Prepare your Mind for Success

Encouragement, Ethics, and Exploration — the energy of “E”: Empathy and Excellence

C I T A D E L

Empathy

Empathy builds bridges between hearts.
Empathy means understanding and caring about how others feel.
Reflection Questions:
  1. When was a time you felt someone really understood you?
  2. How can empathy make teamwork stronger?
  3. What’s one way to show empathy to someone today?

Encouragement

Encouragement lifts others higher.
Encouragement means giving others support and confidence to keep trying.
Reflection Questions:
  1. Who could use some encouragement from you today?
  2. What’s the best encouragement you’ve ever received?
  3. How can words of encouragement change someone’s day?

Endurance

Endurance is strength that lasts.
Endurance means keeping your effort strong over time, even when things are tough.
Reflection Questions:
  1. When did you stick with something even when it was hard?
  2. How does endurance help you reach long-term goals?
  3. What helps you keep going when you feel tired?

Excellence

Excellence is not perfection — it’s progress.
Excellence means giving your best effort and striving for improvement.
Reflection Questions:
  1. What does excellence look like in your schoolwork?
  2. How can you build habits that lead to excellence?
  3. When have you felt proud of doing your best?

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is the spark that inspires others.
Enthusiasm means approaching life with energy, excitement, and a positive attitude.
Reflection Questions:
  1. How does enthusiasm help you and your team?
  2. When do you feel most energized and excited?
  3. How can you bring enthusiasm to everyday tasks?

Equality

Equality gives everyone the chance to shine.
Equality means treating everyone with fairness and respect.
Reflection Questions:
  1. How can you make sure everyone feels included?
  2. What does equality look like in your classroom or team?
  3. Why is fairness important in friendships?

Ethics

Ethics is the compass that guides our actions.
Ethics means doing what’s right even when no one is watching.
Reflection Questions:
  1. When was a time you chose to do the right thing?
  2. How do your values help guide your choices?
  3. Why is integrity important to you?

Empowerment

Empowerment turns potential into progress.
Empowerment means helping yourself and others gain confidence and control.
Reflection Questions:
  1. When has someone empowered you to do your best?
  2. How can you help others feel empowered?
  3. Why is believing in yourself empowering?

Engagement

Engagement brings learning to life.
Engagement means being fully present and involved in what you do.
Reflection Questions:
  1. How can you stay more engaged during practice or class?
  2. What helps you focus on the task at hand?
  3. Why does engagement improve your performance?

Exploration

Exploration expands the mind and heart.
Exploration means seeking out new experiences and learning from discovery.
Reflection Questions:
  1. What’s something new you’d like to explore?
  2. Why is exploring new ideas exciting?
  3. How can curiosity lead to discovery?