I have felt ridiculously, joyfully pleased with myself several times over the past ten days. It has been amazing! At moments, I have felt like singing from the rooftops, as I have taken enormous pride in the achievements of those with whom I have worked, and have felt the glow of satisfaction for having helped bring these achievements to fruition. As a coach, I know of course that it is not about me, but about the other person, and I have, also of course, noted the wise voice in my head that cautions me to remember that being pleased with oneself is a small step away from potentially blind self-satisfaction, or the pride that can often be followed by a fall … nonetheless, though, I have over the past week or so, on numerous occasions, quite simply abandoned myself to the limitless joy of the inner child, and to feeling super-super-super-pleased with myself … and it has been such a glorious feeling!
I recognise that it is the most enormous privilege to do what I do , working with educational (and other) leaders around the world, and when I was in Dubai at the beginning of last week, it was fantastic to help facilitate two days of activity with a group of superb leaders, who are already at the top of their game, and who were on a quest to tweak their behaviours, in order to become a genuinely high performing team. Fast forward to the end of the week, and another ‘ridiculously pleased’ moment came when I had the opportunity to spend a brilliantly energetic day with a cohort of deputy heads, shifting their mindset about themselves as learners, seeding and creating ideas which will now shape the work they do with their own teams, as well as on themselves. And just look at what we did together! Shedding misconceptions (including about the perceived barrier of time), identifying personal learning styles and new habits … oh, the joy I felt in making a difference! Their energy, determination and focus was palpable at the end of the day – I was utterly, utterly delighted on their behalf … and mine! I had curated a really targeted set of materials and tasks for them, and it really worked! The pleasure that it brought me was immeasurable!!
At the heart of all of this activity last week was powerful learning. I am totally convinced that learning (and relearning) to be a learner – a curious, inquisitive human being – is utterly transformational. This is why I am so proud of the work of the Edinburgh-based charity I chair, Light Up Learning, about which I have written before, which enables young people with multiple layers of disadvantage, and who are frequently not served well by the school system, to learn to really love learning, through a process we have developed which essentially involves them in learning about what they love. The difference this makes in their lives and for their future prospects is phenomenal, and another of my ‘ridiculously pleased’ moments happened yesterday, in my regular weekly conversation with the Head of Operations (with whom I love working – Iona, you are fab!), when I was struck again by the absolute enormity of what we are achieving. Making a fundamental difference for young people and their futures through what we do as an organisation – how amazing is this?!
I know of course – rationally – that I cannot claim personal credit for all of the progress made by all the learners I engage with, because they are doing the actual work of shifting their mindsets, tweaking their behaviours, and learning to learn. Moreover, in the case of Light Up Learning, it is actually our wonderfully engaged learning mentors who walk directly alongside the young people, and the Board and I just ensure that the organisation thrives* … but releasing myself to the joy of the impact I/we are having was such a wonderful, wonderful feeling. Look at how people are growing and evolving, in front of my and their eyes! Imagine the impact they will now have on others!! Isn’t it all just so amazing?!
Back from Dubai, I am now just about to embark on a journey to Sydney – my first time back in that beautiful city since the pandemic – in order to rekindle relationships and explore some innovative educational practice. I am in learning mode myself … and ready to become even more ridiculously pleased with myself as my brain and heart expand yet further. I am so, so looking forward to the journey.
Join me in being ridiculously, joyfully pleased – and ridiculously, joyfully grateful. And then I think that we will all find that it is not ridiculous at all … Onwards and upwards!
*talking of which … Light Up Learning is actively building our network of donors; if you want to make a difference through regular giving to young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians, please contact iona@lightuplearning.org. You’ll love talking to her anyway, and hearing about what the organisation is doing – enjoy!
1 comment
How wonderfully inspiring!