Bravely Contributing

Well, for many of us, first semester has come to a close.

And for some of us, it was our first semester in a new job and/or in a new district.

Endings and beginnings often inspire reflection. Whether we are new to our roles or we are someone simply reflecting upon the first semester, let’s take a moment to notice how far we’ve come. The research shows that the brain is more motivated by how far we’ve come than how far we have to go.

So, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Be proud of how far you’ve come. Be proud of how far your learners have come and be proud of the work you and your collective community of practice put into place to make this progress.

No celebration is too small. For those of us who are new, maybe you no longer need to use your GPS to find various spots in your school community. You’ve likely learned more names and grown more relationships. There are inevitably parts of the job that used to seem intimidating and impossible that feel a little less that way more often.

As I say in Legacy of Learning, we don’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Instead of leaving for winter break, thinking about everything that isn’t quite right or about how far we have to go with our goals or in this school year, let’s celebrate what’s gone right and what we learned when things didn’t go as planned too.

At the end of the day, everyone is someone’s kid. Don’t forget to take care of your inner kid too.

As a formal competitive dancer and theatre kid, I watched amazing performances tonight from students past and present. It reminded me of the kid that I used to be. My high school self would be shocked to know where I am now. Not from a “I never thought you could do that place” but more from the standpoint of, “This was NOT the plan.”

I confidentially danced on stages in high school. When I was in college, I performed in shows at a local theme park. I was confident in my ability to capture an audience.

And somewhere along the way into adulthood, I learned to play smaller. To doubt myself more. In the past year, after the publication of my book, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to some audiences and grow my presence in service of a message that I hope can be helpful to even just one person.

While I’m unlearning to play smaller in many ways, I’ve also become more focused on others. My husband said to me jokingly the other day, “I see a lot of gifts leaving this house and not many are coming in…” I said well that’s what good leaders do. It’s not about what we receive. It’s about what we give. At a team lunch today, my colleagues gave me a hard time because I insisted on eating last. They know this about me and were kidding about taking more time to get in line to see if they could get me to move myself up from being last.

I’m not sharing this to say, “Look at me. I buy gifts and let others eat first.” I’m sharing it to say that I love this part of leadership. The focus on others versus self. It’s very motivating and deeply rewarding.

But there are ways to be these things for others without dimming our light. Without making ourselves smaller.

I want that for all of us. The more we allow our authentic selves, gifts, and talents to shine brightly as a contribution to the greater good, the more we light the way for others to do the same.

So, this holiday season, be thankful for what you’ve achieved. Be proud of what you’ve contributed. And don’t be afraid to approach 2025 with a little more confidence and audacity.

Perhaps we change the world by changing ourselves first.

And we can start by bravely contributing as our biggest and best selves.