Humility Humilitas
Seeing yourself honestly, strengths and weaknesses, without thinking you're better or worse than you are.
30 moments from Aim’s letters home, newest first. Each letter opens with the part that shows humility highlighted.
I'm back...and we need to talk about the Odyssey
I want to be honest with you about why. The last stretch has taught me something I maybe should have already known — a school like Aim asks its leader to live inside it, not near it.
Read the letter →Find a calling; change the world
Over the years I have wondered if I was doing enough to fulfill my end of the bargain. I suppose time will tell. And without making excuses for any of my shortcomings, I can at least say if I fail it will not be because of lack of effort.
Read the letter →Well...now what? Part 3
If you are anything like me, they are not heroes because they are perfect. Quite the opposite. They are deeply flawed ordinary people who make mistakes over and over and over again and yet somehow find the strength to continue getting better and ultimately change the world.
Read the letter →The power of prayer...
I actually moved there right after coming home from starting a super small business teaching Koreans english so I thought I was prepared for another culture shock. Oh...young naive Lance.
Read the letter →There is a chasm opening under our feet...
"Wait a minute...you're not buying my excuses? You guys actually expect me to have the humility to recognize my mistakes and make a plan to fix them? That is SO weird..."
Read the letter →The Odyssey is not just a game...
He said he felt like he had several important lessons to personally learn from this--the hard lessons of betrayal, the importance of planning, and the consequences of spontaneity.
Read the letter →Work hard, play hard. The new motto for ES.
As I have reflected on the ES's journey, it's pretty interesting to note that while the choices impacting their tribe were the right decisions at the time, the cumulative effect of them has missed the mark. Which may be why 4 out of the last 5 eagles who have leveled up to the middle school failed to do so on time 🤔
Read the letter →Ok two posts in two days? That's just crazy
An eagle who had been carrying enormous weight on her island being forced to make an impossible decision to do what she thought would help her tribe survive, and then walking outside to stare out at the ocean (parking lot), reflecting on the memory she had received that morning, wondering to herself, "Who have I become?"
Read the letter →Two roads diverged in a wood...
I think I have largely traded being a very subpar Head of School over the past few three years in exchange for being a decent guide. But Aim is going to need a decent Head of School over the next few years as each studio grows, as we design/permit/build our new campus, etc. I know this is the best move for the school AND for the eagles.
Read the letter →Session 4 Aim Academy Roundup - EES & DS
When I face similar challenges in my own life, it is to these young heroes that I look for inspiration. And I hope you do too.
Read the letter →My biggest takeaway from this morning?
And don't worry, I received plenty of tough-minded feedback from them on things I could do better next time as well (which I will take to heart and apply in our next Parent Meeting).
Read the letter →Exhibition Pep Talk
Right...which means I get to second guess every challenge, badge requirement, launch, and question I asked all session long-- wondering if someone isn't earning their badge because of my shortcomings as a guide.
Read the letter →Well...now what? (6/17/22)
Heaven knows, as well as all of my managers at my other businesses, as well as my wife, that I have neglected a lot of things this school year.
Read the letter →Spark Studio Session 6 Update! (5/23/22)
I became a Spark for the day! Let me tell you, being a Spark is the best! I did the Montessori works right alongside them, and they had a good giggle when I pulled out the 9's chain and started skip counting.
Read the letter →A word of gratitude (4/23/22)
Which is why I put so much effort into writing and trying to capture the most special moments in the emails I send out. They honestly come up far short of the real thing, but my hope is that they at least give you a glimpse into how special the Hero's Journey is for them at Aim.
Read the letter →Year 2 Session 1 (9/18/21)
The Council, which is the primary governing leadership body of the Tribe, added three new members as the original three members realized the responsibilities of the Council exceeded that which could reasonably be done by them alone.
Read the letter →Year 2 Session 1 (8/27/21)
It takes an immense humility, and a good dose of courage, to really begin a Hero's Journey. It is a fundamentally different approach to learning. An entirely different mindset. WIthout it, freedom becomes freedom to goof off. With it, freedom becomes freedom to prepare yourself for your calling in life. No matter the sacrifice.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 7 (6/11/21)
For some, starting a fire looked and sounded easy and they came to it with confidence, only to be frustrated when they couldn't get it past a few sparks and small tender flames. Many cheers were heard as the youngest Eagle started the first fire of the session!
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 6 (5/30/21)
Friday, when asked to reflect on the experience of receiving feedback, they all agreed that there was something useful and they appreciated the information. A general consensus of seeking improvement pervaded the studio.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 5 (3/26/21)
As a parent (and teacher) and now as a guide, sometimes I haven't asked the best questions. "How was your day?" Usually elicits the response: "good".
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 5 (3/12/21)
The studio has seen courageous steps from many Eagles. Everything from holding someone accountable, acknowledging when they were in the wrong, stepping into a leadership role, and determination to do something challenging.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 4 (2/12/21)
The studio clapped and cheered for their fellow traveler who they saw grow before their eyes. In his acceptance speech, he touched on how he used to leave things all over the studio and how he's been trying to better keep track of his stuff. He ended with— “And after getting this award, now I will be even MORE responsible.”
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 4 (1/22/21)
The Eagles continue to recognize the studio’s shortcomings in talking during Core Skills as they affirmed (again) that they will continue to ask for Eagle Bucks if someone is being too loud.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 3 (12/18/20)
Later, the Wolves carried on the tradition of the House with lesser points awarding the House with more points the House Cup. A vivid illustration of their promise to win with honor and lose with grace.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 3 (12/11/20)
After cooler heads prevailed, we reflected on these issues during Morning Launch on Thursday. Individual Eagles spoke on things they did or said that they regret.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 2 (11/20/20)
In what is becoming an Aim Academy exhibition tradition, the House that earned the least points (the Wolverines) presented the House that earned the most points (the Cougars) with the Aim Academy House Cup!
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 2 (11/6/20)
What accomplishments are you most proud of in your Hero’s Journey at Aim? What areas are you looking to improve in on? What are the Session 2 goals that you set for yourself at the beginning of the Session? What can you do to reach those goals?
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 1 (10/02/20)
In doing so, Lockheart chose to win with honor by commending Bristlebane for their efforts throughout the session.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 1 (9/18/20)
It has happened every day since, which has prompted several important conversations about their promise “I will win with honor and lose with grace.” While there is progress with every game played, self-admittedly, they have said there is still a lot of room for improvement.
Read the letter →Year 1 Session 1 (9/11/20)
Afterwards, we reflected on whether it was harder giving directions or receiving them. We also discussed whether their partner had not given them enough direction, too much direction or just the right amount. In doing so, we presented the idea of feedback and how important it is in everything we do at Aim Academy. Constructive feedback from a trusted ally makes it easier for us to identify areas where we can grow and learn.
Read the letter →