Don't try harder!

In case you missed it, a new podcast episode dropped on Saturday! It is all about coaching. This one is perfect for assistant principals as well as principals, instructional coaches, and anyone involved with helping teachers improve their craft. Some of the content applies to coaching people outside of the education field, but all the examples are from the P-12 world. You can find the podcast on your favorite listening app by clicking here.

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Colleagues,

For the past two years I have been writing a Thought for the week that I added to a weekly check-in email that I sent to my clients. Recently, I’ve just added it to the signature at the bottom of every email. So, if five messages a week isn’t enough for you, you can get one more by responding to one of the daily emails so that I will write you back (hint, hint).
 
This week’s thought of the week inspired today’s post.
 
I’ve started doing CrossFit again after an 18-month absence. My most important CrossFit goal is to stay injury free. CrossFit helps with a lot of the pain I have from 50+ years of living an active life, but CrossFit itself can also be a problem, especially when my form is bad.
 
As I start back, my technique is way more important than my effort. If I am intentional about my technique, the strength and endurance will come. In contrast, if I focus on strength and maximum effort, my technique is likely to suffer and I am more likely to get injured.
 
I have slowly come to the realization, that in most things, effort is not nearly as important as intention. This week:

• Slow down a little. 
• Breathe more deeply. 
• Appreciate relationships.
• Be thankful. 

 
And do it all intentionally.
 
Cheers!
 
Frederick