Before Winter Break, Check on Your Progress

Can you believe that the school year is halfway over? It’s amazing how quickly each semester passes. If we don’t take a moment to pause, we may miss out on important learnings and celebrations. So, before you head into winter break, I invite you and your students to take some time to consider the goals you set at the start of the year and recognize what you have accomplished. To guide your process, try using the prompts below, which are inspired by the Emergenetics® Attributes.

If you have an Emergenetics Profile, be sure to reference it and then review the questions that most align with your preferences. If you are also leading a reflection exercise with your students, which I encourage you to do, invite them to take a look at their Youth Reports to identify the thought starters that best connect to their interests.

If you or your class do not have access to your Emergenetics reports, read through the suggestions below. Use the prompts that intrigue you most and invite your students to choose their favorites!

Reflecting Through Your Thinking Preferences

Convergent Thinking (Analytical and Structural preferences)
Individuals with this preference often like to take a methodical, rational approach. To analyze the year so far, try answering the following questions: Was I successful in reaching my goal(s)? Why or why not? What steps can I implement next time to get closer to my unmet targets?

Divergent Thinking (Social and Conceptual preferences)
People who enjoy Divergent Thinking tend to rely on intuition and may gravitate toward these prompts to assess their success: How do I feel the year has gone so far? What does my gut say about the experience? What new intention do I want to set for the second half of the year?

Abstract Thinking (Analytical and Conceptual preferences)
Those who are inclined to Abstract thought may appreciate questions that align with the big picture like: What was my vision for the semester? What evidence do I have that supports my success or the need to make adjustments? What big idea do I hope to realize in the new year?

Concrete Thinking (Structural and Social preferences)
Concrete thinkers, who typically enjoy making a plan and collaborating along the way to success, may benefit from these thought starters: How much progress did I make toward my goals? What steps and actions helped or hindered me? Who can give me some feedback to improve my work in the future?

Considering the Behavioral Attributes

Expressiveness
Try reflecting on the Expressiveness Attribute through the lens of celebrations. When you accomplish a goal, it’s important to acknowledge that success to give yourself a motivation boost. Some people may want to share that celebration with a friend while others might like to take in a quiet moment of satisfaction. No matter your preference, consider: How did I recognize my successes and learnings this year? What could I do to better engage my preferences in my celebrations?

Assertiveness
As you work toward your goals, you may be surprised by the time it takes to complete them, which can relate to Assertiveness. Some people will be energized by a fast pace while others may gravitate toward a more methodical approach. To honor Assertiveness, ask: What did I accomplish faster than expected – and why? Where do I need to spend more time to achieve my targets?

Flexibility
Even the best set intentions are likely to see some changes in any given year – especially this year! For those in the first-third of Flexibility, who like to stick with a decision once it’s made, change can be de-energizing, while those in the third-third may proactively alter their objectives. Use these thought starters to consider Flexibility: What went according to plan and what changed? How did I feel about the changes when they occurred and how do I feel about them now?

Goal setting is a valuable part of the education experience for staff and students and reflecting on your progress is equally important. By taking the time to pause and encouraging your students to do so as well, you can gain valuable insights into what you learned, what you want to do differently and what successes you have realized.

If nothing else, I hope you look back on your first half of the school year to celebrate the wins. It has been a roller coaster, and you deserve to take a moment to honor all that you have accomplished. Then, when you are ready to get inspired for 2022, take a look at my previous blog post to reignite your passion for teaching so you can make the most of what lies ahead!

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