Choose to be Great Episode 1- Imagination

Below is episode one of the vlog, Choose to be GREAT. The print version is below. Thanks.




Since this is the first episode, let me explain the concept a little bit. Basically the goal is to provide short, 5 minutes or less videos that add some value to your life. Choose to be GREAT is a philosophy I try to live by and the campuses I have led follow as well. The concept and framework we use for Choose to be GREAT in the educational setting will come up in my videos, but that’s not really the point or the focus. The content will be kind of random, I will touch on education in-depth, but also leadership in general, encouraging messages, and motivation. The tone will flow all over the place as well, from informative and formal to goofy and comical and everything in between (kind of like my own personality!) That’s enough rambling, I hope you enjoy this maiden voyage!

 

I’m a big Disney fan, yes the movies, they are awesome, but really I mean the man, Walt Disney himself. He made magic with an incredible imagination and an undeniable work ethic and drive. He very clearly understood that ideas alone wouldn’t get the job done. He also understood that working hard wasn’t all that was needed. You need them both, the imagination and the work. There are literally hundreds of Walt Disney quotes that could take up hours, but one that sticks out to me is “Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever.”

As educators, no as humans, well adult humans, we get the work part. We are taught to work hard and if you fail, work harder. We spend a lot of time focusing on the work. I am not diminishing the importance of work. It is a huge part of the equation for success. As adults we tend to sell short the imagination part of the equation. Kids have great imaginations, but as adults our imagination dims. We stop using our imagination muscles. Keep flexing those muscles and create something great, create something Magical. 

Imagination can transform your school, your, classroom, your business, your organization, and your life! Educational standards are important, but imagination is what creates the spark. Imagination is what sticks with your students long-term. 10 years down the road, they may not remember being taught about the war of 1812, but they will remember how awesome it was when their room was transformed into a Newsroom and they created a newscast over historical events. Imagination sticks and making experiences “sticky” for our students can change their lives. Bringing the magic into the classroom will increase student engagement and change their world. Imagination sparks enthusiasm and don’t we all want a school full of enthusiastic students, teachers, staff, and administration? We want the energy to be felt when people walk in the building!  

Have a great day and remember, as always, Choose to be GREAT!


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