Do you run the risk of becoming successful?

The time from spring break to the end of the school year often seems like a battle between students and teachers to see who is most ready for the summer to begin. One of the teachers I worked with in my first job was fond of saying, "When you look forward to Monday more than Friday, you run the risk of becoming successful." I find this to be true in most anything. Success comes on the heels of both starting well and finishing strongly.

Applied to the teaching profession, I have come to the point where I look forward to the beginning of the school day more than to the end. I look forward to Monday more than to Friday. I look forward to August more than to May. Okay, maybe not entirely. But I do like the possibilities that the fall semester holds. I like that I have nearly unlimited opportunities awaiting me.

During my evenings, I often plan what I am going to accomplish the next day. During my weekends, I often plan what I am going to accomplish in the next week. During vacations, I often plan a large chunk of the semester. During the summer, I plan what I am going to accomplish in the following school year.


Success comes from looking forward. Looking back was the downfall of Lot's wife. Planning ahead also pertains to classroom management, as you can more easily circumvent problems that you foresee coming up. The greater vision you have, the better you will be able to lead people. In the classroom or the boardroom.