I love your title! I think “Dad Trying” encapsulates all that you’re to accomplish here. It reminds me of something Brene Brown asks in this story she tells. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijQkJAsXGvg&t=165
“Do you believe people are doing the best they can?”
It’s a tough question when you see people being awful to each others. It’s a question I’ve asked myself a lot this year regarding my most challenging students. Ultimately, I think yes, which is why I love your title. You just come right out and say that you’re trying your best.
Honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit insecure about the title of my Substack. It feels lazy. Am I really writing a newsletter? Shouldn’t I try to be a bit more creative? I thought about changing it to "Adrian’s Classroom" or something more clever, but now that I’ve got more subscribers, I feel weird changing the name. Plus, just like you said, I don't want to be esoteric just for the sake of being obscure. What do you think?
Thank you Adrian! I relate to this question, especially in the context of education (I always want to believe my students are doing the best they can, but it's hard sometimes).
I like how direct your Substack title is. I find titles like yours refreshing because there's no gimmicks. Besides, we connect to writers on Substack, so I'm here for your work at the end of the day. However, I do always learn from your posts, and I appreciate how you bring us inside of your classroom, so I suppose Adrian's Classroom or something similar might be appropriate too.
Thanks for your support and presence as always! 🙏🏻
When I first heard Brene Brown tell this story, I was floored. Just like the group she was speaking to, I had to re-examine all that I thought of certain people. I do believe that people are doing the best they can with the tools they have.
I read "What Happened To You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing" by Dr. Bruce Perry. This helped me a lot when thinking about my most challenging students. Instead of asking, "What’s wrong with that kid?" I began thinking, "I wonder what happened to that kid that makes him act this way?" I believe that educators need more training understanding trauma and misbehavior. Students and teachers need more tools in how they can heal from and cope with trauma, so that they can be successful.
No one tells you about the part when the LOGOS (and then the word marks, welcome page, etc.) will consume you, if you let them! I launched with only a little preparation (because I knew my tendencies), and have had two further iterations on design as I’ve become a little more clear on my place here! Though I still very much in the position where spaghetti is — or isn’t — still on the wall.
Hah! Thanks Kristine. It's so nice to know I'm not alone with the logo or branding madness. To your point, I think it's a good idea to do more iterations of the design elements once you're clearer on your place and purpose here on Substack. I'm sure I'll be doing that soon enough 😊
Thanks Jamal! I appreciate your support and that you share my love for logo doodles. 😂 And your About page is awesome! Your branding and the artistry/coherence of everything on your Substack is something I aspire to. You always inspire me bro! 🙏🏻
Here's to continuing to throw all the things at the wall!
Thank you Jamal—that's great to hear! I never know if folks are watching the videos, but I enjoy making them, so I lean into that. It makes me happy you enjoy them!
Dad Trying is captivating- but I think I speak for all of us here when I say that it doesn’t matter what your publication is titled- we gather to read what’s on your mind and in your heart.
Your writing is a gift - we are here for it by any name.
Thank you Maria! I appreciate your support. You've been here since day one, and it means everything to me! It keeps me inspired to keep bringing my whole self to the work. Thanks again 🥹🙏🏻
I love your title! I think “Dad Trying” encapsulates all that you’re to accomplish here. It reminds me of something Brene Brown asks in this story she tells. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijQkJAsXGvg&t=165
“Do you believe people are doing the best they can?”
It’s a tough question when you see people being awful to each others. It’s a question I’ve asked myself a lot this year regarding my most challenging students. Ultimately, I think yes, which is why I love your title. You just come right out and say that you’re trying your best.
Honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit insecure about the title of my Substack. It feels lazy. Am I really writing a newsletter? Shouldn’t I try to be a bit more creative? I thought about changing it to "Adrian’s Classroom" or something more clever, but now that I’ve got more subscribers, I feel weird changing the name. Plus, just like you said, I don't want to be esoteric just for the sake of being obscure. What do you think?
Thank you Adrian! I relate to this question, especially in the context of education (I always want to believe my students are doing the best they can, but it's hard sometimes).
