“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu

Let’s be honest, change is hard. And if the last 15 months have taught educators, students, leaders, and parents anything, it is that to do hard things well one must be willing to take that first step.

But, is it really that simple? Perhaps not.

Yes, the journey of a thousand miles indeed begins with a single step. I believe, however, that the journey of a thousand miles begins with the courage to take that first step. 

Why? Sometimes it is more difficult to commit to taking the first step on a journey, let alone taking the first step itself. Regardless if the choice before you is about something easy or about something more difficult and complex, it does take courage.

The courage to change, the courage to move forward, the courage to let something go, the courage to let someone go, the courage to be different, the courage to conquer a fear, or the courage to be you. When you put it in the context of all of those different statements, then yes the first step is the most difficult step. And it takes courage to get there.

As the 2021-22 school year unfolds, here are 5 tips to help you continue to find the courage along your journey :

1. Draw on your past experiences. The road ahead, while full of continued uncertainty, is not unknown to you. Draw on your experiences from last school year and then improve upon what you have learned.

2. Tap into your inner strength and unique capabilities. You have your own set of unique capabilities and inner strength on which to draw. Remember, you have value and worth and are stronger than you know.

3. Put things in perspective. Last year was tough, this one might be as well. Just remember, things can always be worse than they are and a bit of perspective will go a long way.

4. Pause and remember to breathe. When you find yourself anxious about what may come next, remember to breathe. 5-2-7 (breathe in for a count of 5, hold for a count of 2, and exhale for a count of 7). Many leadership team meetings began with 5-2-7 at Ravenscroft last year.

5. Reach out to those you trust. This can be in your department, grade level, school, or trusted colleague in your personal network. Do not go on your journey alone. Share, connect, discuss, and collaborate.

Journeys do take courage and taking time to reflect on what this means for you, both personally and professionally, will provide you with a strong foundation in the year ahead.

Jason Ramsden is the founder of Impact One Media LLC, Principal and Lead Coach for The Rosemary James Group, an executive, leadership, and mindset coaching firm, and creator and host of the podcast Positivity on Fire; Ordinary People, Extraordinary Positivity.

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Mr. Ramsden served independent schools for 30 years in admissions, marketing, and technology. He most recently served as Chief Information Officer for Ravenscroft School (Raleigh, NC).