Despite having been an educator for such a long time, I still test out new methods and information whenever I get the opportunity.
Which means that, if you've ever been in my classroom, lecture theatre, webinar, or similar setting, there's a very high probability that I conducted some kind of experiment on you.
Don't worry, you weren't being bombarded with gamma rays or breathing in odourless chemicals I infused into the air.
It was more likely a test to see how you would react to a certain way of delivery, a new activity, or a new way of conducting an established activity.
I approach it the way a stand-up comedian approaches new material that he/she has written - basically, test it until you know whether to keep it or dump it.
And I've dumped a whole lot more material than I've kept.
So, this is to say thank you for allowing me to test them out on you, and for participating (albeit mostly unknowingly - oops!) in my experiments. ;)
Re-Inventing the Wheel is Usually Pointless. Sometimes, Though, It's Necessary.
There's no point re-inventing the wheel.
Unless the wheel isn't able to hold up to the demands it's being used for.
Just as you wouldn't place bicycle wheels under a 4-tonne truck, you oughtn't use a tool or method that's not robust enough for the process that you're trying to run.
It's not that you have to make a teleportation device or attach jet thrusters to the truck (although that would be REALLY cool), you just need to use the right tires for the job.
If those tires don't yet exist, well, then maybe you do have to do some re-inventing.
Last-Minute Changes: Boon or Bane? Depends on You.
Last-minute changes can really throw you for a loop.
Especially if it happens without warning.
Now, you could complain and stubbornly try to stick to your guns as you ride it out, or you can purposefully look for opportunities to learn, grow, and test yourself.
One attitude will keep you resentful and wary of the future.
The other will keep you positive and excited for what's to come.
I know what I'd prefer to be.
Watching Masters at Work Have Taught Me Much
It's always a pleasure to watch a master at work who's passionate about his/her craft.
The calculated moves, graceful handling, and infectious enthusiasm all make the experience captivating and awe-inspiring.
I've seen them in many professions - painters, chefs, jewellery smiths, professional speakers, handymen, and more.
Even though they may not have time to explain everything that they're doing, I still learn a great deal from simply observing them.
Some day, I hope to join their ranks of mastery.
I don't know what it'll be in yet, but it's something I aspire towards.