The time is always right...

scribblings: if something is too difficult...

by Jen Chau

The other day in my quantitative analysis class, we were working on standard deviation problems. My professor introduced two equations, with one being the obviously more complicated. Of course, everyone wanted to use the easier, so my professor said this -- "If something is too difficult for you, it's exactly what you need."

Isn't this true? And *need*...meaning, sure, we can live without it, but in order to actually improve ourselves, we need to be challenged. I can look back at various moments in my life where I needed to do what was difficult in order to grow. Many times we take the easier, most comfortable way. What do we learn then? Do we ever get to visit different possibilities or see things from a different angle if we always pick what is comfortable and familiar?

scribblings: grow what's working

by Jen Chau

"Grow what's working..."

Jon Schnur, the CEO of New Leaders for New Schools said this when he spoke at an event last week (he was talking about education and he was referencing the importance of sharing best practices in order to help more and more low performing schools turn around). And it has started me thinking about where I am with my work.

I have to admit, in really trying to figure out where to go with Swirl and all of my activism right now, I have gone back and forth a lot lately...perhaps to the dismay of those close to me. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that it drives them crazy to hear me -- OOOH! I finally know what I am doing now! And then the next day -- OOH! Now I REALLY know! No wait wait....now this is it! Sigh...