What can you do today?

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 This week marks the traditional beginning of a new school year; the end of last school year seems long ago.  Remember the time you spent to reflect after the end of the school year? Let’s see what happens when we turn reflection 180 degrees and practice reflection near the beginning of the school year or before the beginning of any event.

In January 2016, I referenced Sarah Brown Wessling’s blog on the topic of what makes a good teacher or good learner. She suggested good teachers and good learners reflect at the end of the year. That’s good advice. Now let’s take that advice one step further—revisit your reflection from last spring and actually make a plan to do something about what you determined.

How did you respond to Wessling’s question, “What are the three things that make a successful teacher?” or “What are the three things that make a successful learner?” Think about your response and make a plan--a response is not enough. What can you DO about your response TODAY?

As we face the beginning of a new school year, three things might seem like a lot on which to focus. Change the question to, “What is ONE thing that makes a successful teacher?” or “What is ONE thing that makes a successful learner?” What is one thing you need to continue to do to be successful this school year? What one change do you need to make to become even more successful this school year? Build on your strengths. Choose ONE thing on which to begin work.

If you did not reflect last spring, start a reflection now. Use the simpler question, “What is ONE thing that will make you successful this school year?”

If you are not a teacher or a student, reflection is still for you. The question simply becomes, “What is one thing that will make you successful on the project you are about to start?”

Education is one of the few professions that allow the learners--or workers to start over each fall. Take advantage of the new start to become even more successful.

Next post, we’ll continue to work on ideas for getting more organized.  Until then, have a great start to your new school year or new project.