Often when we start to organize and prioritize our work, we put off the opportunity to be creative in our thinking. We tend to say that we will think about doing something innovative and different at a later time—maybe when testing is over, or the school year finds its rhythm. The problem is that the time never comes again. We often fail to capture the moment when it first comes to our minds. We say, “not right now, but later”.
A very successful college friend of mine named Billy always ask the question: If not now, when? The time is now!
Educators are notorious for thinking that we will get that time back later, when in reality, the thought or idea never returns in the same way. If only we had used the time then and not hope that the opportunity will come again. As we all know, “Hope is not a strategy”.
As you continue to think of creative ways to improve student achievement, if you don’t begin to take action when the thought first arises, ask yourself, “If not now, when? The time is now!”
~Mike Evans, Edwards Ed Consultant