It's getting better all the time (The Beatles)

Photo by Neal E. Johnson on Unsplash

This year's NCEA results on campus were better than expected. Which lead me to this:

Better is possible. It does not take genius. It takes diligence. It takes moral clarity. It takes ingenuity. And above all, it takes a willingness to try.

Dr. Atul Gawande

Baby's got blue skies up ahead (U2)

Photo by George Pagan III on Unsplash

A great question from James Clear:

Has the most important thing changed? Am I chasing an outdated target?

New things

Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash

With students arriving back on campus next week, here's a great quote to lead off 2021:

Do new things, try new things. Be a part of growing into the next version of what we need for kids.

Deidre Roemer

The secret to success lies in the determination to attain the goal. The key to success lies in completely understanding the necessary conditions (Hsing Yun)

Photo by Elodie Oudot on Unsplash

It's become something of a January tradition of mine to use Venerable Master Hsing Yun's wise words to kick off a new year (his goal setting advice in that post is well worth revisiting each year).

So, here's a thought for 2021:

Those who have succeeded in different professions in politics, economics, education, military and so forth have all manifested their dreams through perseverance and practise (Venerable Master Hsing Yun).

What are your dreams for 2021? What will you do to bring them about? 

Boiling a frog

The events in Washington DC's Capitol Hill have left many of us shaking our heads in disbelief.

But really, is anyone surprised (apart from security forces who are supposed to stand up to a mob wanting to violently disrupt Congress and take over the government that is)? After all Trump has been emboldened in his craziness by all of the weak and morally bankrupt Republicans since the country voted four years ago and then again four weeks ago.

This article does an excellent job outlining events leading up to this week's scenes - unprecedented in modern times. Just in case security forces want to break away from having selfies with insurrectionists/a.k.a. Trump supporters, I suggest they read it and get prepared for the next 13 days!

Meanwhile, the U.S. covid-19 death toll continues to move inexorably toward 400,000 American citizens.

Motivation

Read intellectual books. Motivate yourself to increase wisdom.

(Hsing Yun - January 2 entry)