Let's Talk Being "Smart"

How would you explain what the word smart means to a kid? You thought of someone who gets good grades, right? I don’t blame you for thinking of that definition because we all have been taught that this is what smart means.

We get taught smart people = people who get good grades…

Whereas what we should have been taught and should be teaching future generations is that smart people = ppl who take care of themselves, make themselves priority, do things that they love - not limit the word smart to just grades and scores but make it towards different activities, sports, etc.

Point blank: No one is everyone is good at everything. Others are good at things more than others. I may be better at the creative aspect of social media while you may be WAY better at the analytical side of it.

You might be better at technology while your friend is better at math than you. This doesn’t make you not smart!! You have more skills and have a better grasp at technology than your friend, and the same vise-versa for your friend but in math. Both of you are smart but at different things. And that’s what makes you both unique! (I’m about to go off track, so let’s get back to the point LOL).

This entire topic boils down to our school education system because that’s where we are taught the meaning of these words. And bc we and all generations have grown up learning that smart = good scores, we tend to refuse to believe we are smart if we get a B on an assignment/exam. This impacts mental health, and overall well being.

Just bc you didn’t get a 36 on your ACT, it doesn’t mean you’re not smart. It just means you weren’t able to meet your goal but you did try your hardest. You are smart - at other things which may not be that specific subject.

You ARE smart, you ARE capable ♥️

*** THE POINT OF THIS POST IS NOT TO CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF SMART. IT IS JUST TO EMPHASIZE THAT WE NEED TO TEACH FUTURE GENERATIONS AND ALSO UNLEARN THIS ONE SPECIFIC DEFINITION OF SMART ***