You Evolutionary Best Self

Jul 25, 2021

It’s summer, which means it’s time to engage in my annual “clean, sort and pitch” ritual. It’s amazing how much stuff can pile up over time. The fear of becoming a hoarder regularly motivates me to purge. Of course, it’s hard for me to get rid of stuff without some reflection.

I realized it’s been over 18 years since I worked at our regional Education Service Center. While there, I had the great fortune of working with amazing people on some incredible projects, evidence of which I found on the bottom shelf of my professional development library when I retired. Tons of memories flooded back as I looked through old Behavior Institute binders my colleagues and I had organized.

As much as I was filled with pride as I glanced through them, I also cringed. When I read through the content of my sessions, I realized how much my own mindset has changed over the years. With each page I turned I was able to see a healthy evolution of my thoughts and practices. Though I was tempted to hold on to those resources, what they represented reminded me of the importance of letting them go.

As the pandemic has so painfully pointed out to us, the world around us evolves and changes, whether we like it or not. As this happens, it is important for us to be open to adapting accordingly. Change can be hard, but I’m convinced that remaining fixed in our perspectives and practices is much harder in the long run.

Having a growth mindset means being open to change. I hope this summer you take some time to reflect on your own evolution of thought and practice – and be intentional about looking for ways to make positive changes on your journey towards becoming your best self. I, for one, am enjoying the ride.

Start of School Goals

Welcome to the new school year. Consider kicking it off by working with your students on setting behavior and/or academic goals. I tell younger students, “One goal makes our heart happier, and the other makes our brain smarter.” Frame the discussion in terms of...

School’s About to Start! Woo Hoo! …or not

While at a restaurant earlier this week, I really enjoyed a conversation coming from the booth next to me. Two brothers were talking about the start of school. The soon-to-be first grader told the waitress he couldn't wait! The soon-to-be eighth grader...not so much....

A New Year

As we said goodbye to 2025 earlier this week, I was thinking about one of my favorite animated children’s specials, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. In it, Father Time tells Rudolph that if the horrible vulture, Eon the Terrible, takes Happy, the Baby New Year, time stops...

Enjoy the Journey

Perspective and attitude carry a great deal of weight when it comes to behavior. Accordingly, I need to slow down during this hectic month. Of course, my tendency is to speed up. I make a list of all the tasks needing completion before the year’s end and check it...

Homeostasis

You might have noticed I stepped away from technology over the past few months. It wasn’t a choice at first. 2025 has been a challenging year - and one that has reminded me of the importance of homeostasis. A simple definition of homeostasis is “any...

Using Our Time Wisely

So, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Sorry – this was not my intent. As I mentioned in a prior blog, my wife and I spent a great deal of time over the summer in Ohio with a lifelong friend who is now in hospice care. We’ve felt fortunate to be able to do this. ...

Unseen Challenges

We don’t know what we don’t know – this is the mantra that’s circled through my brain on several occasions this summer. People have all kinds of challenges that are not always visible to outsiders. And when we don’t know the full story behind people’s behaviors,...

Acknowledge, Defer, Step Away

So parents, are you enjoying time with your kids while school is out? Though summer can be great for families, it can also present challenges. Close quarters, combined with high amounts of together time, can become a breeding ground for conflict. Keep in mind that...

Blooming Challenges

II’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Parents, you are going to get frustrated with your kids. But when that happens, find an activity you enjoy and step away. This strategy help you avoid a power struggle, and more importantly, adjusts your perspective....

Time to Refuel

Educators, this is just a reminder that It’s called summer break for a reason. Your work August through May is draining, which takes a toll on your physical, emotional and mental health. You might not be consciously aware of this now because when your brain and body...

Mother’s Day – A Collective Effort

It’s Mother’s Day - and the end of Teacher Appreciation Week. This seems appropriate since most teachers play the role of surrogate mom about 180 days per year. Teachers nurture, support, encourage, provide boundaries, model, listen, and teach. These...