In our journey to self-improvement, we’ve explored who we are today and envisioned a new, better version of ourselves. Now, it’s time to take action and be the change we wish to see. But the path to transformation isn’t always straightforward, and setbacks are a natural part of growth. For many of us, going “back to Square One” isn’t just inevitable—it’s actually a valuable part of the process.
“Square One” represents the place we start from, the familiar habits and behaviours we often revert to, especially when we’re trying to make a lasting change. Like revisiting a starting point, every attempt at change might bring us back to old routines and thought patterns. This isn’t a sign of failure; rather, it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and build resilience.
When encouraging students to “be the change,” it’s essential to help them understand that setbacks are part of the journey. Imagine someone trying to quit an old habit, like smoking, or working towards a challenging goal, like losing weight. For some, change happens instantly. For others, it takes multiple attempts and a willingness to start over each time they stumble. But each return to “Square One” brings new lessons, insights, and a little more strength to keep moving forward.
In education, we can call this process the “theory of change.” Students may initially resist the idea of change, holding onto a fixed mindset or doubting the possibility of growth. But as trust builds and they begin to listen and engage, they may reach a turning point where they recognise the need for transformation. From there, the process often involves trying, failing, and trying again—a pattern that reinforces resilience and determination.
For students, recognising the value of “Square One” can be empowering. They might start with a strong commitment to a change they want to make, only to find themselves falling back into old habits. This doesn’t mean they should give up. Each time they return to Square One, they’re not starting from scratch; they’re beginning again with the wisdom and experience gained from previous attempts.
Encourage students to think about the changes they want to make and identify the potential setbacks they might face. Discuss the people, situations, or personal habits that could cause them to fall back into familiar patterns. By anticipating these obstacles, they can prepare themselves to face them head-on. Remind them that going back to Square One is perfectly normal and even healthy—it’s part of the journey.
Here are some discussion prompts to guide students through this concept:
- What changes do you want to make in your life? Encourage them to consider personal goals, habits, or attitudes they’d like to improve.
- What might hold you back from achieving these changes? Help them think about people, situations, or thought patterns that might create setbacks.
- How will you respond if you find yourself back at Square One? Reinforce that setbacks are normal and provide opportunities to learn and strengthen their resolve.
The main message of Square One is simple: don’t give up. Every time we start over, we gain a little more wisdom, resilience, and strength. With each attempt, we move a step closer to the change we want to see in our lives. So, as your students think about the changes they want to make, remind them that failure isn’t the end of the journey—it’s just another step along the way.
Encouraging students to embrace this cycle of trying, failing, and trying again helps them build a mindset that values growth and persistence. And by supporting them through the challenges of change, we can inspire them to keep moving forward, one step at a time, until they truly become the change they wish to see.
