Friday, May 17, 2013

Control

I was just out walking the dog and got to thinking about the Board of Trustees elections which are currently on the go. We've had 12 nominations at school, which is the most ever. Yesterday I read the bios of each of those nominated and got a bit of a feel for them. The wide ranging skill-sets of people nominated, and their desire to give positively to our school community shone through. 3 of those nominated have served as board members for the past 3 years, whilst the other 9 would be new to the role. Personally I can find election time a bit disconcerting. That whole element of not knowing what will happen, who I will be working closely with, how relationships might develop, what pathways the new board might want to explore... will this align with our current vision for learning, and practices in place to achieve this??? As I walked, I reflected, and came to the conclusion that much of it might come down to control - do I feel disconcerted because this is a process for which I have little or no control... and might like to? I then made a connection back to running (as I do). In a couple of weeks I'm entered to run in the Christchurch Marathon. In choosing to enter, I did so knowing there are a number of things I can control, and some that I cannot. I can control my preparation - choosing how far I run, how often, how fast. Choosing other things that will positively influence performance like nutrition, speed work, having good gear, sleep, mental attitude. Things I can't control though, include the weather on the day of the event. Last year there was a howling gale for the last half hour and the weekend after there was snow - I can't control the weather. I could get ill - last year I picked up a spew bug 2 days before the Rotorua Marathon and had to withdraw. I couldn't control that. I can't control the number of other people who enter or the speed they're going to run. I can prepare for a range of circumstances, but I can't control all of them. I think this reflection reminds me to spend time and energy on the things that matter and that I can control. I can be aware of the 'range of conditions' I might encounter but I can't choose them, so until marathon day I just need to focus on what's important, like why I like to run and what I hope to get out of the day (which is essentially to give my best and have fun). I think this could be the same in the school sense - I can prepare a bit for a range of outcomes, but the big thing is to ensure I keep prioritising what is most important - the learning of our children. Stay true to our vision and moral purpose and other things will happen accordingly. Don't over think the things I can't control. What do you think?

1 comment:

  1. “Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don't.”
    ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

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