I haven't posted a blog post for a while now. Life seems to have gotten in the road in a big way. As in reflect back on some of the things that have happened to be both professionally and personally in the last 8 months I realise that it is time to do some soul searching and take time to get back some of the things I feel like I have lost.
Momentum is a powerful and dangerous thing. Gaining it too fast, losing it, it all can have a serious impact on they way things work.
Today I'm going to look at some of the aspects that have affected me over the last year in terms of momentum and I'm sure many of you will be able to relate to these.
1) Confusion
Confusion is one of the biggest enemies of momentum. It can kill it incredibly fast. Confusion can stem from a lack of direction, people working at cross purposes or a complete lack of communication. I'd like to be very clear here and say that I believe that confusion is incredibly dangerous. It fractures points of view which can lead to disagreement, arguments and a breakdown in the way a team can work.
The Cure: Communication
Clear, concise communication. With a focus on a vision that everybody understands. This is the best way to avoid confusion and keep the team focused and happy in their roles.
2) Negativity
Negativity is a tough one. We can't all be positive all of the time. We take hits to our emotional state every day as educators and when you take more risks in your practice and put yourself out on a limb this can be even more so. Disappointment and negativity can directly affect productivity. We have all had those days. Where it's a bit much... it's hard to be on top of your game.
The Cure: Positivity
This one can often be easier said than done. But surround yourself with positive people, do things that make you happy, exercise. All of these things can help to pull you out of a rut. Rember the things you love about education and do more of those things... and do them well.
3) Change
Change... it can be a positive or a negative. I was all for change, I loved it. The push to 21st-century practice, team teaching, going to a digital environment. It was where I wanted to be and I loved it. Then things changed. I was teaching a year level I wasn't has excited about without the tools ad systems I had developed and worked on. The way I was teaching wasn't at the cutting edge anymore. Then I realised that what I had before was growth, it was positive and I wanted it but I wasn't coping with change - the restraints and differences in practice forced upon me. It took a change in mindset, but in the meantime I had dug my heels in, lost momentum in the growth I had valued so much.
The Cure: Growth Mindset
If I had looked at the change in a more positive way, if I had looked at what I could gain rather than what I was losing then I might have kept more momentum. This was a big lesson for me and it was one that I am glad I have learnt. Carol Dweck's work is something that all schools should include for staff and students. It builds positive attitudes and helps people cope with change... which let's face it, is something that is always happening in education.
It has been good sitting down and writing again, and I hope you enjoyed my short rant on some of the momentum killers out there. Please leave a comment about some of the experiences you have with losing momentum and any advice you have for other teachers.
