Are you a "Doer" or a "Don'ter"? January 1st of every year brings on new resolutions, new energy and new life to most people. There is a freshness that comes with the beginning of the new year. We often reflect on the past 365 days, both good and bad. Many people make promises to be more organized, be healthier and more fit. Enrollment in gym memberships during the month of January are the highest than any other month during the year. Most people in January are determined, focused and lazer sharp.
The educational field is no different. Even though most schools are in the middle of their year, students and staff have had some time to reflect, rest and regain focus on their education and jobs respectively. Believe it or not, most schools at this time are also beginning to plan for the next school year. What classes will be offered? What will the schedule look like? How many periods are in the day? January is an exciting time for schools as they begin to think about what's next down the line.
The idea for this post came from a tweet from Dr. Neil Gupta, entitled "One Word". The question was, "What will be your one word for the new year?" The question made me ponder for some time. In one word, how could I describe what will be MY motivation. What will be MY laser-sharp, motivating focus for the year? How could I summarize it in just one word?
Just like most people, I too began a new fitness program and promised to be healthier in 2016. The trainer I work with asks the question, "Are you a doer or a don'ter?" The first time he said it, it struck me as a funny saying? It just sounds weird. But, after I thought about it and it stuck in my head, it became motivational for me. A "doer" is someone who does something. A "don'ter" is someone who doesn't do something. The definition is very simple and straightforward, but behind it, the meaning is very powerful. I want to be someone who does something.
I began to think about all the obstacles people bring to the table in education. We can't do that because of bussing. We can't do that because of lunches. We can't do that because of a bell schedule, because of this or because of that. I'm an optimist by nature. I believe that in order for education to move forward, we need more "doer's" and less "don'ter's". I'm seeing more and more educators, community members, staff and students becoming more open to new ideas, new strategies and methods. For me, my job is to continue to foster the "doer's" in the education field and convert the "don'ters". In 2016, Be a Doer, not a Don'ter!
