Remember, what counts most, truly, is the focus you apply to your work – focus meaning that you are actively engaged in finding ways to allow yourself and others to get an assignment done to the best of your ability.  Sometimes this means getting into and staying in the zone, sometimes this means asking for help, sometimes this means helping someone in your group who is stuck, sometimes this means taking a break; it always means practicing kindness to yourself and others, it always means being flexible in your approach, whether working in a group, with a partner, or on your own, and it always means finding your way into Lynda Barry’s “calm and friendly” state of mind.

Developing a nuanced and flexible sense of focus will be our big work together.  Watch the “Mindset” page as it evolves over the course of the year; there, you might find useful techniques, ideas, and inspirations.

There is no doubt in my mind that by the end of the year, you will have become an Effort Expert.

If you focus on the “G” for effort in an assignment, the grades will most likely take care of themselves – and you will probably have a good experience, too.