At DS106 we continually face challenges – how we view them defines us! Do we choose to see the challenges as stepping-stones or as obstacles?

If we choose to see them as obstacles, then the challenges we face will be viewed as problems – problems that need to be overcome along with all the negative connotations associated with problems. A great deal of wasted energy can be spent focusing on a negative mindset – mindsets like “I can’t”, “I won’t”, “I don’t want to” and “I shouldn’t have too”.

We at DS106 however, choose to see challenges as stepping-stones – opportunities that we have encountered along the way for us to use, to “step on” so that we can achieve more, develop further and ultimately actualize more of our goals!

Among the many challenges that face us – let’s focus on one or two main areas. How do we define DS106’s vision, diversity and development as stepping stones and not as obstacles?

There is so much information out there in terms of developing a vision for connected courses – too much in fact. We need to guard against the temptation to create a vision that is too broad, too encompassing and ultimately a vision that is too generic, that it eventually says nothing. We need to be mindful of the temptation that focuses on quantity instead of quality. A plethora of information – can we use it all? No. A new idea comes along – do we suddenly throw out the old? No.

So, what do we do? All the dedicated students on DS106 need to be committed to defining our vision. We need to draw on tried-and-tested experience and hold onto what works, we need to introduce new thinking and approaches where feasible and we need to stop what isn’t working.

We need to create a vision whereby our name continues to be synonymous with excellence, innovation, honor, integrity and outstanding DS106-ness. That’s it – we promise nothing yet deliver more…every time. If we keep our vision simple yet goal focused – then we will have turned defining our vision into a stepping-stone, one which we will use to reach even greater heights.

DS106 is fantastic…fantastic yet diverse. We have a kaleidoscope of professionals different in so many ways. Some may choose to see diversity as an obstacle – dividing rather than unifying. We see diversity as a stepping-stone. We focus on the individuals’ strengths and use their strengths in a very goal-directed niche within our organization. We are so fortunate to have personnel that enhance our vision with their special talents, talents given willingly and passionately.

The stepping-stones in DS106 are here. Our results attest to this, our learning ethic confirms this and our vision underpins this.

DS106 is a magical place – of that there is no doubt. But we do face obstacles. I suppose it’s a lot like a day at the beach – magical and amazing! But then there is also the sunburn, the scratchy sand in your costume, cold water, hot sand and perhaps even a stomach that may be looking decidedly less “six-packish”. We can look for the obstacles and it will spoil our day at the beach. Or we can look for the stepping-stones – and it will be magical!

DS106 is more than perfect – we’ll keep working on that.