Hi folks! Happy Friday. I’d like to share with you an experience that helped to shape my thinking and some quick takeaways. Without any further ado, here’s Overcoming Self-Deception.

A few years ago, I attended a fantastic workshop that my district organized, “Leadership and Self-Deception,” based on the book of the same name. The title had me intrigued. I’d wanted to attend for a long time, but other commitments kept getting in the way. Finally, this spring, I got my chance to participate. This blog post, written with the assistance of ChatGPT, is an expansion of my original thoughts from that workshop and a reflection on my growth in this area.

The Power of the Workshop

This workshop was one of the best professional learning opportunities I’ve ever experienced. The main takeaway was the concept of inward vs. outward thinking — the terminology may have been different, but that was the general idea. Inward thinking is self-centric, while outward thinking focuses on the needs of others.

It gets way more granular. Inward thinking can display in traditional ways, such as entitlement and an inflated sense of self, or even in a lack of self-esteem. The goal is to move towards more outward thinking (although I believe that in cases of anxiety and depression, it’s often more complicated).

Viewing Others Through a New Lens

One of the workshop’s gems was the view of others. Outward thinking views others as individuals with feelings and needs, just like ourselves. In contrast, inward thinking views others as monolithic, obstacles, or as tools to achieve our goals.

Of course, no one is perfect. As outward as I want to be, I still frequently find myself thinking inwardly. I’m sure that’s true for most people. But sometimes, I view others as obstacles to my goals, and that needs to change.

Tips for Shifting from Inward to Outward Thinking

Since attending the workshop, I’ve made progress in shifting my thinking, but there’s always room for improvement. Here are some tips to help move from inward to outward thinking:

Practice Empathy

Put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand their feelings, perspectives, and experiences. Empathy helps us connect with others on a deeper level and fosters more outward thinking.

Listen Actively

When engaging with others, listen to what they’re saying without focusing on your response. Active listening allows you to genuinely hear and understand others, making it easier to adopt an outward mindset.

Reflect on Your Actions

Take time to evaluate your actions and identify instances where you may have been inwardly focused. Recognize these moments and consider how you can change your approach to be more outwardly focused in the future.

Set Goals for Improvement

Identify areas in your life where you can work on becoming more outwardly focused. Set specific, achievable goals to help you make progress in adopting an outward mindset.

Moving Forward

As I continue on my journey of personal growth, I’m committed to becoming more outwardly focused in my interactions with others. While it’s an ongoing process, the insights and tips I gained from the “Leadership and Self-Deception” workshop have been invaluable in helping me make progress.

As we strive to become better versions of ourselves, it’s essential to remain open to new ideas and opportunities for growth. By attending workshops, reading books, and engaging in conversations, we can continue to learn and expand our understanding of ourselves and others.

By practicing empathy, listening actively, reflecting on our actions, and setting goals for improvement, we can create a more outward-focused mindset that benefits not only ourselves but also those around us. This shift in thinking allows us to create stronger connections, foster collaboration, and contribute positively to our communities.

In conclusion, the journey to becoming more outwardly focused is a continuous process, and there will always be room for improvement. As we make progress, it’s essential to remember that we are all works in progress, and there’s no shame in seeking help to better understand ourselves and the world around us. Embrace the journey, and keep growing.

📚 Unleash Your Inner Author with a Self-Publishing Course! 📚

Picture this: You're holding your very own book, hot off the press. The cover, the pages, the words within, all created by you. It's not just a dream - it's a reality you can achieve.

Our comprehensive course, "Introduction to Self-Publishing for Educators," offers you the tools, techniques, and confidence to transform your ideas into a tangible book. Whether you've been mulling over a novel, dreaming up a children's book, or sitting on a wealth of knowledge ready to be shared, now's the time to embrace your potential.

Join us on this exciting journey of transformation, from thought to print. With step-by-step guidance, you'll navigate the self-publishing process like a pro.

Sign up today and take the first step towards holding your own book in your hands. Limited space available. Course begins June 15. 📖✨

Welcome to this Community

I'm absolutely thrilled to welcome you to my very first newsletter edition! As we embark on this exciting journey together, I believe getting to know each other better is a fantastic first step.

So, let's start this off with a fun introduction, shall we?

I encourage you to hit 'Reply' to this email and share a bit about yourself. There's no right or wrong here, just share what you feel comfortable with. To get the ball rolling, here are a few prompts:

1. What's your name, and where in this beautiful world are you?

2. Tell me about your role in education. Are you a teacher, a student, an administrator, a support staff, or something else entirely?

3. Share a fun fact about yourself. Do you have a favorite book, a hobby, a hidden talent, or even a favorite food that you can't live without?

4. If there was one thing you could change about education, what would it be and why?

I'm really looking forward to reading your responses and getting to know you better. Stay connected, stay curious, and let the sharing begin!

Best, Sarah