2018 - What lies ahead?
It's around this first week of the year that the whispers
of New Year’s resolutions begin. Those promises to eat healthy, give up
drinking and lose weight that you swear you are going to keep this year. I
haven't set New Year’s resolutions for a long time probably because I never stick
to them. However, it was over that New Year period when I saw an advertisement
that said "What will you do different in 2018?'. This simple question
resonated in my mind and got me thinking.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, my immediate thought was
'nothing'. I had an amazing 2017! Professionally, it was the best in my working
life. I achieved more than I ever imagined. I made gains and achieved things of
which I am very proud and have set my career in a direction of my own choosing.
I feel more enthused about my profession than ever before. So what else need I
do? Surely after all that hard work I was entitled to rest on my laurels for a
while.
That first thought was a lazy 'holiday mode' response.
Did I really achieve what I had in 2017 with that attitude? Was I
really going to rest on my laurels in 2018? No way! So, on reflection, the
answer to 'What will you do different in 2018?' is… Everything I did in 2017 …but better!
A good lesson I’ve learnt in the last few years is the
impact of surrounding yourself with like-minded people or people who challenge
and inspire you. It’s like the saying, “You
are who you associate with.” I am determined to make that happen this year.
Spending time with like-minded people or people that challenge/inspire me has
lifted my game on many levels. It has opened my eyes to better ideas, ways of
teaching or thinking that are transferable to my classes. I have taken those
ideas and tried to improve them or implement them in different ways. An
important step in this process is to also share with the person who original
shared with me to keep the cycle going.
Association with the people who share your passion brings
with it open communication, feedback and reflection. Good communication is
important in all areas of life and most certainly in the work life. Taking the
time to share, discuss, brainstorm, listen, learn and contribute are the key
factors in my approach to my work. Getting critical feedback and reflecting on it
not only ensures the continuation of the quest for improvement but also brings in others perspectives, values and
ideas. What you do with this feedback is up to each individual but, for me
personally, it has provided me with some
very different insights.
One of the big gains I have made in the last few years is
the level of confidence I now have in my ability. There is no doubt in my mind
that there is a definite link between that confidence and the people I have
been fortunate enough to meet. Through their encouragement and advice I have not
only been able to improve areas of my teaching but equally important I have
received confirmation that I am doing some things very well. All too often
teachers receive criticism of their profession so these affirmations are very
much appreciated and a real confidence booster.
My new found belief in my own ability has fuelled my desire
to share my passion for Design Thinking with the Senior Leaders, Parents,Staff
and even beyond my school to interstate and overseas. Last year I presented for
the first time at 2 different conferences and that has definitely left me
wanting more. This is something that I would not have imagined that I would
have had the confidence to do a few short years ago.
Of course the more you reflect, share, discuss with a
variety of people, the more new opportunities arise. This may be in the form of
ideas for lessons, resources, administration ideas, and other platforms for
sharing and learning to keep the cycle going. So to those people who have
shared their passions with me, taken the time to listen to my ideas and
encouraged me each step of the journey - Thank you!
So what do I resolve to do in 2018? Just watch this space!
