My 2023 (and 2022) Failing Report
When my students were doing the 20% Project (Genius Hour) in my class we had an “Epic Fail Board” (inspired by a number of people) where they would pin up some of their biggest fails and epic risks.
The 20% project required each student to challenge themselves. They were learning and creating with a purpose, often with lofty expectations and goals, and failing came at every step.
In the first month of the project, I could sense hesitation from many students who did not want to give 100% effort with the possibility of 90% failure. The Epic Fail Board changed the classroom culture from one that shied away from trial and error to one that supported and even celebrated risk-taking.
I know there are many different definitions of failing, but as a class, we adopted a mantra: Sometimes you win, and sometimes you learn.
I’ve kept this as a personal mantra over the years as I left the classroom to become a K-12 Instructional Coach, Director of Technology, Director of Learning and Innovation, UPenn GSE PLN Faculty, and now a business owner. I’ve also used this in my personal and professional life as an author, speaker, husband, and father.
Failing, it seems, is part of the job. Admitting that you’ve struggled is one thing. Sharing how you’ve struggled and learned is what I’m aiming for with this post.
Also, the first time I did this report, I called it “Fail-ure Report” – I’ve since changed it to “Fail-ing” which you can learn more about in this video:
Today I’m continuing my annual tradition (I missed 2017 and 2022, typical fail) where I share my failings, and what I’ve learned from them, publicly on this blog. I’m hoping this can do a tiny part to change a culture of education that still denounces risk-taking and help to shape it into one that supports and celebrates it as my students did during that 20% Project.
Check out the Failing Report below…
Or read my previous failing reports below:
MY 2023 FAILING REPORT
Goals…
2022 was a whirlwind. So much that I didn’t even get to write my Failing Report. But in 2023, I decided to go back to the process of writing down 5-7 goals for the year. Some were more “habits” than goals, but nonetheless, they were what I wanted to achieve this past year. I don’t judge myself to harshly on “achieving” these goals or not — it is more the process that excites me.
Morgan Addison wrote a great short book, Achieve Your Goals With Quests. I loved it so much that it changed my approach to the year.
So, instead of calling them “Goals” in 2023 — I referred to them as “Quests”.
Here are my Quests for 2023 in no particular order:
Impact and Purpose: More In-Person Work With Teachers and School Leaders
Walking Life: Everyday and Lift 3x a Week
New Book: Finish and Publish Meaningful and Relevant
One Platform Growth: Grow Instagram With Daily Videos/Reels
PBL: Develop projects and curriculum for teachers
Video Content: Create consistent Youtube channel content
Coach Time: Coach all of my kids in at least one sport
So, how’d I do?
Well, let’s just say there was a lot of failing to go around this year! In all honesty, I accomplished some of these goals, and others I started, while a few did not even get off the Trello board. I’ll break it down for you.
Quest #1: More In-Person Work With Teachers and School Leaders
My first quest was to do more in-person work with teachers and school leaders. Since the pandemic, I have done a lot of virtual training and professional development along with a ton of asynchronous coursework. As much as I love the access both of those virtual and online options provide, I wanted to spend more time leading in-person PD, working with school leaders, and alongside teachers.
I did this type of work in person way more in 2023 than 2022 and 2021: Totaling 57 in-person events in 17 different states and a few countries outside the USA. I love writing and creating content and resources, but above all, I love working directly with people—and this year’s quest was something I’m continuing in 2024.
Quest #2: Walking Life - Walk Everyday and Lift 3x a Week
This was a big one. Beyond a quest to just “be healthy” or “be active”, this was specific around two areas.
The first is walking. I’ve always enjoyed working out, playing sports, and running (5k is my sweet spot). But, as I get older the injuries have piled up (broken heel, kneecap, ankle, etc) — the last straw was a back injury that put me out for six weeks. My wife had also started to walk every day and I wanted to jump on those walks as much as I could.
Lifting was less about gaining serious muscle and more about improving my over health and fitness.
I did not complete either quest. I was much more successful with walking (almost every day), and I’m continuing this quest in 2024!
Quest #3: New Book — Finish and Publish Meaningful and Relevant: Engaging Learners in an Age of Distraction
Currently “failing” on this one.
But there is a silver lining. I did not publish this book yet, and I could have. I’ve rewrote certain parts up to five times. I’ve gone back out to look for new research and stories seven times.
In the past I would have published. However, I really want this to be the best and most useful book I’ve ever written and published. It is taking longer to get into the world, but I know it will be out in early 2024, and cannot wait to see how it is used.
Quest #4: One Platform Growth — Grow Instagram With Daily Videos/Reels
I’ve used Instagram for personal uses for a long time. A few years ago I started to use it @LearningWithAJ for professional use. I love Twitter/X for professional use because it feels like a conversation.
Instagram is a bit different. I’ve tried plenty of ways to engage and grow but the last two years I tried to dive into short-form helpful video content like Reels.
It’s been a journey. From creating, to editing, to seeing what resonates. There are all kinds of ups and downs.
However, it has been a fun process. Not sure I’ve reached the end of this quest, but It has been something I’ve enjoyed along the way which has been the best part!
Quest #5: PBL — Develop projects and curriculum for teachers
This was a success and some failing…
John Spencer and I set out with big goals for BoostPBL and created some amazing project-based learning experiences and curriculum. However, with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, we saw a new path to take and have pivoted (more on that after the holidays). I’m excited for the next steps in this process!
Quest #6: Create consistent Youtube channel content
This was a major fail. I posted more videos this year than last year, but still only 7-8 videos on my Youtube channel! One thing I did well was share more Looms (screen recordings), and I want to continue that process and put them up on Youtube.
Still, too much of a perfectionist when it comes to video creation…but I’m working on it!
Quest #7: Coach Time — Coach all of my kids in at least one sport
I love coaching. It’s the one thing in the world I know I’ll be doing all my life in some capacity.
I coached my two sons Duke’s Elite Lacrosse Club teams (2030 and 2032).
I coached my oldest daughter’s rec basketball team.
And, I’m now coaching my middle daughter’s travel basketball team.
I didn’t coach my three-year-old daughter in anything yet…but just wait haa!
A Personal Note on Failing:
I’ve also failed multiple times this year on a personal level, but thankfully have a wife, kids, and family that supports me no matter how often (or how big) I mess up.
We continued to emphasize spending time together as a family and we all had to have grace for ourselves and empathy for each other watching mini-fails happen daily. How we respond to these setbacks as adults are always being viewed by our youth. Fail and learn, and keep on going. It is sometimes all we can do!
What were your fails this year? Care to share in the comments? If you write up your own Failing Report please link to it below so we can all celebrate our epic fails this year : )
