1.3 Influences on baggage

Let’s have a look at some different types of baggage – the following list is not exhaustive but merely an illustration of the range of influences on an individual’s baggage.

Internal	External influences on your baggage
Learning Difficulties & Neuro developmental disorders Reading and writing problems such as Dyslexia Language (speaking, reading, understanding etc) challenges             The way you learn – learning problems Autism, Dyspraxia, ADHD	Relationships & Geopgraphical context Family circumstances early affiliation (under 3 years) Relationships with parents/ guardians Relationships Siblings Parental pressure – expectations Peer pressure Unconscious bias     Background Exposure to different cultures, society Integration Socialisation
Self-awareness Self-esteem/ belief Confidence Values and beliefs loneliness and isolation Attitudes – social protocols Lack of identity Feeling of failure	Social protocols Social standards – expectations Non conformity
Addiction Drugs, alcohol Gambling Substance abuse	Schooling Relationship with educators/ students/ staff Authority Friends/ bullying
Physical Health Disabilities – hearing, seeing, etc Ailments/ Disease	Economic well being
Mental health Anxiety Anorexia Self harm Panic attacks Depression Stress/ Burn out Fears and phobias Social awkwardness Prejudices	Abuse Physical abuse Psychological abuse Sexual abuse/ Harrassment Prejudices Criminality Violence/ victimization Rejection
Organisational skills Organisational skills Motivation Time management Emotional control Initiation/ Prioritising Flexible thinking Working memory Focus Impulse control (think before acting)
Personality Emotional state – shyness – personality insecurity Introvert vs Extrovert Need of control Need for recognition

It’s crucial to understand that baggage comes in multiple layers, much like the layers of an onion. Some layers are easier to address and overcome, while others may require professional guidance and support. Additionally, it’s important to recognize that some layers of baggage run deeper than others. We should acknowledge that educators also carry their own baggage, which can impact their mentoring and coaching abilities. Every individual, including educators, has their own degree of baggage, which influences how they interact with others and respond to new and unfamiliar situations. Educators, for example, may struggle with high stress levels, which can affect their relationships with students and their teaching approach. Below you can find a model lifting up 3 different steps you can and need to do to identify, visualize and drop baggage that prevents you reaching your maximum potential.