Making Plans and Taking Action

Recently, I've experienced a reoccurring theme from my health professionals.  They went  like this:

• "David, I'm glad you come in for your physical each fall, but you know I've been telling you for years you need to lose a little weight and exercise more."
• "David, while I can tell you floss each day, you need to do a better job brushing and flossing here."
• "David, your eyes are telling you it's time to get glasses.  This prescription is minimal, but it really will help you with your nighttime vision.  Also, have you thought about getting some readers?"

We go to health professionals to help us navigate changes in our body.  We might not always like what we hear, but I am grateful my health professionals are honest with me.

I feel the same way about our lawyer, our financial adviser, our carpenter, plumber, and electrician.  We need  professionals to help us develop plans so the future will be better.  The key for me is to put those plans into action.  Ignoring my eyesight or my lack of exercise is not part of the plan.  I am working in partnership with my doctors to make sure my future is healthy.

Our teachers develop plans with me each year to focus on their professional growth.  I develop a plan with our superintendent to focus on my growth. Our school creates an improvement plan each year to move the school forward.  Our district does the same.  We must have and implement plans for brighter futures.  Otherwise, we are ignoring what potentially needs to be addressed.

Parent-teacher conferences are another opportunity for parents, students, and teachers to celebrate and to develop plans for brighter futures for the students.  I expect our staff to be honest with our parents and students and to work collaboratively with families to implement plans that provide hope for a brighter future.  This partnership between our teachers and our families is remarkable.  Our plans and actions make a difference.  I know.  I see it each day.

PS.  Tonight is the night I pick up my glasses.  I'm looking forward to being able to see better!