Have you been searching for a big breakthrough idea that will get your school community to recognize how essential you are? At the same time are you wondering where you would find the time to implement it? Big goals take a while before you reach success, and that can make them challenging to start. How do you get going and keep going?

Lisa Broderick in her Smart Brief’s article “Use ‘micro-measurements’ to achieve success” lists six questions you can ask yourself to help see the progress you’re making. Here they are along with my comments explaining how they slowly bring the success you crave and need.

• “Did I listen today?” – Active listening requires you to focus on what the speaker is saying whether it’s a teacher, a student, or the principal. When you actively listen, you are able to hear undercurrents. You might notice the speaker is confused, stressed, or imparting important information. As a result, you are able to reply to the underlying message as well as its content. When the person feels heard, they are more likely to accept your answer. In the process you build trust and improve your relationship. You may also have a chance to hear how what is happening in your library is making a positive impact.
• “Did I make eye contact during meetings?” – Not just at department meetings or post-observation meetings. In all your meetings whether in the hall or a question from a student, you move closer to success when you make eye contact. It shows your interest in the speaker as a person. In a world that lives on text messages and email, eye contact stands out as a human-to-human contact.  As with listening, it builds the trust that leads to future connections which can lead to feedback that helps you move forward.
• “Did I appreciate someone?”  – Sending a “good job” message is nice, but it’s not really appreciating someone. Be specific.  What did they do that made a contribution? The more specific you are, the more the person will value and appreciate what you said. If you have the time, a handwritten note is even better.  They are so rare, their impact is enlarged. We tend to like and want to be with people who like us. Again, this will start a relationship which is key to your success as a librarian.
• “Did I take care of myself?” – Why is this here? Because in order to do any one of these questions (or take the ongoing time needed to achieve big goals) you need to be in a good place mentally. When you are overworked, overwhelmed, and stressed out, you are not likely to do any of this. What do you do to relax? (Do you remember how to do it?) Some of you are crafters. Make time to do some work on that unfinished project. I have friends who love to cook. If you are like me, you need to take a walk. These activities are not time wasters. They are success builders. Think of how you feel after you have spent time doing things you love.  Note: taking a nap can be taking care of yourself.
• “Did I reach out to a former colleague?” – Doing so build success in several ways. Renewing good memories is soothing (and is taking care of yourself). It’s also helpful because the former colleague can be just the person to give you deeper insight and encouragement on that great idea you have been looking for and how to manage it.  Your PLN is a powerful source of information, inspiration, and connection to others.
• “Did I take a small step toward my next big opportunity?” – Success frequently comes by your willingness to step out of your comfort zone. I left a job and tenure to take on a new position almost an hour away from my home. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. That new big goal – what’s one step you can take today? These will add up. You can also consider volunteering in your state school library association. It will expand your knowledge and your PLN. Submit a proposal to lead a presentation at your next library conference.  Even if it’s turned down, you will have learned from the experience and will do better next time.

Brodericks’s closing suggestion is to “try it for one week. Pick one question. Write it down. Score yourself 1–10 each night.”  Hopefully you’ll start to see the incremental changes. Small steps that lead to big changes and results.

Look at all you have learned and accomplished since you became a librarian. Add a small step. This is how you get closer to your Vision.  You don’t have to get there today or even tomorrow. Just keep moving in the right direction.