The Power of Yet by Sage Cordy '19

Sage Cordy '19 inspired the Brewster community at All-School meeting this week with her Senior Speak - The Power of Yet.

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The Power of Yet

Raise your hand if you have ever said one of these lines. Keep your hands raised.

“I can’t do this”

“I don’t understand this”

“I’m not good at this”

“I don’t know”

“I can’t.”

Everyone look around. Now put your hands down.

Everyone in the crowd today raised their hands for at least one, if not all of these statements.  I know I did. This summer I learned the technique of “the power of yet”. This little word that has merely three letters as well as the power to make a true difference.

A fixed mindset is when people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success—without effort.

In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment

It’s easy to get into a rut of saying “I can’t” or “I’m not a ____ person”, but multiple studies have shown that by having a growth mindset and simply saying “not yet” instead of “I can’t” can totally change the outcome of an endeavor. By saying not yet, you are telling your brain that there is still room to grow and achieve, without putting a cap on your learning.

I challenge everyone here to think of “the power of yet”  when they hear a negative statement being said or thought. While I know that everyone at this school possesses the power to do amazing things, I also know that sometimes, our minds get in the way. It happens to me and I doubt I’m the only one. Be aware of the power that the smallest of words can have on a person and yourself.  How you might be able to impact that person for the better. These words give you the opportunity to try again and again. Remember that failure just gives you the opportunity to be resilient.

This incredible small word can give hope.  If a word that small “yet” can give that much hope think about what you alone can achieve.  We have the power to change and progress and live. To truly live in a world and community that we love by uplifting each other with small words of hope and power.  Sometimes all you need is the smallest push from a peer to know you can keep going because it isn’t always easy. But it isn’t supposed to be.

“I can’t do this yet.”

“I don’t understand this yet.”

“I’m not good at this yet.”

“I don’t know yet.”

yet.