The Power of Process

If you were a super hero, what power would you desire most? I know what you are thinking, but forget about laser vision, flying, super strength, and walking on water. No, I have discovered one much more impactful this week....it is the power of teaching!

This week, my team and I were witness to this "superhero" power in Indianapolis at the National Agricultural Educator Teacher In-Service. Almost 350 teachers from all across the United States gathered together to learn about how they can continue progressively teach their students the skills and lessons needed to be successful in the future.

Now students, I know you may be wondering right now what this has to do with you? You're not a teacher! Yes, this is true; however, you are the direct recipient of what these teachers are learning. Many of the lessons that the teachers learned about this week can be directly applied to your personal life. One teaching in particular stood out in my mind that can greatly benefit all of us. We will call this lesson, the lesson of Event verses Process.

When you go to state conventions, chapter banquets, or even when you are just brainstorming with members, these are all events. Coming away from events we often have an adrenaline rush of excitement, enthusiasm, and eagerness to do something amazing and different! However, the next few days we start to get back into our normal routines, and that enthusiasm begins to wear off. Before we know it, our goal we were once so eager to accomplish has fallen through the cracks of our busy life. This is the situation and result of an event.

Don't get me wrong, events are great! They make our minds work and bring out our passions! However, an event that is not followed by a process is useless. The process part of this equation isn't nearly as glamorous. The process is made up of the steps we take to reach our goal. It takes determination, drive, and accountability. At times, it seems like it would be easiest to give up on the process part and float along on what is left from the event. As much as easier as this sounds, it rarely works. If you really want something, you must put a process into place and follow it.

The time I have spent with our teacher educators this week has been a great reminder of the value of hard work. Inspiration is only the catalyst to the process that must follow in order to make a difference. We should all remind ourselves of this from time to time. In the next few days, try to take a look at your goals from the beginning of the year. Did you create a process of accomplishing them? Have you been loyal to that process? If you haven't, what can you do differently?