Come Out From Hiding and UNFOLD Thyself!

Admin • December 19, 2016

Come Out From Hiding and UNFOLD Thyself!

Think about a time whenever you had a valuable idea written down on a piece of paper, and you folded it and put it up in your wallet, purse, or a book. Sometimes we forget about a piece of paper like that, and we go on with life until a situation arises in which we go back to those ideas on that paper. Well, like that piece of paper, we tend to fold ourselves up along with our ideas, talents and dreams. We shut ourselves down in fear of what people think or say and because of our hang-ups. We settle for average in life, and watch our dreams drift away. Time escapes us and we end up at our wits end while embracing hopelessness.

If you find that you’ve been in this situation, it’s time to unfold yourself! How long are you going to waste time in fear, holding back the greatness in you? How long should you forget your purpose and the people that need your gifts and talents? I will now go into 3 reasons why we fold ourselves and how to unfold into our purpose:

1. Intimidation :
So many of us are being held hostage by bullies who intimidate us along with people who see our potential and try to win power over us. They push over on us and make us feel like we are worthless, stupid, useless, and weak. We tend to cower into a corner with our ideas, and faint from fighting these giants. This causes us to resolve to support everyone else’s ideas while forsaking our own , and developing bitterness and resentment over the years because we weren’t able to stand up against those who intimidated us and “shut us down”.

a. Overcoming Intimidation : In order to unfold yourself and overcome intimidation, you must weigh the balances appropriately and consider the source . Choose not to make the issues bigger than what they really are. In addition, continue to remind yourself of your value and how you ARE needed in spite of what the voices of intimidation will shout at you. Furthermore, replace the message of intimidation with a message of hope and purpose for the future! As I mentioned in my book series “How to Overcome Obstacles from Your Past”, the best is yet to come for you so you don’t have time to listen to the voice of intimidation!

2. Fear: When I was a homeless student in the homeless shelter for 2 years in high school, I was encouraged by a leader named Barbara who always said that FEAR is simply F alse E vidence A ppearing R eal. There’s a big FEAR that says, “What if people don’t receive my ideas?” or, “What if I’m rejected and or humiliated ?” These fears are real issues that we all face and must acknowledge in order to move forward. Fear is the great paralyzing element that keeps us “Stuck” for years, feeling like we are bound and like our hands are tied. It causes the gut wrenching feeling in our stomachs that makes us feel like we will be doomed if we step out with a risk and apply ourselves and share our ideas.

a. Overcoming Fear : In order to overcome fear, we must first face it dead on with a “What if this fear doesn’t come true?” and choose to hope in our expectations of a great dream coming to pass. Wayne Gretsky mentions how we miss “100% of the shots we DON’T take.” I love this saying because it shows all of us that no matter what the situation, there’s always potential. Living in fear will not help you or the others that you were called to serve. Fear will lock down your purpose and get your focus off of your destiny and what truly matters. It’s time to take off your fear like you’d take off a coat, and put on hope and expectation in your gifts and purpose. Who knows what greatness will come out of you whenever you try? It’s worth a shot, so go take off that fear and unfold yourself!

3. People’ Opinions :
The opinions of others hold so much weight in our hearts and minds that we will go against what we desire to do in order to please everyone else . We will take counsel from others who are older and have been in our area of expertise longer. Then, we take their advice while striving against what we felt is right in our gut to do. Unfortunately, we look back in regret for listening to others as our opportunities fade away with the wind.

a. Overcoming People’s Opinions : To successfully overcome people’s opinions, we must consider the need and urgency for our dreams, goals and desires to come to pass. We can’t afford to take on a mundane, stoic-type attitude about fulfilling our purpose. Hence, we must care more about our purpose than the opinions of people. We have people we are called to help and if we don’t rise up and take our dreams by the horns, they might perish from our lack of action.

