Not everyone believes in New Year's Resolutions, however, no matter what you believe, the end of a year (in this case a decade) does create a reason for us to pause and reflect on our accomplishments, events that have had an impact our lives, and an opportunity to set new goals ("new year, new me!" is a quote from several people that I interacted with this past week)! It is also a time for new beginnings and new hope for a year of good health, happiness, and ability to effectively navigate change that we know we may encounter.
As I was reading quotes about the new year, I came across the one above and made me reflect upon my own 2020 vision. I often think about how I can be a better person, wife, colleague, leader, but rarely think about what I need to let go of in order to truly make progress and achieve the change and vision for the life I want to experience.
As I was reading quotes about the new year, I came across the one above and made me reflect upon my own 2020 vision. I often think about how I can be a better person, wife, colleague, leader, but rarely think about what I need to let go of in order to truly make progress and achieve the change and vision for the life I want to experience.
This is not a new epiphany! It seems to make sense that you should give something up or stop doing something to make room for change. Yet why is it so hard to do? There are all kinds of research and examples of why people struggle with change and transitions, even though there is a preponderance of evidence to prove that life will be improved as a result.
We do this in education all the time. We participate in professional development, read a book, watch a colleague- and get excited to try new strategies or an approach. We try it initially and then a few weeks later-give up on it or go back to what we have always done. We become exhausted and worried about the unknown. Although we know there is a "preponderance of research and evidence" that proves a strategy will have a significant impact on student achievement--there is still hesitation, resistance, and even disbelief that this change will have the desired impact.
I spent a lot of time thinking about the "why" we as educators want to hold on to past practices and beliefs?
We do this in education all the time. We participate in professional development, read a book, watch a colleague- and get excited to try new strategies or an approach. We try it initially and then a few weeks later-give up on it or go back to what we have always done. We become exhausted and worried about the unknown. Although we know there is a "preponderance of research and evidence" that proves a strategy will have a significant impact on student achievement--there is still hesitation, resistance, and even disbelief that this change will have the desired impact.
I spent a lot of time thinking about the "why" we as educators want to hold on to past practices and beliefs?
In Doug Reeves most recent book-"Achieving Equity & Excellence" he makes several great points that explain why. He says, "change is hard because it represents loss-loss of previous practice and convictions and most of all, loss of previous identity". He suggests the approach of "try it, test it, improve it"! Change the behavior, reflect, and improve!
I think this applies to both personal and professional goals for 2020! Let go of past practice, pay attention to the preponderance of evidence and research about what can help you achieve your desired results for 2020, and SEE a NEW YOU!
We have gained great momentum this first semester-let's stay strong and focused on the "why"!
I think this applies to both personal and professional goals for 2020! Let go of past practice, pay attention to the preponderance of evidence and research about what can help you achieve your desired results for 2020, and SEE a NEW YOU!
We have gained great momentum this first semester-let's stay strong and focused on the "why"!
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