Ask Why: Video, Reading, Questions | Social Emotional Learning SEOT 009

If your students did this one trick, they might improve.

• SEOT Step to Success 009 is to ASK WHY.

• NO PREP reading passage with discussion questions and answer key.

• Print the PDF, show the optional video, and discuss.

• Give students opportunities to develop Self Awareness and Self Control by setting goals.

UPDATED Jan 22, 2024: This new version is now much easier to use.

• There is a single PDF to print. Links to the Microsoft Word and Google Docs are included in the PDF.

• The student handout now includes a QR code to the YouTube video. If students are allowed to use phones, they can scan the code at the bottom of their handout to go to the video.

NOTE:

• Here's the FREE YouTube video lesson - show it IN-PERSON in class or use it for ONLINE learning

• The handout article is a tidied up transcription of the video with questions

• Please look at the preview file (besides the product cover images.) It shows you exactly what you get.

• You can edit the Microsoft Word and Google Docs files

• Includes Digital Version (Easel by TpT)
  

SEOT is a way to think about how to achieve your goals. It’s an acronym. It stands for Strategies, Effort, Optimize, and Tinker. 

Ask Why

SEOT Steps to Success #009

In 2009, Simon Sinek gave a speech about a pattern he noticed about great leaders and how they inspire action. People around the world have viewed that TED talk over 53 million times. 

Most people and businesses explain what they do, how it’s better or different from their competitors, and why you should buy into their idea or care.

Apparently, great leaders do the opposite. They start with why. 

Genuinely exceptional leaders start by talking about why they do what they do and why they care. They talk about their purpose, beliefs, cause, and dreams. 

First, they talk about their “Why.” Then, they talk about how they do it. Finally, great leaders end by talking about what they do.

Millions of people make New Year’s resolutions. But not everyone stops to ask why they want what they want. Not everyone has a strong reason why they need to achieve their goal. So, if you’re struggling to keep going with your ambitions and chasing your dreams, you probably need to tap into a bigger why.

SEOT is an acronym to help us get the most out of life. The S stands for Strategies.

SEOT Step to Success #9 is to ASK WHY.

Think about the last time someone told you to do something. Now, think about the last time you did something because you wanted to. Chances are, you worked harder and found a way to succeed when it was something you personally cared about.

Asking why takes a little soul searching. It’s easy to start, but it’s hard to dig deep. But, the more personal you get, the more powerful your reason will be. 

Think about what you want out of life. Think about your goal. Why do you want this goal? Do you want to become smarter? Do you want to be rich? Do you want to be stronger, healthier, or happier? 

Now ask yourself why you want that. Why do you want better grades? Why do you want more money? Why do you want to be strong? Why do you want to a loving relationship? Why do you want less stress?

What’s happened in your life that makes you want this? What view of the world do you have that drives you to this goal? No matter what the answer is, keep on asking why. Then take that next answer, and ask yourself why you want that, and then why you want that… You get the idea.

Eventually, you’ll probably get stuck in a loop. That might be the time to take a break until your mind can unlock a different answer. The goal here is to see if we can get to a deep and personal reason why this issue matters to you.

What does this have to do with strategies? Well, if you have a big enough reason why you need to achieve your goal, then when things get tough and what you’re doing isn’t working anymore, you’ll probably be willing to find another strategy that might work because you know why this goal matters. 

Discussion Questions

1. According to this article, what obstacles stop people from achieving their goals?
2. Why do you think those obstacles stop people from achieving their goals?
3. How might this strategy help people to achieve their goals?
4. Why might this strategy not help people to achieve their goals?

TAKE ACTION: Answer the following questions with new ideas each time.

1. What’s your goal?
2. Look at your answer to part a. Why do you want that? (Don’t reuse any reasons from part a.)
3. Look at your answer to part b. Why does that matter? (Don’t repeat ideas from part a or b.)
4. Look at your answer to part c. Why do you care about that? (Don’t restate ideas from a, b, or c.)

THIS LESSON GOES WELL WITH...

• FREE slideshow: teach students HOW to achieve goals and work SMARTER

If you have any questions, just ask below or send me an email at Mike@educircles.org