Potential Energy
What if the most powerful thing you could do for someone is simply change how you see them?
Humans have a phenomenal amount of potential energy. When we realize that we all have the same amount of time in the day and freedom of choice and action, we realize that there are almost limitless possibilities of what humans can achieve.
Obviously there are some who start with different levels of possible input in terms of abilities, wealth, and genetic traits, but the significance isn't in everyone becoming Elon Musks or Michael Jordans. The significance in realizing potential energy is that so many people have overcome significant circumstances like poverty cycles, creating companies and businesses that changed their lives and families.
However, so many people aren't able to do this. There seems to be a common equation for tapping into potential energy: Belief x Effort over Time. There must be a belief that it can be done, whatever "it" is. And a lot of effort. It never seems to be easy and never guarantees success.
Without belief or work, potential energy will always remain potential energy. But what I find most interesting about potential energy is that it converts to kinetic energy when a stored, position-based force (such as gravity or elasticity) is released, causing an object to move. As the object moves, its stored energy decreases, increasing its velocity and thus its energy of motion, transforming potential energy into kinetic energy. If that sounded smarter than I typically write, it's because Google's AI overview drastically helped me out.
What strikes me about that definition is the word released. I truly believe the first reason people often do not live up to their potential is that they have already convinced themselves they can't achieve more. Think of the cycle of poverty, or broken homes, dysfunctional relationships, etc.
Unfortunately, working in public education provides a lot of examples of people not reaching their potential.
I believe many never realize their potential because they first can't release their preconceived expectations of their abilities based on the input they have already received.
A kid who has been verbally, emotionally, or physically abused will not have an ability to be confident in themselves. The input their entire life has told them otherwise. They have always been told they are not good, that they are awful, that they are the problem, etc. So when it comes to their potential, the belief just isn't there. This seems like an extreme example, but if you have worked in public education you realize how common this battle is.
Also, these ripple effects of abuse often manifest in unpleasant ways: anger, apathy, depression, anxiety, and so much more. It can often be frustrating and difficult to address.
So here is the significance I have found in using the term potential instead of problem when it comes to these students. I recently met with a friend and mentor of mine who was dealing with a very difficult person and said we need to look at this person as broken, not as mean, hateful, or spiteful, etc. This reframing of perception made me realize a few things.
Broken, in this sense, isn't negative. It simply offers an opportunity for empathy and the potential to fix, heal, or repair.
This idea is all about reframing how we see others and ourselves. If we only see the problem in that person or in ourselves, we can never see the potential. That reframe could be the spark that ignites everything.
When it comes to dealing with difficult students, or adults, it's too easy to see the awful qualities in people. It's harder to see the many different inputs that brought them to this point, and even harder to think about what input you could add to their lives to break the preconceived thoughts and cycles they're living in.
With difficult students in my office, I have to believe there is some special set of words, actions, or ideas I could add to this kid's life to break cycles and thought patterns. I am looking for the spark that could set off the powder keg of possibility sitting right in front of me.
But how do you get someone to believe something they have never been able to believe?
In education, or coaching, it happens in several ways. And each one requires you to be intentional.
Speaking it into that person: to say that they can. To say that they are worthy. To say that it is possible.
Giving them knowledge: showing them examples, personal or otherwise.
Creating and showing them evidence: from growth on exams to shooting percentages. Sometimes just showing up to school.
So consider reframing. Reframe problems to potential. Don't think about what is lacking. Think about what is there. What is possible. In yourself and in others. Think about what could set off that powder keg of potential in someone's life.
A Biblical Perspective
As Christians, it is vital to see what is missing in others. The answer is going to be obvious, which is Jesus, but offering the solution can be much more difficult and confrontational.
I believe the significance of seeing what others could become, given the right input, is more important in driving our actions than theirs. How we see people determines how we treat people.
When we only see the problem, which is sin and how they are missing the mark, instead of seeing and imagining how Jesus could radically transform them, it misdirects our actions and words. I truly believe that the enemy would rather us see their sin as their identity instead of seeing how Jesus could change their life.
When we are dealing with sin, in ourselves or others, it can easily bring out the worst in us. It's easy to think about sharing the gospel or witnessing to others when we are sitting in church with some great worship playing. It's a lot harder when we are getting cussed out, yelled at, being cheated, stolen from, berated, or just dealing with people we really don't like. Or even more difficult: dealing with people we love who are not treating us well, or who are frustrated with us for not adhering to their lifestyle.
There is an expression in the Christian world: "love the person, hate the sin."
But how do we actually respond when dealing with broken people? Luckily, the Bible is full of broken people and Jesus.
In short, Jesus spoke truth, hard truths, out of love. He forgives a lot. He shows perfect examples of a perfect life. He teaches how to live and models it. He invites people to follow him and fellowship with him. He gives them a chance to believe in him and follow him.
Like before, it starts with belief, but at some point we have to present the reason why to that person. The approach looks remarkably similar to what we do in education, but the stakes are eternal.
Speaking it into that person: to say that they can turn from their sin. To say that they are worthy because of Jesus. To say that it is possible that Jesus can change their life. We should be able to give an account of our hope in Jesus and show that it's possible for them too. See 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."
Giving them knowledge: to give knowledge we have to have it first. We need to study the Word. Our testimony is powerful, but we need to communicate the foundation it's built upon. It's very dangerous to just go off of what we think or feel, because of how deceptive our thoughts and emotions can be. The Word is truth and we can rest in it.
Creating and showing them evidence: this time it's the evidence in our own life. This should be the fruit of the Spirit in our life. See Galatians 5:22: "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control." This is the most direct evidence we could show. If our life is overflowing with these fruits, it will attract others to ask why.
So when it comes to potential in Christianity, it means moving from being spiritually dead in our transgressions into a life of eternity. That is the most significant transformation possible, and it makes an eternal difference in someone's life. It's easy to see the sin in others. It's harder to stay understanding. It's uncomfortable to bring up Jesus in everyday conversation. But that conversation could be the one that changes everything.
We can come up with every excuse not to have it. But what if that conversation is the spark? What if the solution is just a few words away, and the only thing standing between that person and a completely transformed life is your willingness to say something? That reframe alone might be enough to help us get over the fear.
So look at the potential in others and yourself. It's there. It just requires a few circumstances to release it. A few decisions, conversations, or actions. And sometimes, one conversation is all it takes.
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