I cannot do it all. I can try but there's zero satisfaction in it and the probability of failure(s) is certain. And there's a strong probability - especially in this line of work - that someone else will find unacceptable dissatisfaction in my failure(s) and be unable to handle it with a "learn and move on" attitude.
I can do a lot - but only good enough. And this is dissatisfying to me. Get it done. It's done or done-ish. Meh.
I can be excellent - if I can focus my effort and energy. But in order to pursue excellence something's gotta give. I can give up trying to do it all. No problem. I can give up some of the "a lot" that leads to "Meh". No problem, well, no problem for me anyway.
In deciding what to let go these are my litmus tests...
- I can look a student in the eye and honestly say "I believe this can help you grow as a student and a person."
- I can look a parent in the eye and honestly say "I believe this can help your child grow as a student and a person."
- I can look my colleagues and supervisors in the eye and honestly say "I believe this helps kids grow as students and people."
- I can look my family in the eye and honestly say "Anything that I do to help others I am committed to doing for you."
- I can look myself in the eye and honestly say "I believe by my efforts I'm making the world a better place."
Someone can always tell me I'm wrong. Or that I can't make that choice. Or that I have to choose one thing over another. And then I'll be tested along with my beliefs.
I like to think the unanimous yes will prevail. I'll let courage be my confidence and conscience be my guide.
