Resolve to focus on assets
This post originally appeared in Dr. Rachel A. Larimore’s weekly Samara newsletter on January 4, 2022. If you’re interested in receiving these emails, scroll to the bottom of this page to subscribe.
The new year brings about thoughts of goal setting and resolutions. With the mention of goals/resolutions, most media messages focus on how we’re not good enough. It forces us into a deficit mindset. Ick! Please don’t “should” on yourself by saying things like “I should have…” or “I should be...” You’re doing great things!
As educators, we know the importance of asset-based thinking. That is, individuals, schools, and communities all have strengths that can be built upon! You and your team have many gifts, talents, and strengths.
Bring assets to the forefront
As we move into the second semester of the school year, I encourage you to bring assets to the forefront, and ask yourself…
What did I enjoy doing with children in 2021? How could I do more of that in 2022?
Who is one person I’m particularly grateful for?
What was my biggest win last semester?
What new qualities or skills did I discover about myself (&/or my team) this past semester?
Of course, one asset is the experiences you’ve had and learned from. With that in mind…
What surprised me the most this past semester?
What was my biggest regret from first semester? Why?
If I could go back to September 1, what suggestions would I give myself?
When you're ready to look forward...
And, yes, at some point we must take these reflections and look forward to setting goals or intentions. To help with that process, we can ask…
What kind of teacher would I like to be this upcoming semester?
What kind of co-worker would I like to be?
What do you want to learn in 2022?
I have been enjoying the work of James Clear and his book, Atomic Habits. He talks about focusing first on who we want to become. After we’ve determined an identity to embody, we can move toward outcomes (i.e., what to do). If you’re curious about this idea, check out his interview on Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead podcast.
Whatever level of goal setting, I hope you’ll be gentle with yourself and remember to think about the many ASSETS you already have. After all, you’ve been teaching young children during a pandemic. That’s absolutely a superpower!
Keep changing lives,
Rachel
Rachel A. Larimore, Ph.D., Chief Visionary of Samara Learning
About Rachel
Dr. Rachel A. Larimore is an educator, speaker, consultant, author, and former nature-based preschool director. As the founder and Chief Visionary of Samara Early Learning her work focuses on helping early childhood educators start nature-based schools or add nature-based approaches into their existing program. Learn more about Rachel here.
