At the Edge of YIKES!

At the Edge of YIKES!

We’ve officially reached the part of the year where I’m questioning every last life choice.  Between the grade check that doesn’t align with our academic calendar, the three minutes of drill left to be learned, the choreo to implement, the new drill team tune, the heat, the rain, the tempo for Part 1 - whose idea was that!??!! (It was mine…let’s stay focused, pls), the 51 unanswered emails (from the last 24 hours), and, well, you get the idea…

I feel like I’m one notification away from applying to be the fry guy at Canes. 

I find myself wondering out loud, “Why do I subject myself to this?!?!”  Then I chuckle and remind the other voices in my head of the truth: this is exactly where I want to be.

Bob Goff calls it the edge of yikes, and it is my happy place.  The truth is, if it was formulaic and easy, I’d be bored, and so would my colleagues and students.  We could not push so hard and play more to the middle, but that wouldn’t challenge me or push the envelope of possibility.  As Jim Collins teaches, Good is the enemy of GREAT, and I believe that greatness is only found in the pursuit of that which is impossible.  

The truth is, if we focus on the process, it will get better.  How great it becomes is a story yet to be written, but it will get better.  However, we’ll never really achieve our potential if we don’t stretch ourselves and those around us. 

While I’ve seen variations on a theme of this cycle 27 times, I didn’t realize the pattern until much later than I’m willing to admit right now.  Why is that important?  Because your students (and often your colleagues) may not be able to see it yet either.  

That is why they need you.  

You’re the voice of reason.  

You’re the beacon of hope.  

You’re the calm and steady voice that reminds them to focus intently on the process.  

You’re their leader (and whatever you do, please don’t give up).

Have an AMAZING week!

Jeff

If you’ve never met Bob Goff, you might really enjoy this hour [LINK].