Don't ever underestimate yourself!
About a month ago, I was scrolling my Facebook page when I noticed that the art teacher at my school, Dawn Reese, had a personal fitness business. Now, I am sure that this wasn't the first time that I had scrolled through a post like this, but this time, I stopped and clicked on her website. As I looked through her website, my first thought was maybe I could do this.
So I reached out to her and we met to discuss what I was looking for. I was brutally honest and shared that since I turned 40, I have been struggling with my weight and fitness. Yes, I belong to WW, but either I wasn't committed enough or it just wasn't working for me. But having accomplished so many things the past 18 months, I knew that I could accomplish hard things, even things that scared me. We determined that we would start a program for 3 days a week where she would design a workout program for me and I would frequently check in with her.
What can happen if you BELIEVE and START!
So yesterday, I completed my third workout of Week 4. Yes, I have completed an entire month of workouts. Now, these workouts were not easy, however they were extremely rewarding. Each night before the workout I would review what Dawn had planned for me. She made it so easy by including YouTube videos for each move. If I had questions, I could text her and she was always super responsive. The next morning, I would wake up, workout clothes already set out, and get started. As I completed each workout, I would mark down what I had completed and then send Dawn a text with my completed routine.
Yesterday morning marked a month of working out with Dawn. Not only am I so proud of myself, but I am so grateful for all of Dawn for all of her help. Here was something that I thought I was not capable of doing- I was worried that I might fail- but I took a leap of faith, found someone to help me through the process and voila- I now have this amazing new habit as part of my morning routine three days a week that is helping me reach my health goals.
What does this have to do with technology?
If you are wondering what this has to done with technology about now, don't worry- I am getting there. Any time we begin something new that we don't know a lot about, we have fear that accompanies it. All the what ifs and limiting beliefs start to overwhelm us and if we are not careful, they can paralyze us. I know that feeling- it stopped me from doing many things over the course of my 46 years.
Many educators feel this way about integrating technology into the classroom. They worry what if they do something wrong? What if it doesn't work? Their "what ifs" keep them from trying new things- finding ways to amplify their student learning using new tools. Are you one of those educators? Do you want to try something new or integrate more technology into your classroom but don't know how? Maybe you are reading this, like when I scrolled through Dawn's post, and thinking maybe you can do this. Maybe you just need a little help,
What opportunities are available for "a little help?"
This summer, there are so many conferences. Many of these conferences are FREE or have a minimal cost. In my opinion, conferences are great for educators who are comfortable with technology, but can be overwhelming if you are just getting started. So what's available for those of you just getting started?
Techy Notes Newsletter. :Each Tuesday, I send a weekly email newsletter to the subscribers of my website. Want to be added to the list, click here. Anyone who subscribes to my newsletter this week will get a copy of a FREE Google Slides 101 training.
Join my NEW Facebook Group: Want support using technology in the classroom, join my NEW Facebook group, TannenbaumTech. The goal of this group is to provide technology support to both experienced and beginner technology users. By doing so, I hope to form a supportive community of educators dedicated to integrating technology in meaningful ways. Inside of this community, you will also find out about upcoming conferences and other learning opportunities coming up for TannenbaumTech. Click here to join this new community.
3. Consider TannenbaumTech Coaching: Want some one on one support or small group support? I now offer one on one support. Not sure if this is right for you? I offer a one hour completely COMPLEMENTARY session to see how TannenbaumTech can best meet your needs. I would love to support you in any way possible. Click here if you would like more information on this and fill out the form that opens in the new window.
4. Coming Soon- Techy Notes Courses: Be on the lookout this summer for some Techy Notes courses in my Facebook community. I am so excited about this and can't wait to share these learning opportunities with you.
5. Check out my new book: My new book, TRANSFORM- Techy Notes to Make Learning Sticky, was released last month. Definitely check it out. It includes so many technology tips and even has QR codes for trainings for my ten TRANSFORM tech tools. Here is the link on Amazon.
Most of all, just get started and CELEBRATE those first steps!
No matter how you get started trying something new, whether it is integrating in a new instructional tool or starting a new fitness routine, the most important thing is to listen to your heart, find the resources you need to help you accomplish the task, and get started. Many times, the mere act of getting started is the hardest part of all. Make sure you celebrate that and celebrate each step along the way.
In my first four weeks of working out, I would give thanks after each workout for the ability to my body to accomplish these new and unfamiliar tasks. I also listed it as a celebration after each time. Now, as I get ready to start Month 2 on Sunday, I have decided to level up yet again. Now, I am adding a fourth day of strength training to my fitness routine. I am also adding some nutrition coaching in as well.
Let me repeat- don't underestimate yourself!
Fear is a powerful emotion. It shares stories with us that limit our confidence. These can be stories that we have told ourselves our entire lives. By no means am I saying that I am immune to this feeling. However, through a lot of hard work, I have learned to embrace that fear and go for what my heart desires. Not to boast but to share the power of going past that fear, in the past 6 months, I have gotten my first book published, created TannenbaumTech LLC, written a chapter draft for an upcoming book in 2022, and presented at numerous conferences. All of this happened because I started something important to me. If needed, I reached out for support. I am celebrating all of this, but this type of transformation does not just apply to work. I am now applying it to my personal health. It is by so means easy, but it is so worth it.
What is calling at your heart? Is it personal or professional or both? Find the resources you need to get started and GO FOR IT! If what you want to work on is technology related, let me know. If it's another area, reach out to your PLN (Professional Learning Network) and see what is available already within your reach. One step at a time, one percent better each day, it all makes a difference!