As I re-read chapter 12 of Innovate Inside the Box, I recalled a recent post from Tim Ferriss in which he discussed why he is not reading any new books in 2020. Tim’s thoughts echoed a struggle of mine where I tend to pile on with new books and never really give any of them the time necessary to dive deep and reflect in a manner that might allow me to create some new habits, pathways or focal points for myself.

I’m susceptible to fear of missing out (FOMO) when it comes to new and popular books. I’ve always found refuge in books, but being wedded to the identity of “the well-read guy” can breed keeping-up-with-the-Joneses consumption. Taking new books off the table for 2020, in a sense, also takes that type of FOMO off the table. 

Tim Ferriss – Finding the One Decision That Removes 100 Decisions (or, Why I’m Reading No New Books in 2020)

While I am not likely to take the same stance in 2020, I definitely understand how FOMO can lead to an imbalance of consumption and too little reflection and creation. I think I need to spend more time looking through my notes and reflections after I finish a book that I enjoy. This book group is a perfect example as it is providing an opportunity for me to review the wonderful insights and strategies shared by George and Katie. The first time I read it, I just wanted to finish it as fast as possible because it was new and I wanted to be able to say that I read it and share some citations on social media…(FOMO in action).

Beyond the consumption of books, I wonder how we can build more time for reflection into our work in education? As administrators, we can encourage and support teachers to provide time for students reflect and share representations of their learning in multiple forms (as Katie describes). We also need to find time for our teachers to reflect during the year and engage in this same type of reflection and creation so that we provide the structures for everyone in our learning communities to deep learning.