We Get What We Look For

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About 12 years ago, I took a motorcycle safety class. It was a two-day class, where we had "classroom" lessons on Friday evening, then actually driving on Saturday. I remember the bike being big and heavy, and not at all like riding a bicycle. I had a lot of fear riding it alone, afraid I would lose control and "drop" it. 

To this day, I remember what one of the instructors told us while driving the course: 

"When you want to make a turn, go ahead and look that way. Which ever way you look is the way you will go."

That phrase applies to so much of life. Whatever we're looking for... we will find it, whether it's trouble, happiness, success, etc. And what we look for depends on our OUTLOOK on life. It also depends on our belief system. Do we believe that other people are inherently good? Do we believe we have something positive to offer the world? Do we believe we can make a difference?

This week, we had an incredible twitter chat with Angela Maiers. (Read the #ALedchat archive here.) She started the "You Matter" movement, and I got to hear her in Atlanta at the recent ISTE conference. She told the participants of her session that You Matter is not an event. It's not a day, a thing, a feeling. It reflects what we believe about others. 

(If your device doesn't support the video, you can watch it here.)

When I was coaching and would tell my athletes, "I believe in you," it was to let them know that they mattered. That I had confidence in them. That I SAW them. That I was with them. 

So when the school year starts, what will you be looking for? Because whatever it is, you will find it. 

What Would You Do with 5 Extra Years to Live? Motivation Monday #27 {July 7, 2014}

Every Monday I post quotes and/or videos to inspire and motivate you through your week. Get ready for a great one!

If you've been following me on Twitter or following this blog, you know that I'm part of a running/walking challenge for 2014, where I'm trying to complete 500 miles by the end of the year. (Here's where I posted 5 strategies for getting through a mentally hard run.) 

I'm a believer in physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, so when I was introduced to the Designed to Move website, I was blown away by some of the statistics I found there!


From the website:

"By the end of this decade, most Americans 

will exert only slightly more energy per

week than if they slept 24 hours a day."

and

"This year, 5.3 million deaths will be 
attributed to physical inactivity. Smoking is 
responsible for 5 million deaths per year."

Click here for the infographic

Here's what kids said they would do if they were given 5 extra years to live:

This is the first generation that is expected to live shorter lives than their parents.

Think about your children and/or your students.... Let's work hard to give them the extra years! Visit the website Designed to Move for ideas on how to get kids moving. 

Share with me here or on Twitter how you model healthy living for your kids!

Nine Characteristics of Successful Educational Entrepreneurs

Yesterday, I featured the Alabama State Superintendent of Education, Dr. Tommy Bice, in this week's Motivational Monday blog post. During Dr. Bice's entertaining and inspiring message, he shared a slide with us titled, "Characteristics of Successful Educational Entrepreneurs." It is adapted from "10 Characteristics of Successful Social Entrepreneurs" highlighted in the book, The Power of Unreasonable People. 

Dr. Bice went through each of the characteristics below and encouraged us to embrace these characteristics as we work to meet the needs of students in the ever-changing 21st century.

Characteristics of Successful Educational Entrepreneurs

1) Shrug off the constraints of traditional ideology and norms.

2) Find creative approaches to social challenges and see these challenges not as barriers, but rather as opportunities.

3) Focus first and foremost on social value creation and are willing to share their innovations and insights for others to replicate.

4) Jump in before they have "permission" and before ensuring they are fully resources (they figure it out as they go along.)

5) Have an unwavering belief in everyone's innate capacity, regardless of one's education, to contribute meaningfully to economic and social development. 

6) Show an unwavering determination that pushes them to take risks that others wouldn't consider. 

7) Balance their passion for progress while at the same time being sure to measure, monitor, and evaluate their impact.

8) Have a great deal to teach change makers in other sectors.

9) Display a healthy impatience with the status quo. They do not do well in bureaucracies.


What do you think of these nine characteristics? 
Do you have at least one that is a guiding principle for you? 

I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Inspiring Words for Educators from Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Tommy Bice - Motivation Monday #26 {June 30, 2014}

Every Monday I post quotes and/or videos to inspire and motivate you through your week. Get ready for a great one!

Dr. Tommy Bice is the state superintendent in Alabama. Seem strange that a state superintendent is the star of a Motivation Monday post? For most educators across the country, it's probably a surprise that a state superintendent of education could get a room full of administrators on their feet to take selfies and dance to Pharrell Williams' song, Happy. 

Who else has a state superintendent that says, "Get off your bahonkus and get on the desks!" (In reference to Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society)



We're lucky in Alabama, because every time Dr. Bice speaks, he challenges educators to think outside the box and do what's best for students. 

He recently spoke at the annual CLAS (Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools) summer convention, and I captured a short clip from his message. 

If you are an educator in Alabama, Dr. Bice wants us to do what's best for kids, WHATEVER that means! 

And not only does he say, DO IT, he says, "Call us so that we can make sure that we get everything out of your way while doing it!" 

Now that's encouragement!