5 Tips That Can Help You Meet Your Challenge

Leaders are often risktakers. They tend to stretch, take on new challenges, and set bold, yet attainable, goals. Are you thinking of taking on a new challenge? Hold on tight, because your roller coaster ride is just about to start!

Almost one year ago I decided to take on a new challenge. I set a goal that would take me about a year to successfully accomplish. I counted the cost of time, money, and energy. I calculated the risk. Here I am, almost at the finish line. What a crazy, busy, stressful year it has been! Last summer I jumped off of the cliff and enrolled in a principal certification program, along with taking on a new grade level and new subject matter. What was I thinking? I feel like I've been on a roller coaster that just won't stop! Though I will admit that I have thrived on the challenge, the daily stress of my never ending to-do list can be quite overwhelming. As the roller coaster is now slowing down for the next wide turn, I managed to catch my breath and put into words some of the sanity-saving nuggets of wisdom I found helpful in meeting my challenge. If you find yourself on a similar roller-coaster, hold on tight, and then see if these sanity-saving tips can help you meet your challenge.

1. One day at a time. Just take one day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for this today is it's own worries. Prioritize. Organize. One day at a time. When you are up against a challenge, do all that you can today ... and then go to bed!

2. It takes two! We all need somebody to lean on! A buddy, a friend, a co-worker, a spouse. For me, it's my man. The decision for me to take on this challenge was made together, because we are a team. He pledged his support to take on laundry, grocery shopping, cooking...whatever he could do to help. We are not meant to go it all alone. A good friend is made for times of adversity. When you are up against a challenge, we need a friend or buddy for encouragement and support.

3. I am a like tri-pod ... body, soul, spirit. If one leg is weak or not functioning, I am not balanced. If I am exercising and nurturing my soul - my mind, will, and emotions - then my soul will be strong. If I neglect to take care of my body or if I do not feed my spirit, then they will become weak and I will not have balance in my life. When you are up against a challenge, it's easy to get off balanced. Remember that you are a three part being and it is important to keep the tri-pod balanced.

4. Out the door, most days, by 4:00. I am a teacher and so my "official" work day ends at 3:45. Now we all know that teachers stay late, take work home, and even put in many hours on the weekend! Since I have my "second shift" of course work awaiting me when I get home, I found that I had to budget my time and energy accordingly. If I am going to have any energy for the second shift, I have to be super organized and get out the door by 4:00! When you are up against a challenge, remember to leave some margin and budget your time and energy wisely!

5. Take 5! You know what? Some days I just need a break! Some days I just can't open that laptop! At least not until I've taken a little break. And when I know I'm going to be hard at it for a few hours, if I just take a few 5-10 minute breaks along the way to do something else, I find that it helps me to get more accomplished. When you are up against a challenge, remember it's OK to take a break! Even taking a 5 minute break can hit your refresh button and help you to accomplish more.

Leaders, lead on! If you need a bit of sanity along the way, just count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5!