I can remember times when I went to speak for an organization as a keynote speaker that I would tense up and worry about what the audience would think if I shared something about my life that I knew could help them but I was a bit embarrassed about. I had to overcome the opinions of people at moments like these and share anyway in order to help someone who’s tried everything and might be at the point of giving up hope in life. I can testify that when I went with my gut and did what was right and pursued those very things that I felt people wouldn’t esteem well, great things came out of it. Furthermore, I learned to shut down the voices of people who I cared greatly about who gave me advice contrary to what I thought and it paid off. Hence, let me encourage you to love people, but shut down the opinions of those who are speaking contrary to what you are dreaming or pursuing to accomplish, and unfold yourself again!

Conclusion

When you consider our life span as a human race, time is passing us by QUICKLY ! Time is too precious for us to sit on these valuable talents and ideas because of intimidation, fear, and people’s opinions. You are one of a kind , and the world needs you whether you feel like it does or not. Nobody can duplicate you or replace you. Thus, it’s time for you to unfold yourself so you can accomplish your purpose and fulfill your destiny while helping others!! What do you have to lose? If anything, you can do nothing but win , so choose to unfold thyself again!!

For more information about unfolding yourself, check out my e-books on “How to Overcome Obstacles from Your Past!”

Copy this link into your url to get your copy ASAP!
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=e+book-+how+to+overcome+obstacles+from+your+past

