What's Holding You Back?

Earlier this week I asked my students that question in a journal prompt. 

It is very easy for us to blame others when things become difficult for us, but is it always someone else's fault? What is standing in the way of you being the best you can be in school, at home, and everywhere?! Is an after school activity? Is it an attitude? Is it another person? Or is it yourself?

As we started the second half of the year I wanted them to think about what excuses they were letting get in the way of their success. I was blown away by their responses. So many of them owned up to being their own worst enemies. They decided they were their own stumbling blocks. Some started saying it was other things, but came full circle in our discussion and owned up to being the barrier. 

So, I ask you,

What's holding you back? What are you going to do about it?

What's stopping you from being the best you? What excuse are you giving when things get tough? Who is the first person you blame when life gets hard?