All in the Details

Stanley Compass

During professional development today, we did an activity today called Compass Points.  

What is your style?

* action-oriented, risk taking North?
* see the big-picture, East?
* focus on the details, West?
* nurturing, relationship-embracing, South?

I decided I'm definitely a West. I'm all about the details. When I'm energized and optimistic, its a joyful examination of every piece. When I'm self-critical, critical of others and tired, its a painful shredding of everything. To pieces!

It was a great icebreaker. The take away for me was, West is awesome but I must remember my colleagues, and stretch a little. Travel every once and a while. Let go and go, in a different direction sometimes.

I tried it and what a relief! I spared my 7th grade team from the incessant picking away at the details and went with the flow for an hour. Effortlessly, we came up with an awesome first week of advisory lessons that reflected our personalities and hopes for our students this year. I was still me - made sure nothing was left out, documenting it - but I listened, more. It was my favorite part of today, practicing silly icebreakers and laughing with Jedd and Gregory. Planning, can be enjoyable.

Days like this though, feel good as it was, leave me spent.

It may be because I'm trying to make working out a morning routine. Bringing it at 5 am, is hard - more on that later.

Channeling the Inner Badass

On a much lighter note - the show The Biggest Loser has inspired me.

Yes to strength! And Yes! to unleashing my inner badass!

Fred and I have committed to our weekly nutrition & fitness goals. I love that we are doing it together. It's fun. I'm still training for the L.A. marathon with my kids and teachers in May, but I'm aiming to be fitter than I've ever been within my 30th year. Grrr.

What does life look like nowadays?

- Running, swimming or cycling, indoors or outdoors 6 times/week
- Weight training, resistance, plyometrics 4 times/week
- Smaller portions, less meat, more vegetables, more water
- Rest

As I type, the rain is pouring outside. My ladies have just handed out red envelopes. It's the Year of the Ox. The Ox is known for being stubborn, dedicated and above all a hard worker. For this reason, this year is all about perseverance, dedication and commitment.

There's so much to do! Though this post is about getting ripped, it's also about envisioning what's possible, believing and being willing to push beyond my comfort zone. I hope I can carry that energy into all areas of my life this year and extend it to wherever else it wants to go.

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Wishing you all the best!