Addicted to Learning

This is my first year as an assistant principal.  Before this, I was in the same role for five years.  A couple years ago, I had a not-so-great year.

I was frustrated all of the time.  All. of. the. time.

I still worked very hard and did my job well.  And if someone asked about my job, I would have said that I loved it - because I truly did.  So why the conflict?  Well, the position I had was great.  I believed in what we were doing.  I loved the people I served.  But, I was so frustrated and I blamed others or the situation, which really isn't like me.  I tend to own all problems, even ones that I shouldn't.  I was frustrated with decisions that were being made, lack of progress and change in certain areas, people that were leading me, just a bit of everything.

Fast forward to this year.  I am learning something new all of the time.  (I joke that I don't learn something new everyday, but every few minutes!)  I do NOT love all of the parts of my job - but I do love learning about all of the parts of it.

Enter epiphany... I was not frustrated with my job or other people before.  I was frustrated because I wasn't learning anymore.  Or, at least, not at the rate that I like to learn - which is fast.  The moment I realized this was such a freeing moment.  It wasn't anyone else's fault but my own.  I was, in some way, stagnated and bitter for being so.  Now, I feel like if I were in this position again and started to feel the familiar ache of frustration creeping in, I would have some tools with which to face the problem.  I would take on a new project or challenge myself in a new way, or better yet - request a challenge from someone else!  

#whatarelief

As a follow up:  I'm sure others sensed my frustration that year; I am sure it manifested in my presence for those that knew me well or that I opened up to.  I wonder how many learners are in classes feeling this way - unchallenged, and it manifests in their behavior...