My Risky Business: Don’t Get Ready – Get Started

My Risky Business:

Don’t Get Ready – Get Started

A few days ago, I had the opportunity to listen to Noah Geisel on Ditch that Textbook Digital Summit and had an “aha” moment. Geisel talked about “paralysis by analysis” – the act of spending all our time planning and never doing. Wow, did that strike a chord with me! I’m guilty of spending a lot of time preparing. I jump from book to book and article to article gathering ideas to get ready. I tell myself that I need to know more about transformational leadership, project-based learning, PLCs, standards-based grading, growth mindset, restorative practices, PBIS, RTI, and more so I read and read. Lots of prep but little action has defined me.

Geisel said, “Teachers need to give ourselves permission to be audacious.” Audacious is defined as showing the willingness to take surprisingly BOLD RISKS. My “One Word” for the new year is AUDACIOUS. Taking risks in professional conversations, taking risks in my personal and professional writing, and taking risks in my career decisions is the plan. I’ve spent too much time getting ready. It’s time to get started. Yes, 2017 will be my year of audaciousness.