It all started four years ago when I taught my students the importance of the pattern interrupt. We were just beginning our unit on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and learning what it means to be proactive. 

I was doing my best to inspire them to take responsibility for their lives. To not blame others. To understand what is and isn’t within their circle of control. 

As an AVID teacher, I hear it all. 

“I hate that teacher.” 

“I’m going to fail the test.” 

“I don’t get it.” 

“I give up.”

They needed something to interrupt their negative thought patterns. To trigger them to reframe them and be more proactive. 

So, I asked my 4th period class what they wanted their code word to be: Pineapple. 

And, it stuck. 

Anytime a kid started down that negative path: Pineapple. I’d hear it too if I started to complain: “Ms. Safe, pineapple.” 

It truly is a powerful tool especially when you share it with others who can hold you accountable. 

I challenge you to come up with your own code word. What will help you to shift your mindset when those negative thoughts start to creep in? What will trigger you to interrupt the pattern? What will your word be?