“When we learn by example, we better lead others to learn on their own.

Sometimes, not knowing something can benefit us if we are willing to model our own growth through the process.”- George Couros

This sentiment from George Couros’ weekly blog, encouraged me to reflect on his influence on my journey. Years ago, George encouraged me to start a blog as a space to reflect on my own learning. For years, I had read George’s blog and those of many other educators, always admiring their vulnerability and willingness to share their experiences. This, in turn, benefited me as I internalized their ideas, made them my own, and cross-pollinated them in my own learning communities.

George’s words about learning by example and modeling growth through the process resonate deeply with my own learning journey. Along the way, I encountered both celebrations and obstacles to overcome. In the book The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday, he writes, “What impedes us can empower us… The obstacle in the path becomes the path.” This perspective aligns with both George’s insights and my own experiences, as I have found that challenges not only stretched my capabilities, but also guided me to personal and professional growth and new insights.

I’ve come to understand that by making your internal thoughts visible and working through your own growth, you have the opportunity to influence others. Your ideas can spark interest and promote further learning in those around you.

For example, I remember the time I was struggling to comprehend challenging texts in elementary school. My 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Roth, sent me to read aloud to a 1st-grade class. This encouraged me to pre-read the book and think deeply about the text so I could answer their questions. As I struggled through some words right in front of the students, it may have inspired those young readers to also take risks with sounding out new words.

Another memory involves teaching math to my 5th-grade class. I would spend lunch periods learning how to teach mathematics effectively, but even after I put a lot of time and thought into those lessons, some just didn’t resonate with the kids. Pivoting in those moments allowed me to model risk-taking and growth through learning, paving the way for my students to feel comfortable making mistakes.

This reflective approach extends to my professional learning experiences too. In facilitating learning for teachers, I’ve focused on engaging them meaningfully while nurturing their skills in literacy, leadership, learning, and teaching. By connecting with colleagues through questions and responding to real-time feedback, I’ve modeled collaboration and continuous learning. I’ve come to accept that I don’t always have all the answers, nor should I. I’ve found that reaching out to fellow educators enhances a collaborative spirit and encourages others to do the same when they don’t have the answers.

In an Innovator’s Mindset podcast titled “3 Questions on Educators That Inspire,” I reminded George of his challenge for me to write and share my learning journey. I can remember responding, What would I have to share that others haven’t seen before? In his response, he shared a two-minute video, “Obvious to You, Amazing to Others” by Derek Sivers.

Since then, I’ve watched and shared the video widely with educators both within my organization and beyond. The video reinforces the idea that every person’s ideas can leave a lasting impact on others, even if those ideas seem ordinary to the creator. It highlights that we may underestimate the value of our own work, but what feels obvious to us can be remarkable to others.

At the time of this writing, I have published over 120 blog posts. I share this not for accolades, but to express how writing has transformed me into a better learner, thinker, reader, and writer. This journey has allowed me to cultivate new ideas and connect with others, reinforcing the importance of sharing what may seem obvious to me but could inspire or resonate with others.

Moving Forward

Just last week, I wrote a post titled, But You Did. It emphasizes that your past selves form a bridge to your future. How many times have you doubted yourself, only to discover later that you succeeded? In those moments, you may have said, “I can’t do this,” BUT YOU DID.

To my surprise, I received several comments and texts that expressed that my thoughts had been just what others needed at that moment. One of the texts read: 

“Your post was just what was needed for me to read yesterday and last night I was inspired by you to do some writing and reflecting of my own. Thank you!!”

Although that was not my initial intent, since I often write the things I need myself, it brought me much happiness to be able to make an indirect impact on others. 

“When we learn by example, we better lead others to learn on their own.

Sometimes, not knowing something can benefit us if we are willing to model our own growth through the process.”

Now, think about someone you’ve learned from this week. What did you learn? How did your learning shift your thinking? How did you use this new learning in your practice? In what ways can you help others with your learning?

Step boldly into the mess of learning. Embrace the journey and lead others to discover their own path. Leave your footprints as a guide for those who follow. 

Your potential to make a difference is unmistakable.

Actionable Steps to Implement Tomorrow *Let me leave you with a beautiful gratitude practice from  Lainie Rowell, a bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and educational leader. This insightful practice was featured in her April newsletter, which you can read and subscribe to HERE for a monthly dose of inspiration. 1. Think of a pivotal moment or person in your career who made a significant impact. It could be a mentor, a student, a project, or a decisive moment. 2. Rewind and think about how you met or how the turning point happened. 3. Think about the ways (events and decisions) in which this event or meeting this person doesn’t take place. Consider the twists of fate, the chance encounters, and the serendipitous events.  4. Imagine your professional journey without this moment or individual. How would your career be different? 5. Reflect on why this moment or individual was crucial. What specific opportunities, insights, joys, or growth did it lead to? 6. How you would feel if these things were missing from your life? 7. Shift your focus: Remind yourself that this is person/event are a part of your life. Allow yourself to feel grateful that things happened the way they did. 8. Is there a way you can pay it forward? Consider how you could share knowledge, mentor others, or contribute to your learning community. This simple practice can help shift our focus from what could’ve been to appreciating what we have. Recognizing the good things in our lives makes us more grateful and fulfilled. It’s about valuing the present, and it can significantly improve our outlook. Note: The practice above is my spin on Mental Subtraction from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center and it is just one of the science-backed practices available in Bold Gratitude.