Damien at the Speed of Life

Today I feel like I am writing the manual on how to succeed at my life. It may not be the manual for anyone else, but smart people oughta find some carryover ;) The working title I think is: “Create. Innovate, and Integrate.” Like a tv plugs into a HDMI cable, plug into this message and get inspired!

I’ve gotten to used to being the one to do the job right. If you knew me, you’d know that isn’t self-congratulatory … it’s the truth. I’m a teacher and I have seen half-wits come and go from the profession like moths to a flame. Some people (many people) just don’t have what it takes. I’ve been watching a bit of The Academy on the Fox Reality Channel lately and seen the same thing happening with their recruits. Some just can’t do what is necessary to get to be cops. In teaching, you can usually see right away the ones who can’t cut it. They flip out on kids, lose kids, fail to raise test scores, they offend other teachers, etc … These folks come passing through the profession but never really take it by the reins and make it their own. I hope I’ve done that. It feels like I have. I worked my first day of summer school today and I have to tell you I am WORKED OVER! These 28 6th graders are going to give me a test like I may never have felt before. In the second six weeks, I teach 7th grade for another three. At that point don’t be surprised to read the confessions of a depressed teacher … that very well may be my state of mind. Nahhhh not me. But seriously, stay tuned to read those accounts, it should be a drama-filled challenge of a time.

Okay, now onto my point. If you are one of the “frozen chosen” in your field, as I have already shared I am, make sure you create, innovate, and integrate your ideas while you are in your working years. You owe it to the next folks to make the profession better after having passed through it. It’s a heavy burden but you can do it. More importantly, if you don’t, no one else will. My point today is this: If you want to have an impact and be successful in your trade, DO IT THE LONG WAY, no short cuts. Seek out books and trainings to be better at what you do and when you get home, make sure you have a jacuzzi (LOL). -Or- some way yo know to relax and get away from thinking about work.

Now, get your rest (if you are reading this from home). If you are at work: GO BE THE STAR THAT YOU ARE! Here’s an example of what it might look like in my job:

Create: Write your rules on the board

Innovate: Develop a foolproof way to teach them, be unique.

Integrate: Get up there and teach it and have success.

Are you creating, innovating, and integrating your profession?