Driving Towards Balance: Embracing the "And One" Philosophy

I have been watching a lot of basketball lately. In the fast-paced game of basketball, there's a move called the "And One" – a play that focuses on resilience, determination, and seizing opportunities. It's when a player drives to the basket, faces obstacles, draws a foul, but still manages to sink the shot. And then, as if that wasn't enough, there is a chance to stand at the free-throw line or an extra point. “And One” is a testament to the mindset of refusing to settle even when faced with challenges.

In life, we often find ourselves in situations where it feels like we're driving towards our goals, only to encounter obstacles that threaten to throw us off course. We face burnout, lose sight of our purpose, and struggle to maintain balance. But much like in basketball, it's crucial to adopt the "And One" philosophy – to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. Magic happens when we decide we can go through difficult moments.

Author Jon Gordon once said, "We don’t get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it." This sentiment echoes the essence of the "And One" mentality. It's not about avoiding challenges or achieving perfection; it's about remembering our why and persevering despite the odds.

Dr. Jill Siler, author of Thrive Through Five: Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead Through Challenging Times, emphasizes the importance of balance. She cites Lisa Sugar, the co-founder of POPSUGAR, who advocates for balancing passions rather than time. It's a reminder that true balance isn't about juggling tasks but about aligning our actions with what truly matters to us.

Too excited to wait until I was finished with my current book, I decided to glance through my newest book. Authors Cheryl Abla and Lisa Maxfield's book Teachables, where bite-size strategies are offered to educators, drive the message that we can find inspiration in simplicity. Strategies like using a deck of cards for classroom activities or displaying motivational quotes in different languages can inject novelty and effectiveness into our routines.

Reflecting on the wisdom of authors like Sean Gaillard and Meghan Lawson, we understand the importance of focusing on our purpose and being specific about our goals. It's about recognizing that we can't do it all at once and instead channeling our energy into what truly resonates with us and moves us forward toward our goals as educators.

In moments of doubt and adversity, it's essential to draw inspiration from those around us. Whether it's Lauren Kaufman's reflections or the anticipation of Kim Strobel’s new book Teach Happy, we find solace in the shared journey toward fulfillment, peace, and happiness.

Placing the journey above the destination is not easy, but a choice that makes life more meaningful. Embracing challenges, drawing strength from our passions, and continuing to drive toward our goals bring us closer to balance. There is no way to live a perfectly balanced life, and just like in the game of basketball: sometimes your game is not perfectly balanced. Driving towards things that feel right rather than look right is one way to become more balanced. Ultimately magic is found on the other side of the mess. The best way is through.