As winter break comes to an end, for the 6th year in a row I have selected a word or words that I think will influence my life in the coming year. It’s a process I look forward to and dread at the same time, as it requires reflection and goal setting. Looking back over the years, the words that I have selected all have a place in my story and this year I think the same will be true.
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s to ask why? The systems and patterns we follow on a daily basis exist because someone else decided to put them in place. As a kid, I went to school from 8 to 3 and as an adult, I have gone to work in a very similar pattern. Until I went to college there was very little choice in anything in my education. Why? Because those were the rules and it’s the way things have always been done. And that is the worst answer of all.
In 2021, we have the chance to question the systems and patterns we are following and construct a life that is better. So my three words have been chosen in the hope of flourishing both personally and professionally while being a part of something exciting and meaningful. #My3Words
If 2020 has taught me anything it’s to ask why? The systems and patterns we follow on a daily basis exist because someone else decided to put them in place. As a kid, I went to school from 8 to 3 and as an adult, I have gone to work in a very similar pattern. Until I went to college there was very little choice in anything in my education. Why? Because those were the rules and it’s the way things have always been done. And that is the worst answer of all.
In 2021, we have the chance to question the systems and patterns we are following and construct a life that is better. So my three words have been chosen in the hope of flourishing both personally and professionally while being a part of something exciting and meaningful. #My3Words
Ideate (verb) Ideation is the creative process of generating, developing, and communicating new ideas, where an idea is understood as a basic element of thought that can be either visual, concrete, or abstract. Ideation comprises all stages of a thought cycle, from innovation, to development, to actualization. (Wikipedia)
It all starts with an idea. I believe that bringing together smart divergent thinkers and working as a team is critical. Listening, questioning, and developing “what if” scenarios and then balancing them against each other to create something better for our daily lives and education system.
In an interview with Roger Martin on the podcast “The Knowledge Project,” I was introduced to the concept of integrative thinking. The Rotman School of Management defines integrative thinking as: "...the ability to constructively face the tensions of opposing models, and instead of choosing one at the expense of the other, generating a creative resolution of the tension in the form of a new model that contains elements of the individual models, but is superior to each."
There is something liberating and exciting about realizing that we may be able to impact what day to day life and learning looks like. This can be accomplished by looking at the model of school we currently have and being a part of creating a better experience.
It all starts with an idea. I believe that bringing together smart divergent thinkers and working as a team is critical. Listening, questioning, and developing “what if” scenarios and then balancing them against each other to create something better for our daily lives and education system.
In an interview with Roger Martin on the podcast “The Knowledge Project,” I was introduced to the concept of integrative thinking. The Rotman School of Management defines integrative thinking as: "...the ability to constructively face the tensions of opposing models, and instead of choosing one at the expense of the other, generating a creative resolution of the tension in the form of a new model that contains elements of the individual models, but is superior to each."
There is something liberating and exciting about realizing that we may be able to impact what day to day life and learning looks like. This can be accomplished by looking at the model of school we currently have and being a part of creating a better experience.
Move (noun), a change of place, position, or state. (Oxford Languages) In 2021, my school will be moving into a new building after over 6 and a half decades. It’s a project that has been in the works since 2012. The move will cause change and disruption. It will also be emotional.
In my non-work life, I will be moving from one side of my house to the other, as we take on some renovation projects that have loomed over us since Hurricane Harvey. It’s time to finish what we started.
Move (verb), make progress; develop in a particular manner or direction. It shouldn’t be hard to make progress in this area. 2020 was the year of the chair in so many regards. It just happened and I will have a focus and a goal each week to move physically.
In my non-work life, I will be moving from one side of my house to the other, as we take on some renovation projects that have loomed over us since Hurricane Harvey. It’s time to finish what we started.
Move (verb), make progress; develop in a particular manner or direction. It shouldn’t be hard to make progress in this area. 2020 was the year of the chair in so many regards. It just happened and I will have a focus and a goal each week to move physically.
Enjoy (verb) take delight or pleasure in (an activity or occasion) Life is fragile and unpredictable. As we move through 2021, I want to have fun and celebrate change, milestones and small moments. Keeping things simple, not making assumptions, and valuing critical friends will all play a role in enjoying life this year.
I have learned one other thing this year….these three words all are just not about me. I am blessed with a loving family and friends, my team at home, and also a professional learning and working community. I am counting on all of them to wallow in the weeds along with me and to see where these words may lead. The future is exciting and I think it’s important that we all realize we have a chance to help create better!
A shout out to Chris Brogan for authoring the idea of "My Three Words" and to my friend Jennifer Hogan for being the conduit to the idea for me six years ago!
I would love to know what your "word(s)" are or in what ways you have committed to focus on in 2021?
I have learned one other thing this year….these three words all are just not about me. I am blessed with a loving family and friends, my team at home, and also a professional learning and working community. I am counting on all of them to wallow in the weeds along with me and to see where these words may lead. The future is exciting and I think it’s important that we all realize we have a chance to help create better!
A shout out to Chris Brogan for authoring the idea of "My Three Words" and to my friend Jennifer Hogan for being the conduit to the idea for me six years ago!
I would love to know what your "word(s)" are or in what ways you have committed to focus on in 2021?
My past #words
2020 - Consistent, Intentional, Ship
2019 - Arena, Moments, Faith
2018 - Create
2017 - Connect, Blend, Voice
2016 - Grow
2020 - Consistent, Intentional, Ship
2019 - Arena, Moments, Faith
2018 - Create
2017 - Connect, Blend, Voice
2016 - Grow
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