I like how direct your Substack title is. I find titles like yours refreshing because there's no gimmicks. Besides, we connect to writers on Substack, so I'm here for your work at the end of the day. However, I do always learn from your posts, and I appreciate how you bring us inside of your classroom, so I suppose Adrian's Classroom or something similar might be appropriate too.
Thanks for your support and presence as always! 🙏🏻
I LOVE this BB question and use it in my team 1:1s when there’s friction between them and another teammate!!
This concept has also allowed me to step outside of rage and into more compassion for those who may have harmed me in the past.
I choose to believe that people ARE do the best they can, with the tools that they have.
We as a planet could be better about education around the tools…
What is your take?
& thank you for this beautiful comment to jump start my day. 🙏
When I first heard Brene Brown tell this story, I was floored. Just like the group she was speaking to, I had to re-examine all that I thought of certain people. I do believe that people are doing the best they can with the tools they have.
I read "What Happened To You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing" by Dr. Bruce Perry. This helped me a lot when thinking about my most challenging students. Instead of asking, "What’s wrong with that kid?" I began thinking, "I wonder what happened to that kid that makes him act this way?" I believe that educators need more training understanding trauma and misbehavior. Students and teachers need more tools in how they can heal from and cope with trauma, so that they can be successful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUAL8RVvkyY
No one tells you about the part when the LOGOS (and then the word marks, welcome page, etc.) will consume you, if you let them! I launched with only a little preparation (because I knew my tendencies), and have had two further iterations on design as I’ve become a little more clear on my place here! Though I still very much in the position where spaghetti is — or isn’t — still on the wall.
Hah! Thanks Kristine. It's so nice to know I'm not alone with the logo or branding madness. To your point, I think it's a good idea to do more iterations of the design elements once you're clearer on your place and purpose here on Substack. I'm sure I'll be doing that soon enough 😊
Keep up the great work. Always enjoy seeing your articles in my inbox. I am a firm believer that the true value of anything is in the process.
Thank you Matthew! I appreciate the kind words. And, yes, process is everything! Agreed!
This is a such an great idea friend!
Dad Trying for the win! 🤣
I actually like the logo with the doodle (I’m a sucker for anything with doodle branding).
I love that we both want to connect with others but have taken wildly different approaches with our About pages.
I’m glad I’m not alone in the throwing of all the things at the wall ✊🏽
Thanks Jamal! I appreciate your support and that you share my love for logo doodles. 😂 And your About page is awesome! Your branding and the artistry/coherence of everything on your Substack is something I aspire to. You always inspire me bro! 🙏🏻
Here's to continuing to throw all the things at the wall!
I’m here for the doodles! lol
And thank you man 🙏🏽
I would never go back to my life in marketing but it did help me grow in my love and appreciation for digital aesthetics.
Speaking of visuals, your videos are the best I’ve seen on here…period. That, accompanied by your writing, is super notable my guy.
Thank you Jamal—that's great to hear! I never know if folks are watching the videos, but I enjoy making them, so I lean into that. It makes me happy you enjoy them!
Hi Jacob!
LOVED the world premiere!!
Dad Trying is captivating- but I think I speak for all of us here when I say that it doesn’t matter what your publication is titled- we gather to read what’s on your mind and in your heart.
Your writing is a gift - we are here for it by any name.
Thank you so much for these kind and supportive words! It always means so much to me, and I lean on comments like this when I feel like stopping. 🥹 🙏🏻
This new series is going to be great. Can't wait for the world premiere! I so enjoy how you bring your whole self and humanity to your work, Jacob.
Thank you Maria! I appreciate your support. You've been here since day one, and it means everything to me! It keeps me inspired to keep bringing my whole self to the work. Thanks again 🥹🙏🏻
Love the behind the scenes and the video. I look forward to following along. I like the name and the logo with your face on it 🙌
Thank you Lori! I appreciate it!
I'm looking forward to seeing what next with Dad trying. I started here a little before you did (March). Thanks for sharing
Thanks Jane! I'm happy we embarked on this Substack journey at a similar time 😊