By India White October 15, 2025
🚨 Exciting news! 📚 Our books have finally arrived, and orders are being shipped out! A huge thank you to the school districts and educators who have supported us by ordering their copies! 🙌 If you haven't grabbed yours yet, now's the time to get it! Don't miss out! Link- https://a.co/d/a6m9xoC ✨ hashtag#nctm hashtag#ncsm hashtag#drindiawhite hashtag#teachers hashtag#grit hashtag#Tedx
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By India White October 13, 2025
Introducing the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees — Cultivating Resilience, One Page at a Time I’m thrilled to share news of a powerful new resource that’s about to hit the shelves — the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees, designed around Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. framework. This workbook is specifically created for students working with mentors, helping them develop grit and resilience through reflection, accountability, and growth. While the workbook will soon be available on Amazon, here’s an inside look at what makes it special, why it matters, and how mentors and mentees can use it together. Why a Workbook for Mentees? Mentorship changes lives, but it works best when mentees are equipped to take ownership of their personal growth. The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees bridges that gap by providing structured tools to build resilience and self-efficacy throughout the mentorship journey. It offers: * A clear roadmap for personal growth and reflection * Practical exercises for goal-setting and perseverance * Tools to track progress and measure growth over time * Prompts for deeper mentor–mentee discussions This workbook helps mentees turn challenges into opportunities and equips mentors with strategies to nurture lasting confidence and determination. Understanding Dr. India White’s G.R.I.T. Framework At the heart of this workbook lies Dr. India White’s signature G.R.I.T. framework — Great Resilience in Time. The framework teaches students how to thrive through four key pillars: Growth Mindset– Believing abilities can improve through effort and learning Resilience – Bouncing back from adversity stronger than before Self-Efficacy– Believing in one’s ability to accomplish tasks and goals Time Management– Using time wisely to achieve success Dr. White’s framework has been implemented in schools, leadership trainings, and G.R.I.T. Academy programs nationwide. The mentee workbook adapts these proven strategies into personalized activities designed to strengthen the mentor–mentee connection and support personal transformation. What’s Inside the Workbook Each section of the G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees is interactive and designed to make learning active and reflective. | Section | Purpose | How to Use It | |Self-Assessment | Identifies mentee’s current strengths and areas for growth | Use during first sessions to set a baseline | |Goal Setting & Reflection| Helps mentees develop SMART goals and revisit progress | Reflect weekly and discuss during check-ins | |G.R.I.T. Modules | Deep dives into Growth, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management | Complete together or independently between sessions | |Challenges & Activities | Hands-on projects to practice perseverance | Mentors assign or co-design activities | Progress Tracking | Allows mentees to visualize their growth over time | Review regularly to celebrate milestones | The workbook ensures that each mentoring session becomes meaningful, measurable, and motivating. Benefits for Mentees and Mentors Mentees will: * Strengthen their confidence and self-discipline * Learn how to turn setbacks into comebacks * Set clear, attainable goals for personal and academic growth * Develop stronger reflection and problem-solving habits Mentors will: * Gain structured tools for meaningful sessions * Foster deeper conversations that go beyond surface-level topics * See measurable growth in their mentees over time * Cultivate a shared language around perseverance and purpose Coming Soon to Amazon The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees will soon be available on Amazon for mentors, coaches, and educators nationwide. This workbook serves as a companion to Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentors and aligns with her ongoing mission to build grit and resilience in every student. To get ready for launch: 1. Watch Dr. India White’s TEDx Talk, The Power of Grit. 2. Visit www.india-white.com for updates on release dates and resources. 3. Connect with Dr. White’s G.R.I.T. Academy for mentoring tools, training, and online courses. Final Thoughts The G.R.I.T. Workbook for Mentees isn’t just a book—it’s a movement toward empowerment, growth, and lasting change. It gives mentees a voice, a plan, and the courage to persevere through life’s challenges. Stay tuned for the Amazon launch announcement, and prepare to empower the next generation of students to rise with Great Resilience in Time.
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I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured speaker at the NCTM 2025 Conference alongside the incredible Dr. Shelly Jones, Room 406. As TEDx speakers, Dr. Jones and I are uniting our passions for mathematics, equity, and purpose-driven teaching in our session titled Building Grit Through Culturally Relevant Math Tasks. Dr. Shelly Jones will share powerful insights from her book Culturally Relevant Math Tasks to Engage All Learners, which emphasizes how educators can connect mathematical concepts to students’ cultural experiences and lived realities. Her work highlights the importance of inclusion, representation, and authentic learning experiences that empower every student to see themselves as capable mathematicians. In my portion of the session, I will focus on Building Grit through the G.R.I.T. Framework—which stands for Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. Through this framework, I will share strategies from my *G.R.I.T. Workbook for Educators* to help teachers cultivate perseverance and confidence in students as they navigate challenging math tasks. The goal is to help students not only solve problems but also believe they can thrive through productive struggle and perseverance. Together, Dr. Jones and I aim to inspire educators to blend cultural reasoning with resilience-building practices—creating classrooms where students’ identities and determination are celebrated equally. I’m excited to connect with passionate educators at NCTM 2025 and share how we can all build grit, equity, and excellence in math education.
