You Are Not Your Test Score

For those that don't know I used to be a teacher. And despite the amount of time I spent in the gym chucking dodgeballs with my 5th and 6th grade classes, I was actually a normal classroom reading teacher, not a gym teacher.

Because of how the school system is setup, the only thing that seemed to matter was the all mighty standardized tests we took in the spring. And the one thing I didn't seem to prepare my kids all too well for was the all mighty standardized tests we took in the spring. As a teacher my heart simply wasn't behind it. And this post isn't meant to be a debate about standardize tests (they're dumb), but more of what I noticed happening with kids because of their test scores. What their faces would say when they saw their score, their body language. Many were defeated and would completely lose confidence. I'm not for participation trophies in sports, but judging all the kids in a grade on the same test and telling the ones who fall below some line that they don't meet the standards just kinda sucks. All of the kids were uniquely amazing, but some just weren't going to get a score "above the standard," it's not how their brains worked. And it sucks because that test has nothing to do with the type of person you are or who you'll become.

It was certainly true for me.

I got a 20 on my ACT in high school, and as much as I claimed I didn't care, obviously it made me feel stupid at the time. Because that's what I was conditioned to think. Through the college application process it was reinforced over and over, "Hmmmmmmm, if you could just get that ACT up you'll qualify for this scholarship."  Well admissions person, I can't, because that test is lame and my brain doesn't function that way. And obviously 0 people have ever asked for that score again and me and my 20 score immediately got a job after college just fine. 

While being good at memorizing science and nailing the math portion will indeed have a direct effect on money spent for college, it will never compare to the money that will pour back into your life when you continually improve at the things that matter most. Things like how to talk to people, how to make others smile, how to give, how to bring excitement and fun and passion. How to connect people and ideas together. How to manifest and create what you truly desire. How to grow daily, persist, and push through difficulties.

Here's the point I'm trying to make. Never attach your self worth to a test score, a rank in a company, or a job title.  I'm not saying don't strive for better scores, ranks, or titles. That's awesome and highly necessary. And if you don't hit it when you thought you would, or get a lower score, just please don't attach the love you have for yourself to that result. Love yourself for your effort in the process, learn from not achieving it yet, and get after it again. Too many people, past me being one of them, lose self confidence and shrink because of the title we do or don't have. It reminds me of the Les Brown quote, "Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality." Often times that someone else isn't even a person, it's a number or a title. And once you're given that, you believe that's who you are, and you go through life proving it to yourself. Your mind is always looking to prove yourself right, so whatever you believe about yourself and the world, you're going to see and manifest. Only you can choose your believes about you.


Here's the other side of that equation; the way to get that higher rank or title is to love yourself where you're at while you grow to be all you desire.  Love yourself first. Not, "I'll be happy when ___." But now. Love yourself now and everything will change. You are the only you we have on this planet, and we need you to love yourself so that you can step into your awesomeness. The human race is counting on it. So look yourself in the mirror and say "I love you," outloud (not easy right away, but just do it) and step into your awesomeness. Tell yourself that you're a badass, because you are a badass, and I know it. I don't care what your title or test score is.

Be Awesome.


-Tom Spaniol

"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." -Albert Einstein