Where the Magic Happens

"The cautious seldom err." 

~Confucius

I recently came across this quote, attributed to Confucius. And it seems true enough, doesn't it? It's a lot more likely that people who go launching off half-cocked are going to be the ones to make the biggest blunders. A lack of caution can result in disaster. Without weighing the pros and cons of a particular situation perhaps a decision might be made too hastily, with an unpleasant, uncomfortable outcome.

But I wonder if there is such a thing as being too cautious? And maybe especially in the realm of teaching and learning?

I'm not suggesting that we need to throw caution to the wind; certainly that is foolishness! Teachers need to write lesson plans; administrators need to be thoughtful about their leadership. But I sometimes wonder if teachers, administrators, schools, and even whole school systems might be a little too cautious sometimes. How often does it happen that decisions are delayed and delayed and delayed? That great ideas die in committee? That innovative approaches might be left on the shelf?

I wonder if our caution sometimes comes from fear?  I think we like to stay in our comfort zones. That's where we are most comfortable, after all! (Okay...maybe that's just me...but I'm guessing not...)

But what if there are times when cautiously staying in your comfort zone is actually preventing you from doing something amazing?

Be bold! Take a risk! Maybe you'll land where the magic happens.

Image by oklanica [CC BY-NC 2.0]