Superintendent: Year 2 (Prioritize You)
This past week I ended my first year of my superintendency and began my second year! It was an awesome year filled with learning, growth and celebrations! Last month I shared a little about our launch into the school year but a conversation that took place stayed with me and truly caused me to reflect.
One of my team members from a campus came up to me and asked, “Do we stress you out? You’ve lost a lot of weight since I last saw you.” I smiled at her and shared, “No ma’am, you all haven’t stressed me out at all. I’m just trying to take care of myself while I take care of our district. Instead of eating my feelings I’ve switched to working out and eating better so I’m not stressed.” She complimented me and gave me the sweetest hug. As I reflect on that conversation and similar ones from that day I want to remind and encourage you to set your priorities and keep them! I shared in a previous blog that I was transparent with my board and my staff about how I lead and my priorities: My Faith, Family, Health, and then career.
Today I want to talk about health! Over my career I have heard of superintendents and leaders leading and dying from or during their role. It’s a scary thought that stays in the back of my mind. About six years ago I made a conscious effort to change some things in my life due to one of my immediate family members. In one year my father had a stroke and a heart attack. The crazy thing is that he was not overweight or obese but it happened. He fully recovered and he’s fine but after that time he and I had a talk…well I listened. My daddy simply said, “Tiffany, take care of yourself so you don’t die before your girls”. He got my attention and I never forgot our talk. Did I immediately get out there and start eating right and exercising? No, but I never forgot that conversation.
Over the years I have literally transformed my life for me. I was way overweight and unhealthy because I did not prioritize me. (For those who have been with me throughout my career they can testify…Twitter (X) has a historical account too. Lol). I started working out but I worked out to eat what I wanted. I know…not the way to do it but it’s the truth. I lost some weight but I was not taking care of myself as I led and I was not a model for my family, my team members or others who looked up to me. Fast forward to last year. As I transitioned into my role I continued to workout and I started eating better. I wasn’t great but I promised myself I would not let this role and new responsibilities cripple my health. Every morning I prioritized myself! I made my meals and just focused on one day at a time. My mantra was ‘I can, I will, I must!’ As I struggled through some workouts I also told myself that if I can get this workout complete I can handle anything the day brings. It was true. The hardest part of my day was/is the workout but I was up to the challenge.
This is my new normal; my new lifestyle. So much so that my cross country students asked me to come run with them on a workout. Now, the old me, would have politely declined. However, the new me had nothing to lose. (And there isn’t anything I won’t do to support my students…almost anything). The picture posted shows us on one of the morning workouts. I didn’t place or get the fastest time but I finished. That was the prize! The ability to be able to run with my students and enjoy a sport that they love. It was a priceless moment. Yes, I’ve been invited to come back out and I definitely will be out there again.
My hope for each of you is that you find something that challenges and stretches you to be the best YOU that you can be. I’m excited about this new journey and growth. I know it’s provided strength, courage and wisdom which lends itself to my leadership and my ability to support those I serve as superintendent. I truly believe my focus on my health has prevented sickness, stress and fatigue. I also believe that keeping my priorities a priority will improve my ability to lead through any situation. I’m excited about year two and all it holds!
Stay encouraged and continue to #InspireExcellence
P.S. I’m even signed up for a 10k and a 1/2 marathon. ;)
