Anything good that has happened in my life is because someone else helped me along the way.
I loved reading “I am Not a Self-Made Man” a foreward written by Arnold Schwartzenegger in Tim Ferriss’s book Tools for Titans, where Arnold credits every success in his life to the opportunities others have given him. He credits and names the mentors from his life. It’s wonderful. Too many people think they did it on their own. Nope. Someone was there.
Sure I worked hard, put in the time, figured some things out, and went the extra mile, but if others had not stepped forward to open doors, give me a chance, a look, an offer, extend an invitation, share me with others, well, I would not have gotten anywhere. None of us are self-made. As my favorite band U2 sings, “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own.”
The movie Rocky looks to be at first recollection a the story of a man rising from his underdog status, completely on his own, to eventually achieve greatness (a Cinderella story, but she had help too you know) but if we look closer, an opportunity had presented itself. It was the opportunity of another, the opening of a door that allowed Rocky’s talents to play out. Rocky needed the chance, despite how hard he trained, he needed access to become great. He needed the event. Someone opened the door. He walked through.
I was twenty-one years old when Dan Kalo, a middle school principal, gave me a chance to teach. Wow! Who does that? My current position was an opportunity others encouraged me to pursue. I was given another chance. Amazing!
I could tell you the name of the first person to invite me to speak at their event, bought my first painting, bought my first book and every awesome first experience I’ve had. I’ll bet you can too. It humbles me still to think others are willing to do that for all of us.
And then it’s our turn.
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I’ve had a great life, and while I am still speaking and writing, I realize now, more than ever it is my turn to provide those same opportunities for others, to open doors, to promote, and I do it with great joy and love.
It’s been an amazing experience these past few years to be a part of interview teams to hire new teachers and staff for a school district. The pride in helping someone get their first job… their dream job, is difficult to put into words. I remember.
I love promoting the work of educators and leaders on my podcast and social media and sharing the amazing work they are doing. I remember the pride, and still do, when people shared my accomplishments.
It is an honor to invite others to speak at events and promote their work.
This past summer I bought art prints for our house from an aspiring, young artist.
This week I will be inviting a former student of mine to speak to our staff.
It’s our turn to open the door for others. It’s our turn to give someone else the look, the chance, the opportunity and the attention, and enjoy doing it.
I am so happy people were there for me when I was young and getting started. I’m happy people are with me now helping me at this stage in my life. I remember principals like Marie Wittman being proud of me and offering guidance and encouragement. Now I stand and smile with pride as I see young teachers making a difference and doing great work, and I share it. I am humbled still each time someone shares my work with others now. It’s a great feeling. When someone personally recommends you to another, there really is no greater compliment.
My challenge is for you to ask yourself, “Who you are promoting that needs it? What doors can you open for others?” I’m not talking about family or a friend. I mean that person you hardly know, but you see their value and impact, and you just know it’s right to share, encourage and promote. Find that person and help open a door for them. Make a call for them. Share them out on social media. Give them that chance you were given.
It’s our turn.
Enjoy it.
Always forward,
Kelly
Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.
Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
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I’m a goal junkie. I love resolutions, goal-setting, journals and really anything that I believe helps people to design and plan for a more dynamic life. I think others do too, but some catch that wave of cynicism and say, “Why bother,” while inside their minds and hearts I doubt any are hoping and planning for the new year to be worse. C’mon.
The bottom line is this: The opposite of bullying is leadership.