8 Questions to Start the Year

In addition to my past, present and future post I've decided to take on one more reflective post for the new year. These 8 Questions were taken from Jessie Zhu's blog, but the inspiration came from an activity that my uncle's family did. They have taken 8 questions (similar to the ones below) and each member of the family has answered them. Then, they had a skype call and they shared their reflections to help each other be more accountable for achieving their goals. they will check in with each other in July and at the end of the year to see how they've done. I love the structure and accountability, but more importantly, the family connection that is created by doing this activity together.

1) What are your proudest achievements this year? 

I am very proud of earning my new position as Associate Principal. It is something that I wanted and now I got. I'm also proud of the dollhouse that I made for Rosemary. 

2) What are the most important lessons you’ve learned this year?

I know that I've learned a lot this year, but it is hard for me to put a finger on what the most important thing has been. I've learned a lot of little things around leadership and education all of which have been very important. For example, the importance of building trust and positive school culture. I've learned quite a bit about Readers and Writers workshop, NGSS, and Eureka math. However, the two most important things that I've learned in 2019 are: 1) You have to take risks to be successful 2) I need help to develop into the person that I want to be. By taking a risk I was able to land a job that I never thought that I would get and by asking for help, I feel that I'm on a path to become a better father, husband, and worker.

3) What stories are you telling yourself that you need to let go of?

I really need to let go of a lot of the negative stories that run in my head throughout the day. First, that I'm not smart enough to be successful in my job. Second, that I've harmed my family by selling our house and not creating the most wealth possible. Third, my family would be better off with someone other than me as their father/husband. My days are filled with negative self-talk and this is the most harmful thing to my growth and development.

4) Who had the biggest positive impact on you this year? 

Anna always has the biggest impact on me. Her continual love, open communication and reality checks help me to work through some of my many issues that I’m dealing with.

5) If you could only achieve one big thing next year, what would it be? 

The only thing that I want to achieve is to be more confident in who I am and what I can accomplish. This is not a tangible thing therefore not very measurable. So, the big thing that I want to do this year is buying a house or piece of land to build on.

6) What do you want to learn?

To Surf.

7) What can you do more that brings you energy and joy? 

Exercise at least 4x per week. More Daddy/Daughter dates – once per week. More dates with Anna – something where we learn together.

8) What will you stop doing? 

Beating myself up for who I am.