I came across this on Twitter just before (or after) the New Year. It seemed timely and thought provoking and I have been pondering calling this my ‘motto’ for the year ahead.
In many ways, this is how I do things. I tend to take massive bites and try and wrap my head around large ideas (and ideals) in a very ‘gung-ho’ manner. My aim is not greatness but more the desire to do something of significance and magnitude.
But what if I have been going about it all wrong? Would smaller nibbles that potentially yield greater outcomes be a better option? Maybe making a difference one person at a time rather than expecting a revolution?
Which method would help add the most value?
A wise thinker I know said recently:
The journey to disruption may be lonely but fundamental to our ability to serve and add value.
-Will Northrop What If Concepts
Is he advocating for a nibble approach? Or is he just reminding us that not every attempt to serve and add value will be done with fanfare and a loud support squad? And that some of our most important work might be the work done alone?
So which approach to take?
What will you do this year to serve? To add value? To disrupt? To innovate?
As for me, three separate opportunities recently were in my path. I put myself out there for all three and was summarily rejected. For all three. On the same day. This led me to question many things but then to reflect on the purpose for seeking those roles in the first place: to inspire, to lead, to learn, and to grow. Are these ideals now out of my reach? No. Just moved to a different (yet to be determined) context.
I then got three new opportunities (over different days this time!): to work on a project involving math videos for lower primary students, to share ideas on “Swamp Dwellers, Fence Sitters, and Go Getters” with a school developing a 1:1 iPad environment, and a book in the mail recommended by a parent in order to develop a personalized learning approach to how we do school. Inspiring? Leading? Learning? Growing? Yes, on all counts.
I will continue to “choke on greatness” but also with the thought in mind that not all ‘greatness’ will be heralded by a crowd – or known to anyone at all for that matter.
sonya terborg 
This was perfect for the New Year, had thought about leaving one of my volunteer positions, and you reminded me that a wise person I know says it’s not all fanfare😍
Sent from my iPad
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We are lucky to have that wise person in our midst! And your organization is lucky to have your service! xx