Go Home and Balance Yourself


It's all about balance...

Recently I was sitting with a group of administrators and the conversation switched to how long each of our days were. It was almost like some had a badge of honor if they worked extremely long days everyday. It was like some were accusing me of not working enough because I did not watch the sunset every night from my office.

I have always prided myself as being a hard worker and someone that loves his job and wants to constantly grow. However, I have also prided myself on being an efficient worker that can multi-task to get the job done more efficiently than some.

When I got into education, I came in with the desire to make a difference. I was extremely lucky to get the first job I applied for. The job was unique and it immediately threw me into the mix. I would go home each night and would constantly be thinking about how to better my teaching practices. I couldn't turn my brain off. This was the time in my life that I realized I don't have to be at work to work.

I try to go home at a decent hour each night and spend time with my family and tend to my household duties. When I get home my job shifts, I am a dad. I try to have the same enthusiasm to teach them what they need to know and have fun doing it. After the kids get in bed, I work again and prepare myself for the next day. Its what makes me able to have this job. Principals jobs are demanding and require much of our time. Not always the easiest to do with kids, especially 4 young kids at home. 

I have enjoyed watching different members of my PLN #principalsinaction go on their spring break trips to unwind and recharge. That is what we all need to do frequently. Find what makes you tick outside of school and do it frequently. If we are not at our best each and everyday our school communities and our kids are the ones that suffer.

There are many things that recharge your mind and body. Find what works for you and practice it frequently. Be the one that changes the game at your school and show others that you can be a school leader and have a life.

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