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Colleagues, MVP: Small, even silly, steps can help us feel incrementally better. Last weekend I was moping around feeling sorry for myself and just wanting to hike. Instead of eating more ice cream, I did something silly. My mom used to make paper countdown chains with me for Christmas. Pam and I carried on the tradition with our kids. I like it because it was a way to be intentional about marking progress towards a positive outcome. So, last weekend I made a paper countdown chain to take me to September 17, when I get my boot off.  I added little messages to myself for each day.
It is silly, but it is a positive step I could take and it is giving me a small lift each morning. And I was out of ice cream. Today’s intention: Think about small and silly indulgences that can brighten your mood. Cheers! Frederick
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Colleagues,
MVP: Be aware of how you care for yourself under stress. I hike a lot. There are a series of trails five minutes from my house and I end many work days by walking in the woods. What I hadn’t realized, until I couldn’t do it, was how much I rely on those hikes for my mental health. On the trail I process my emotions, I play with ideas, I plan, reflect, and solve problems. The most difficult part of being injured has been trying to figure out how to do all that processing without hiking. I haven’t figured it out yet 🥺 Today’s intention: How do you productively deal with all the emotional and mental stuff? Cheers! Frederick Colleagues,
MVP: Remember, people are the purpose Monday, I wrote about blowing out my ankle on top of a mountain. When I finally managed to get to the bottom, I noticed my ankle was not swollen and didn’t hurt if I walked straight on level ground. I also noticed I had no lateral stability. My friends and I decided to pitch camp close to the base of the mountain instead of continuing for another three miles as we had originally planned. I was very careful, didn’t move a lot, and in the morning, we hiked out on a short and flat alternate route. Despite not making it to our destination, having to sacrifice my independence, having my tough-guy self-image crippled, and fearing significant injury, I had a great time. It was so fun! Why? Of course, “it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” Or is it? Maybe it’s about the people you are with during that journey. Shout out to Joe, Drew, Wes, and Andy – thank you for everything! Today’s intention: Who are your “hiking” friends? When was the last time you hiked with them? Cheers! Frederick Colleagues, MVP: The right fit is critical If the hat fits, wear it. But what if it doesn’t fit?
Every spring I hear from colleagues frustrated at being told they didn’t get the job because “it wasn’t the right fit.” Yes, it sounds like a cop out. Every spring I hear from leaders how a new hire did not work out, often lamenting, “it wasn’t the right fit.” Today’s guest on The Assistant Principal Podcast is John Hinds and we have a GREAT discussion on what it means to be a GREAT assistant principal. And we talk a lot about fit! Thanks again to IXL for sponsoring today’s episode!  Cheers!
Frederick Colleagues, MVP: Refusing help that is freely offered is a sign of weakness I was up on Tennent Mountain on August 10 with some friends.  About 10 minutes after this photo, heading down the other side of the mountain, I blew out my ankle.
The trail down Tennent is brutal, and my buddies immediately knew I needed help. As they began taking my gear to lighten my load, I became angry. My ego wanted me to carry my own pack, I didn’t want to burden my friends, and I wanted to be independent. I conducted a five-minute negotiation about what they could and could not carry for me. It was silly and vain, and here’s the first kicker… I would have gladly carried any of my friends’ equipment had the roles been reversed. I would have wanted to help, and it would have made me feel like a better friend. And the second kicker… I knew this even as I argued and tried to not let them help me. There is no way to sugar coat it – when I refuse help, I am putting my own selfish needs above the beauty that happens when others act unselfishly. I guess in this case pride came after the fall 🤣 Cheers! Frederick |
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