The Strength in Saying 'I Was Wrong'
Jordan Ellis
High School Teacher & Character Matters Coach
In my early years of teaching, I prided myself on knowing the answers. I worked hard, studied harder, and walked into the classroom convinced my job was to always be the expert.
Then one day, a 14-year-old student raised her hand and gently corrected a point I made during a history discussion. She was right. I had oversimplified something important. The class paused. I paused. And then I said, "Thank you—you're absolutely right."
What followed was surprising. The room relaxed. Students started asking deeper questions. My admission didn't weaken my authority—it strengthened our connection.
That moment rewired something in me. Humility isn't weakness. It's the courage to say: "I don't know everything—and I'm open to learning." Since then, I've learned more from my students than I ever expected.
Humility opens the door to trust. And trust builds bridges we desperately need.
Challenge: The "I Got It Wrong" Post
This week, share one thing you got wrong—and what it taught you.
It could be a decision, a conversation, a belief, or a moment where you misjudged someone or something. Keep it short, honest, and focused on the lesson.
Why?
Because practicing humility publicly helps normalize learning, reflection, and growth. When we show we're willing to admit mistakes, we give others permission to do the same.
Tag it with: #CharacterMatters #HumilityChallenge