"A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot"
I recently came across Joe Vitale’s quote, “A goal should scare you a little and excite you a lot” and it got me thinking about the implications for students and educators.
In thinking of our students, we encourage them to push themselves out of their comfort zone, to be risk takers*. Within the context of our school community, this may be auditioning for a school play, having a solo in a dance or music performance, addressing peers during an assembly, taking a leadership role in MUN, trying out for a school sports team, learning a new skill or self advocating. For educators, this may be taking on a new role, assuming more responsibility in the school, leading a new initiative or challenging the status quo.
With regard to goals, there may - for many students - be a lot to fear and little to excite. We know that for students in our EAL programmes, there often is that ‘silent period’ whereby they tend to observe and do not wish to take risks until they know the teaching learning space is a ‘safe space’. For students with learning differences, certain aspects of school can be scary and far from exciting. For students who have an educational/cultural background where correctness/accuracy is not only revered, but expected; having the confidence to write using plausible spelling is a huge step. For high achieving students who are used to earning high grades and being seen as strong rôle models to peers, asking for help can be a huge challenge.
Right now blogging scares, yet also excites me. In the same way our students question if what they are doing is the right thing, I do wonder if this is something I should pursue. As I try to find my “voice”, I question myself. I do, however, know from a recent conversation with a fellow educator in the US how important it is to commit to this goal more fully. So rather than blogging as and when time permits, I am now - so as to build expectation and consistency - posting Thursday evenings (Kuala Lumpur time)/Thursday morning (California time). At present, I am sharing with some trusted friends and continue to seek their feedback. My goal, once I have a few more regular posts here, is to share via Twitter/LinkedIn so as to expand reach and scope.
I invite you to reflect on both your personal and professional goals and consider if they, to quote Joe Vitale, “scare you a little and excite you a lot”.
RISK-TAKERS ~ We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.