Lesson Objectives

• Understand the importance of pushing past comfort zones for professional growth

• Learn strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome

• Develop a mindset that transforms fear into excitement

Do Now

Before we get started, take a moment to reflect on an opportunity you've been hesitating to pursue. What's holding you back? Write it down, and keep it in mind as we explore this topic together.

What We’re Discussing Today

Today we'll explore why putting yourself out there is crucial for personal and professional growth, and how to reframe fear into opportunity. As I prepare to speak at the ACSA Every Child Counts symposium, I want to share some insights about embracing challenges and turning uncertainty into action.

Also, I am wildly behind on everything I need to get done before my early morning flight, this newsletter being one of those things, so strap in for a much less edited version of what’s bouncing around in my head.

I Do, We Do, You Do

I Do: Here’s What I Created

This week, I'm presenting at ACSA, sharing insights with fellow educators about innovation with AI and automation in special education. But this didn't happen by chance—it happened because I said "yes" when the opportunity arose, even though it meant pushing past my comfort zone.

How I got here:

• Courage to say "yes"

• Experience from past challenges

• Mindset shift from “am I an expert” to “let’s become the expert”

• Focus on impact rather than perfection

Not putting yourself out there guarantees you will stay exactly where you are. But if you want something to change, you have to move past the fear, uncertainty, and push through the imposter syndrome. It only gets easier when you do it. Again and again. Sign up for that leadership position. Speak at an event—or start by speaking up at your next staff meeting. Start that consulting business. Put yourself out there.

What is the worst that could happen? You fail? Guess what—that’s also the best thing that can happen. Every time you fail, you learn. You learn what to do differently but you also learn that it’s not eh end of the world if you fail.

I’ve been asked so many times if I’m nervous about presenting at ACSA. Honestly, no, not really. I feel that energy of things needing to come together and wanting to add some final touches. But I’m excited. This is an amazing opportunity and I would rather enjoy it than waste my energy and time on being scared or nervous. Maybe that’s just me.

We can all do this. I am aggressively introverted. But I push myself every single day. Because as I’ve said before, why be a passenger in your own life journey when you could take the wheel?

We Do: Let’s Do This Together

Follow this step-by-step guide to start embracing opportunities:

1. Identify Your Next Level

   • Look for opportunities that stretch you

   • Consider roles or projects that excite and slightly frighten you

   • Write down three potential "next steps" in your career

2. Reframe Your Fear

   • Notice when fear appears

   • Ask yourself: "What's the worst that could happen?"

   • Remember: Failure is feedback, not finality

3. Take Strategic Action

   • Start with small steps

   • Build momentum through consistent action

   • Document your progress and learnings

4. Embrace the Journey

   • Celebrate both successes and failures

   • Share your experiences with others

   • Use each experience as a building block for the next

You Do: Your Mini Task for the Week

Now it's your turn! Choose one opportunity you've been hesitating to pursue. It could be applying for a leadership position, starting that side project, or sharing your expertise at a conference. Take one concrete step toward that goal this week.

Think-Pair-Share

• Think of 3 opportunities you've been avoiding due to fear or uncertainty

• Pair up with a trusted colleague to discuss your fears and brainstorm action steps

• Share your commitment to action with our community and connect with other Edumators who are also pushing past their comfort zones

Exit Ticket

Ready to explore automation and take control of your processes? Join the FREE 30-Day AI & Automation Email Course for Educators to learn how to build solutions tailored to your needs.

Do you know a parent of a student with special needs that wants to learn how to better advocate for their child? Share our newly launched SPED Code Advocacy Guide blog with them!

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Looking for a live hands-on course on AI and Automation? Join the waitlist for the AI Mastery for Educators Course now!

Follow us on Gumroad for Edumated resources. Coming soon: a course on Canva basics for Educators.

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