The Power of What You’re Already Doing

Some questions are so powerful that when you come across them, you have two options: either read them, acknowledge their power, and move on

or 

read them, pause, and reflect deeply on how they affect you and your understanding. 

The second path prompts deep thinking and this is one of those questions. 

"What do you think you are already doing that you are going to find out in a year?"

You’re doing something right now that you may not yet realise is impactful. Recognize it - if it's good, keep doing it. If it’s bad, stop.

What I’ve learned so far

• Consistency is key. Being consistent with checking homework, giving feedback, and asking students to track their progress builds their accountability and improves their learning. Consistency means I check it, even if I’m tired. I don’t postpone it, not even for a day.

  
  

• Being a daily stoic helps. Avoid anything random, irrelevant, self-important, or malicious. Focus on your own mind. Draw energy from the classroom - put 100% of your effort, energy, and time into preparing for your lessons. This doesn’t mean hours of planning but rather focusing your attention so you know you’ll have a great lesson. What defines a "great" lesson is in your dictionary.

  
  

• ‘Hmmm’ feeling. Read something every day, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. Reading, watching, or listening to anything that gives you that "hmmm" feeling, even for a short while, will take you far.

  
  

• Do it. If you have an idea, act on it however you can within your current circumstances - write it down, store it, do it.