The best thing any teacher ever told me was this: “You’re going to fail.” At first I was a bit taken aback. What did he mean, I’m going to fail? Wasn’t he supposed to say stuff like, “I believe in you!” or “I know you’re going to do amazing things!” What was this? 

Teachers and administrators often say the same thing. But for whatever reason, the words “do your best” often translate to “don’t screw up” inside our heads.