I was sitting in the chair at the barber shop. The gentleman in the chair next to me uttered the statement.
“My goal in life is to own a parking lot.”
After the statement, the conversation continued between the gentleman and barber. The goal as I understood it was that he would buy a parking lot (preferably near the beach or in New York City) and charge people to park. The money would roll in, because it doesn’t take much money to maintain a parking lot. So he would make a lot of money while putting out the minimal effort.
I’m not sure how well thought out his plan was as the conversation shifted to another topic. But I saw some flaws in the plan. First, a parking lot in NYC or near a popular shore town probably requires a hefty initial investment. Plus I have to imagine there are other factors in play: Municipal taxes and fees, competition with other parking lot owners, and the cost of maintenance.
It seems to me it’s not as simple as he made it out to be.
As some of us prepare to begin the school year, I think it applies to our best laid plans as well. The first day earns all the fanfare, and the first few weeks are supposed to allow each teacher to be effective. But it’s not as simple as it seems. It’s never as easy as putting in a little work at the beginning, and seeing the results easily follow for the remainder of the year.
Yes, the work that happens in the beginning of year is of utmost importance, but it’s really about the work that happens beyond September that allows for meaningful, productive work and learning to take place.
You need to continue to maintain and put in the work each day.
After all, it’s not as easy as owning a parking lot.
Rich (@RACzyz)