There are many things that seem to fall to the wayside when life seems to travel as fast as technology changes, which we all know is lightning quick. One of the first things to go away is the time taken to truly gain clarity before moving forward versus launching directly into the next task, project, etc. The key to great and consistent work, however, is not jumping right into the deep end without preparing. No, the key is to gain clarity before moving forward and here are five ways to do just that.
- Reach Out To A Trusted Connection
Choose these connections wisely. These connections should seek to eliminate any feeling of being unsupported and be characterized by the utmost trust on both sides. In addition to not being alone in teaching (at any stage of a 
career), it can be very powerful to have someone or a group that truly listens to your words with the intention to understand and not to evaluate or judge. Ensure that the person or persons you choose to reach out to are not afraid to tell you the truth, even if it is hard to hear. This trusted connection should be adept at constructive criticism with a positive spin. They should build you up at the same time they push you outside of your comfort zone to greater achievement. Use this person or group to connect, confide, and collaborate before you move forward into an unknown and reconnect with reflection afterward to continue the growth and learning.
- Step Back
One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given when trying to troubleshoot an issue was quite simple, step back. 
When we are laser-focused on a project, paper, lesson, etc. we begin to lose the ability to discern small errors and issues. Often these small things can lead to much bigger issues when the lesson or project is implemented with many students. I once had a lesson being observed for evaluation where a typo (are instead of our) became a focal point due to distraction when it wouldn’t have ever been noticed if I had stepped back and proofread with a clear mind. Before you launch or submit something of importance to you, step back. Step back to take a break and focus on something else unrelated. Step back to examine things from a different perspective, and better yet, solicit feedback from a member of your PLN or the target group. Step back to think of your intended audience and a member of that audience. Step back to allow yourself to appreciate your journey to this point. Step back to reflect.
- Reflect
Few can argue with the power of reflection within the realm of learning and growth. Many would argue that without reflection, growth doesn’t occur. For if you know not where you started and do not take time to compare that with where you’ve ended, how do you know that growth has even occurred? Fewer would argue that reflection must be a 
constant occurrence. Too often reflection is something that we see as a response or a follow-up to an event. Reflection can be equally, if not more, powerful when it is a constant companion to learning. It should be built in throughout lessons, projects, and professional development. Only then can we assure that the path we’re on and the destination we seek are in alignment with the trajectory we’re on. Check out #waledchat (Wins and Losses ed chat), Thursday nights at 9pm ET on Twitter for great chats centered around reflection!
- Empathize
When coaching, teaching, or working with teachers, administrators, or even students… start with empathy. Think back to when you started your journey or align to where your colleague is in theirs. Innovation for each person is different and can be a small step or a giant leap. 
Taking the time to empathize and build a relationship ensures that you know better how to scaffold your help and how much you can push outside of comfort zones for growth, stopping short of frustration or overwhelming. Always remember to build a relationship as you go, try to actually know the person you’re coaching. Check-in on work related items as well as general interests. Without relationships and empathy successful coaching rarely, if ever, occurs. With this empathy and relationship, maintained your path forward with be much clearer.
- Unplug/Recharge
In a world where technology is changing faster than we ever thought possible, it is important to remember that we must unplug at times to reconnect to those and the things around us in real life. This unplugging can fuel recharging of passion, drive, commitment, and clarity that had begun to wain in the face of a constant technical barrage. We must take time to consider self-care and to look up from screens to truly be in the moments we attend in person. Do not get me wrong, virtual connections have helped me make incredible strides both personally and professionally, but they can overwhelm if left in place every second of every day. Take that hike you’ve been planning on for some time and savor the view before you seek to share it. Take a tech-free date night with your significant other. Take time to call a loved one or friend just to talk and catch up instead of texting or emailing them. Unplug in a way that you’re comfortable with and allows you to recharge your clarity to move forward into the greatness I know you’re destined for.
Patrick B. Hausammann, M.S. Ed.
Perpetual optimist and believer in the power of a #growthmindset to #failfoward. Founder of UnisonEDU, Co-Founder of #EdcampNSV and Certified Innovator, Trainer, Admin, & Educator 1 & 2.
Website: www.phausedu.com
Twitter: @PHausEDU