Red pen

How often are we focused on the marks left by a red pen?

I can easily recall tests and term papers that were returned marked-up with errors and comments. They never came back with all my correct answers highlighted; the focus was always on what was wrong.

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How often are we preoccupied with our mistakes? How often do we lament the gap between where we landed and where we had aimed? At day’s end, do we reflect upon what we’ve done well, or the places we’ve come up short?

What happens when we instead focus on our successes? What happens when we just highlight the good?

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Today, you’re the student and the instructor. Toss the red pen. See what happens.