Part 20 of 24 in Reclaiming Education: The Micro-School Revolution← Part 19Part 21 →
I’ve always believed that a predictable rhythm holds more value than we tend to give it credit for. Recently, I observed something in a children’s learning pod that reiterated this belief. Watching those children move through their day with a sense of expectation and calmness was a revelation. There wasn’t the constant, anxious “what now?” that we adults often project onto them. Instead, there was a flow, a rhythm that seemed to cradle their curiosity and learning effortlessly.
This got me thinking about how structure—or the lack thereof—impacts not just children, but also patients in my IVF practice and the founders I back. In the clinic, patients often feel overwhelmed by the unknowns of their journey. Similarly, startup founders face an unpredictable landscape where the next big challenge is just around the corner. The common thread? Predictability, or at least the illusion of it, offers comfort and stability.
In the learning pod, the day starts with something as simple as a ten-minute arrival period where each child shares a sentence about their morning. It’s a chance to be heard, to settle in, and to prepare themselves for the day ahead. It’s akin to how I start my consultations, inviting patients to share their concerns or questions. This small ritual, which may seem insignificant, sets the tone for everything that follows.
Next comes a 25-minute session of foundational work—be it reading or number work—with an adult rotating among the children. This is their time to focus, much like the focused brainstorming sessions I have with founders. It’s where the groundwork is laid, skills are honed, and confidence is built. For a startup, this might be the equivalent of fine-tuning a business model or refining a pitch deck.
The core of the day is a 70-minute project block. Phones are set aside, and children dive deep into their projects. It’s a time of immersion and creativity, mirroring the deep work I encourage in both medical research and in the startup world. For founders, this might be the undisturbed time they need to innovate or solve problems without the distraction of notifications and emails.
Then comes the ritual that I find particularly intriguing—a 15-minute break for food that does not come out of a packet. It’s a simple yet profound practice that emphasizes nourishment and the importance of taking a break from the fast-paced, packaged world we live in. This is a lesson I often share with patients and founders: the importance of taking time to step back and refuel, whether it’s with healthy food, a walk, or simply a moment of silence.
The day continues with 40 minutes dedicated to making, being outdoors, or teaching a younger child. This segment is about exploration and giving back, a reminder that learning is as much about doing and sharing as it is about receiving. It’s a concept that resonates deeply with me, particularly in the realm of angel investing, where mentoring young founders can be as rewarding as any financial return.
Finally, the day concludes with 20 minutes of tidying up, logging the day’s experiences, and posing a question for tomorrow. This reflection and planning stage is crucial, much like the debriefs I conduct with my team after a day at the clinic. It’s a chance to consolidate what’s been learned and to prepare for what’s next, creating a continuity that ties one day to the next.
The point of this rhythm isn’t efficiency; it’s kindness. Predictable time is a kindness we can offer to children, patients, and founders alike. It’s a framework that reduces anxiety and allows focus and creativity to flourish. In my experience, both in the clinic and in the boardroom, it’s this underlying structure that can make all the difference.
In the end, these observations from a simple learning pod have reaffirmed my belief that we all crave some form of predictability. Whether it’s a patient navigating the complexities of IVF or a founder steering a startup through uncharted waters, a predictable rhythm, even in small doses, can be the anchor that keeps us grounded.
As I reflect on this, I’m reminded of a candid conversation with a patient who had been through multiple IVF cycles. She once told me, “It’s not the waiting that’s hard, it’s the not knowing what comes next.” This resonates with the founders I work with who often express a similar sentiment about the startup journey.
Predictable time is indeed a kindness, and it’s one that we can all benefit from embracing—whether in the structured environment of a learning pod or the unpredictable world of startups and medical journeys. Let’s be kind to ourselves and to those around us by offering the comfort of rhythm and routine, even amidst the chaos.