The start of any school year can bring both joy and challenge. The excitement of fresh beginnings can quickly collide with the pressures of conflict, fatigue, and unmet expectations. For educators, the difference between simply showing up and truly committing makes all the difference. Are we all in?
The difference between involvement and
commitment is like ham and eggs.
The chicken is involved; the pig is committed.
— Martina Navratilova
Is the honeymoon over already? Such is the exclamation of many who have already encountered tempestuous conflict with colleagues or families so early in this year. High hopes for peace and a joyful coexistence yield to the realities of ed leadership.
It's easy to feel dissed. Disrespect. Discomfort. Disconnected. Dismay. Disengaged.
School life seldom gets easier or more gentle, but we can resiliently grow through it.
I can be changed by what happens to me,
but I refuse to be reduced by it.
— Maya Angelou
We are professional educators! That means we're willing to boldly and intelligently face the challenges, while others check the social trends and gauge what's easiest.
Our commitment isn't uncertain! Maybe, maybe not isn't a phrase in our repertoire. That shows up in our preparation and body language as we deliver on our promises.
We choose to emerge from these experiences more steadfast in our beliefs, more driven in our calling, and more committed to achieving our goals than ever before.
Let us not grow weary of doing good,
for in due season we will reap,
if we do not give up.
— Galatians 6:9
How we respond to adversities is the true story of our character and that knowledge motivates us to be a life-changing constant that guides those who follow our lead.
Staying steadfast in our faith enables us to model contentment and commitment, as does religiously practicing the habits of reflecting, recovery, resetting, and renewal. Sticking to these routines, especially under pressure, keeps us ready in the moment.
Troubles will come. Be the reliable constant in the fray. Never give up on yourself or them.
