Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful. ~Margaret Wheatley
1st key step- Schedule Time for Reflection
In education today, there seems to be a never-ending series of problems you are asked to respond to daily. You spend your time thinking fast. According to Daniel Kahneman, world-famous psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, the mind has two systems that drive the way you think. The first system is fast thinking, also known as intuitive or automatic thinking. It is the type of thinking that occurs quickly and effortlessly. In addition, this type of thinking allows you to make snap judgments and quick decisions, often without conscious thought. On the other hand, slow thinking, also known as reflective or deliberative thinking, is the type of thinking that involves conscious effort and attention. It is the type of thinking that allows you to carefully consider your options, weigh the pros and cons, and make more thoughtful and reasoned decisions. When one is “on,” the other is “off.”
2nd key step – Communicate and Replicate What is Working
According to the National Science Foundation, 80% of your thoughts are negative. People have around 12,000 – 50,000 thoughts daily. Therefore, there can be lots of negativity going around!
The best way to counter negativity is to communicate and replicate what is working.
One of the best ways to replicate what is working is to identify the specific actions or behaviors that contribute to success. By learning from others, you can adopt the same good practices and apply them in your own work. In addition to replicating good practices, you need to develop a way to communicate what is working and why. Without a plan for communication, negative thoughts will take over. Scientists have discovered it takes three positive statements to offset one negative statement. Therefore, be deliberate in your communication of what is working well.
As you wrap up this December, be ready in January to start off with joy. You can find joy throughout the school year by giving yourself time to reflect and replicate what is working well.
The Dot It team wishes you a joyful and peaceful holiday season. DOT IT’s software and professional learning motivate and empower teachers, coaches, and administrators to implement the highest quality plans for smarter MTSS and Special Education. Contact us to learn more.
