P.E. teacher Dean Grable at Eaton High School is known for his unique way of communicating with others. Grable’s inclination to speak in quotes, known as “Grableisms,” is more than just a habit; it’s a method that gives students wisdom and motivation.
Grable believes quotes offer a condensed, impactful message that regular conversation often misses. Grable speaks in quotes because he finds motivation in them. Most of the quotes he says are his take on life and how he perceives it. Hearing a thought-provoking quote can be much more impactful than a simple statement. EHS Principal Jessica Grable said, “I hear him all the time in my head. In almost every situation, I ask myself how he might perceive a situation since we are so different and he makes me think, and makes me better.”
Grable has a few favorite quotes that he frequently uses within his teaching. One of the quotes is, “Event plus response equals outcome,” which means an outcome, either positive or negative, is the result of how you respond to an event, and not just the result of the event itself. Grable believes that the quote is a principle that takes moments to understand but a lifetime to master.
Another quote is, “Doesn’t matter, get better,” which he sees as a mindset that is always the answer. One of the school’s business teachers, Alex Adams, said, “I think it’s a good attitude for when you approach things; stuff happens and sometimes you can’t control it, sometimes you can. Regardless, just get better. Do better next time. Take what you can. Go forward.”
Another quote that Grable frequently uses is, “You already know the shortcut to life. Show up and do the work.” Grable said, “It just keeps you focused, keeps you locked in. No self-pity. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. It’s all about showing up and doing the work. Essays don’t write themselves. Weights don’t lift themselves. X doesn’t solve for itself and so forth.”
These quotes are more than just words for Grable. They shape his daily life and teaching style. Grable said, “You can overdo it with quotes, but some of them hit you harder than others and stay with you.” He selects quotes that resonate deeply with him and aims to pass on their wisdom to his students. He believes that these concise messages can motivate and guide students in their daily lives, encouraging them to work hard and stay focused. Grable hopes that if his students take away anything from his quotes, it’s the importance of showing up and doing the work.
