07/16/98

Attitude is Everything.

In the spirit of answering the question, "Is the glass half full or is it half empty?" consider this offering from Dr. Lawrence Feinsod of the Madison Public Schools in New Jersey. As an educator, student or parent, how do you answer the question in your everyday life?

CAN'T DO              CAN DO

It's too complicated.       Let's look at it from a different angle.
We've never done it before.  We have an opportunity to be first.

We don't have the resources.   Necessity is the Mother of Invention.
There's not enough time.      We'll reevaluate some priorities.

It will never work.          We'll give it a try.
We already tried it.          We learned from experience.

We can't compete.             We'll get a jump on the competition.
It's a waste of money.           The investment will be worth it.

It takes too long for approval.    We'll walk it through the system.
There's no way it will work.     We can make it work.

It's a waste of time.           Think of the possibilities.
It's not my job.              I'll be glad to take the responsibility.

It's contrary to policy.          Anything is possible.
It's too radical to change.        Let's take a chance.

It's not going to get any better.   We'll try it one more time.
No one communicates.         Let's open channels.

Isn't it time to go home?        Days go so quickly around here.
Let somebody else deal with it.    I'm ready to learn something new!

It can't be done.              It will be a challenge.
We don't have the equipment.     Maybe we can sub it out.

We're understaffed.          We're a lean, mean machine!
We don't have enough room.    Temporary space may be an option.

We don't have enough money.   Maybe there's something we can cut.
It's good enough.           There's always room for improvement.

I don't have any ideas.       I'll come up with some better alternatives.
Our parents wouldn't buy it.   We'll do better at educating them.

We don't have the expertise.   Let's network with those who do.
It will never fly.          We won't know 'til we try.

It doesn't fit us.          We should look at it.
I CAN'T.                 I CAN.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.