally torn apart is put back together again.
There are few things more inspiring than seeing people who believe in each other come together for a greater purpose; whether on a field, in a classroom, or in a one on one interaction when we think no one is watching.
Believe in yourself this week and go one step further and tell someone else you believe in them too.
Recommendation of the Week: Have a listen to the Teddy Swims cover of Don’t Stop Believin’ Apropos of this post, the song’s title and chorus was inspired by words of encouragement given to Journey’s keyboard player by his father – after the musician’s girlfriend has left him and his dog was hit by a car.
Share this with someone to let them know you believe in them.