We’re all guilty of it…making a New Year’s Resolution…

I’ll admit, I’ve been in a packed gym on January 2^nd determined to carry out my resolution only to have given up a few weeks later. Drinking shakes for lunch, having salads for dinner and then finding myself at the closest McDonald’s…

Did you know…the custom of making New Year’s Resolutions has been around for thousands of years. The ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first people to make New Year’s Resolutions. The first day of the new year became the traditional occasion for thinking about one’s past mistakes and promising to be better in the future. 

Educators do this at the start of the school year. As summer ends, September rolls around and we find ourselves prepping for back to school. With that comes excitement, planning, some new kicks, and of course, goal setting. Every September we make a New Year’s Resolution. 

However, I find that similar to the resolution ditch day in January, the same often happens in October. October is the month of compliance. Reports, meetings, the busyness of school sets in. Finally, you realize your resolution is gone. 

With that, I give you three strategies to help you keep your New (school) Year’s Resolution. 

1. Be Strategic – When planning goals for the new year, you should be thinking long term. Be creative, challenge the status quo. Define your vision. Know what the outcomes will be and assess during key milestones…Be Relentless.
2. Know what you want – It’s ok to speak up! Be steadfast and don’t be afraid to share your thoughts. Be determined and lead with heart and grit. 
3. Collaboration – Collaboration is key. Understand the benefits of teamwork. Live this, love this, do this. 

Do you set goals for yourself? How do you accomplish them? 

Continue to #LeadWithSWAG 

#HappyNewYear #LeadingWithSWAG #Roadtoawesome #ProudEducator