As a child, has anyone ever had to write something 100 times each as a punishment?

For me, I was an outspoken and excessive talker (still am!) and often throughout life, my outspokenness and excessive talking was often looked at in a negative light.  In school, I was often punished, missing recess time because I had to write “I will not talk”, a ridiculous number of times and sometimes daily.

Another form of “writing” punishment centered around my weekly spelling words.  If I took the spelling test and I missed one word, my parents would make me write ALL 25 spelling words, 100 times each.  😳 This was a very degrading and isolating punishment, often leaving me in my room writing my spelling words while all the other kids were playing outside or watching TV.

What do these types of punishment really teach kids?

Short answer – A LOT! For me as a child, these punishments left me with a range of negative feelings like humiliation, isolation, self-doubt, and feeling powerless and voiceless.  These negative emotions turned into personality traits such as OCD tendencies, perfectionism, anxiety, and the inability to articulate so I felt understood.  These traits I have carried into my adult life as most people do.

Look for the lessons and learnings  

 I realize that the punishment and the intention might have been to emphasize the value of practice and diligence to become an excellent speller and writer. But ultimately, these punishments helped to build my mental toughness and resilience, that my future self would need to get through some of the biggest obstacles and curve balls that life would throw my way!  So, for this, I am grateful! Grateful for my grit and determination. Grateful for a life partner who shares my same vision and passions!  And ultimately, for being given the gift to be a guide and light for others whom this resonates with and who desire more out of life than the status quo.

Jumped off the hamster wheel!

Looking back, those early experiences of punishment taught me more than just spelling and discipline—they forged the resilience and mental toughness that would later become my greatest strengths. Brian and I took those lessons, combined them with our shared vision, and built a life of purpose and passion. By stepping off the hamster wheel, we found the freedom to serve others and live our best lives. Now, as Mindpower coaches, we’re committed to guiding others to do the same. What was once a source of struggle has become a foundation for fulfillment.

💬✨ #ChildhoodMemories #liveyourbestlife #Lessonandlearnings #Education #GrowthMindset #resilence