The One Great Idea Promise

School is nearly starting here in Wisconsin.  Less than three weeks until we say hello.  For some of my friends, it has already started and for others this is not the beginning of a new year.  We are surrounded by the buzz of excitement that comes from starting anew.  We are surrounded by the energy that will lift us up and carry us forward, led by dreams.  We are surrounded by the myriad of ideas we have concocted, come across, and considered as we inch nearer to that first magical day.

But what do you do with an idea?  to quote one of my favorite picture books.  Because we have all of these ideas that we cannot wait to try.  We have all of these ideas that will change the way we teach, change our students’ lives, and hopefully inspire change overall.  We have so many ideas that we often overwhelm ourselves before we even begin.

So I give you the one great idea promise; promise yourself that you will hold on to just one idea and pursue it with every thing you’ve got.  Find your essence, find your core, and hold on to that with every planning step you take.  Write it out, hang it up, and keep it in the forefront whenever you plan.  This is where your energy should go.  That doesn’t mean to dismiss all of the other ideas you have, but to let them slide in when they fit.  Write them down because you will forget them, but circle the one that will set apart this year from last.  Find your one great idea and love it with all of your might.

We say we want to change the world, but sometimes we need to just change one thing.  So find your thing and do it.  Don’t give up because you didn’t do them all.  The students don’t need you to do all things, they need you to do just one; love them and your job.  The students await.

If you like what you read here, consider reading my book Passionate Learners – How to Engage and Empower Your Students.  The 2nd edition and actual book-book (not just e-book!) comes out September 22nd from Routledge.