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🌟 Exciting news! I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking at NCSM! 🎉 Join me for two informative sessions: 📚 402 How to Build a Gritty Thinking Classroom through Equity and Collaboration 🗓️ Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰ 12:45 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. 📖 403 Equity Counts: Implementing Equitable Practices Across All Leadership Levels 🗓️ Monday, October 13, 2025 ⏰ 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. I’m ready to bridge the gap and give away door prizes, including my new book: Effective Teaching Practices Every Teacher Must Know! Don’t miss out! #nctm #ncsm #drindiawhite #grit #equity #parity NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics EducationNCTM - National Council of Teachers of MathematicsShelly M. JonesYolande Beckles
By India White October 3, 2025
✨ Exciting October Update! ✨ I’m thrilled to share that my October Newsletter is live! This month, I’m honored to be speaking at both NCTM and NCSM—two powerful opportunities to connect with educators nationwide about building G.R.I.T. (Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management) and closing the achievement gap. 💡 I’m so grateful for the incredible teachers and leaders who continue to inspire and partner with me. Thank you for the work you do every day to make an impact in the lives of students! Check out the newsletter and explore resources here: 👉 www.india-white.com Let’s keep building grit and creating equity in education—together. 💪📚✏️
By India White October 3, 2025
Building Grit in Our Elementary Math Communities This week I had the privilege of hosting an **Elementary Math Chat on BlueSky**, where educators from across the nation gathered to talk about one of my favorite topics: the **power of grit** in our classrooms and communities. The energy, collaboration, and passion from teachers, leaders, and math coaches reminded me once again of why this work matters. Why Grit in Math? We started by examining the latest NAEP data, which paints a sobering picture of how our students are performing in mathematics. While test scores often highlight areas of struggle, they also invite us as educators to ask a deeper question: How can we better equip our students to persist through challenges? This is where the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—becomes a game-changer. Exploring the G.R.I.T. Framework During the chat, educators reflected on how grit shows up in their classrooms: Growth Mindset helps students believe they can learn math, even when it feels difficult. Resilience gives students the courage to keep trying when a solution isn’t clear right away. Self-Efficacy instills confidence that “I can solve problems if I keep working at them.” Time Management reminds students that persistence requires discipline and prioritization. Together, these pillars equip students to face not only academic challenges but also life’s challenges with courage and determination. G.R.I.T. Games and Assessments We also discussed two practical tools for teachers to bring grit alive in the math classroom: G.R.I.T. Games : Engaging activities that give students the chance to practice perseverance in fun, low-stakes ways while still reviewing math concepts. G.R.I.T. Assessment: A reflective tool for students to evaluate their own growth in grit—identifying where they are strong and where they can build more perseverance. These resources empower both teachers and students to see grit not as an abstract concept, but as something real, measurable, and impactful. Grit Beyond the Classroom One of my favorite takeaways from the chat was hearing educators share how grit impacts not just math performance but also the wider school community. When students develop grit, they become more confident problem-solvers, more engaged learners, and more supportive peers. This mindset spreads beyond the classroom walls, creating resilient communities that thrive together. Moving Forward The Elementary Math Chat reminded us that teaching math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about nurturing resilient thinkers who can face challenges with determination. As we continue to share strategies, reflect on data, and support one another, I’m excited to see how grit will transform classrooms across the nation. Let’s keep the conversation going: together, we can ensure every student has the tools to persist, grow, and succeed. Dr. India White is a national speaker, math consultant, and author of the G.R.I.T. framework. For professional development, G.R.I.T. trainings, or speaking engagements, connect at www.india-white.com
By India White September 30, 2025
Building Grit in Students through Reflection Activities During a recent training session, I guided students through a structured activity designed to help them reflect on grit and personal accountability. This exercise encouraged them to explore how the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—applies to their learning and development.^1 Students first participated in guided discussions on grit, focusing on strategies to remain committed, build resilience, and complete assignments on time.^2 Each student then journaled about their personal grit levels, identifying areas of strength and growth. This journaling provided a safe space for honest self-assessment and highlighted the importance of intentional focus.^3 The activity also included collaborative reflection where students discussed their “grit weeks,” emphasizing how to manage distractions, stay accountable, and complete tasks with perseverance.^4 By engaging in both personal reflection and peer discussion, students were able to see grit not as an abstract idea but as a practical tool to help them reach goals.^5 Through journaling and reflection, students deepened their understanding of the four pillars of the G.R.I.T. framework. Many expressed excitement for what lies ahead in their academic journey, recognizing that perseverance and accountability are vital to their long-term success.^6 The activity reinforced the importance of grit in education by providing students with practical tools for self-awareness and improvement. As Angela Duckworth emphasizes, grit involves sustained passion and perseverance over the long term.^7 Likewise, the Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook stresses that equipping students with reflective practices helps foster resilience and determination as they grow academically and personally.^8 Footnotes 1. Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance (New York: Scribner, 2016), 8–9. 2. India White, The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook (Tampa, FL: White Education Consulting, 2023), 12. 3. Duckworth, Grit, 44. 4. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 28. 5. Duckworth, Grit, 92. 6. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 46. 7. Duckworth, Grit, 275. 8. White, Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook, 59. Bibliography Duckworth, Angela. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. New York: Scribner, 2016. White, India. The Power of G.R.I.T. Workbook. Tampa, FL: Rising Glory Productions LLC, 2023.