On June 1, 2015 Denise O’Brien, Teaching and Learning Director, requested that each T & L Department member read One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon and reflect on your one word for 2015-2016 school year. One Word explains how to simplify your life and business by focusing on just ONE WORD for the entire year. The synopsis for this book reads, “The simplicity of choosing one word makes it a catalyst for life-change. Clutter and complexity lead to procrastination and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity. By celebrated authors Dan Britton, Jimmy Page, and Jon Gordon, One Word That Will Change Your Life shows you how to cut through to the core of your intention for the next year. It offers an action plan and simple process to discover your word for the year. It also explains how your one word will impact the six dimensions of your life—mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial.” (Gordon, 2013)
During the July 20th department meeting we all revealed our “one word” which could either be from our personal or professional life. The results are displayed above and the largest word “invest” became the “one word” we came to consensus on as becoming our word for the T & L department. Each of the smaller words around “invest” truly could be the foundation for everything that we do to serve the districts of ESU10.
Zest - Approach each day with great enthusiasm and energy
Listen - Before you act….listen.
Impact - Strive to have a strong effect on those whom you work with and serve.
Challenge - Challenge yourself every day to recognize an opportunity to serve others.
Purpose - “The meaning of life is to find your gift……the purpose of life is to give it away.” - William Shakespeare
Breathe - “It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.” -Donna Karan
Intentional - Don’t just talk about it…..be about it!
Present - “Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” –Maya Angelou
Quiet - Find time to reflect on your work and put things into perspective.
Balance - “Don’t get busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” –Dolly Parton
Strength - When your work gets challenging, just keep swimming.
Invite - Invite others to help you out on those days when you really need a hand.
Focus - If “Plan A” doesn’t work, keep the course because the alphabet has 25 more letters.
Connections - “Communication-the human connection- is the key to personal and career success.” - Paul J. Meyer
INVEST - Invest in people who invest in you!
As I reflect on the past year at ESU10, the one word that comes to mind for me is “FAMILY”. We work together every day to make a difference in the educational opportunities for the students, teachers and administrators of the districts we serve. But on a more personal note, we are truly a family at ESU10 because when times get tough and our lives are truly put into perspective, we lean on each other to help each other through it. I am proud to be part of the ESU10 family and look forward to what 2016 has in store for all of us and our schools! We will continue to INVEST in those who invest in us! If we continue to focus on this one word then 2016 is bound to be a great year!