Over many years, I have heard others talk about shifting paradigms. Early on, I wondered "how do I do that?" I couldn't wrap my head around it until someone explained it to me. A paradigm shift is defined as a radical change in belief. Basically, it is changing one's thinking from their present standard.
So, recently I started thinking differently about my role as a leader. Whether the role exists in my life as a Christian, dad, or school administrator, one thing remains constant - doing. I can't think of how many times I've had opportunities to do something and for some reason step aside and let others take the lead. What I've realized is that my satisfaction in any role I play depends on how I feel about the job I've done. I had to shift the "feeling" paradigm. Instead of thinking that I will feel better by not doing, speaking, or giving, I now understand that I will feel better by doing those things. I've now challenged myself to do. This doesn't mean that I will always be perfect. It doesn't mean that I will always be excellent. It simply means that I will do a better job in the future.
As a Christian, dad, or administrator, I plan to continue to excel. I want to do better than the past. In the future, I will want to become better than the present. I view this as an upward spiral. This is a way for me to get to the pinnacle in a state of constant improvement.
The road will be difficult and challenging, but I will do.
I couldn't make this paradigm shift without the help of some great professional development sources. I read The Leader in Me by Stephen Covey, What Great Principals Do Differently by Todd Whittaker, and various blogs and posts on Twitter from the likes of Principal J, Eric Sheninger, Justin Tarte, and others.
This summer at the annual CLAS Conference, Jon Gordon inspired the group of Alabama administrators to be positive and make a positive impact on others. I learned that anyone can be positive. It is a choice. No matter what "the enemy" has lying in wait for us, our positive outlook can get us through the dark days. You can make the pledge to be positive at Jon's website http://www.thepositivepledge.com/
Understand your thought of the norm on a topic and view it from a different perspective. You may be shocked to find that shifting a paradigm leads to a less stressful life.
