Seven Things I’ve Learned From Sending a Friday Newsletter for 100 Weeks in Row

I'm in the middle of a Thirty-Day Challenge. This is 9/30.

Tomorrow I will send out the 100th TGIF Teacher newsletter. I haven’t missed one Friday yet. It feels pretty good.

Here are seven lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. You don't have to be good at something to do it. It's too easy to worry about the opinions of others. This fear stops people from being their authentic selves. I still have doubts all the time, but I care less about what others think with each new thing I write or share. It's all just a process.
2. A streak stays alive only if it's interesting enough to continue revisiting. It has to be something that you want to do. Life gets busy and it's easy to let things go that you aren't invested in.
3. In the beginning, I was a little lost as to how I would write and send out something each week. Part of that was because I didn't have any systems in place. Over time, I created a routine that has set me up for success. I do certain things on certain days and use templates to help me be more efficient. Systems are powerful. They are a way to put the important things on autopilot.
4. Setting boundaries is helpful. When you can write about anything in the world, it can seem paralyzing. Imposter syndrome can kick in. It becomes easier to second-guess yourself and worry about what other people will think. When I took the time to narrow down the topics I wanted to focus on, things became easier. My boundaries are pretty simple. What I write has to be of some benefit to me personally, in addition to at least one other person who may read it. I enjoy writing about teaching, learning, reflection, and living in a way that builds up my mind, body, and spirit.
5. The purpose of each newsletter is to share ideas and resources that help teachers become happier, healthier, and stronger. Doing this has been helpful. I consistently find new ideas to try in and out of the classroom. I feel as though my knowledge of the teaching profession continues to grow. It has become a powerful tool for my personal and professional development. We ask our students to write all of the time because we know it helps them learn. I feel like I am practicing what I preach.
6. It's a great practice to step out of your comfort zone. This is where growth occurs.
7. Writing and sharing can lead to interesting opportunities. By sharing on Why Edify, I have had the chance to participate in two podcast interviews, a published written interview, a trip to Denver, CO as an ELfluencer, and potentially an article published in Edutopia. It's like an invitation to serendipity.

Here is a link to the newsletter archive if you would like to go down the rabbit hole.

See you at 200.