March Madness, Upsets, And Why We Play the Games

Viewing the many games of the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament is a tradition this time of year.  I prefer the first two rounds because there are more so called "upsets" and the teams have less preparation time in between games.  Every year,  there are around 10-12 "upsets" the first round in which the lower seeded team defeats the higher seeded team.  Of course, if these upsets occur in bulk each and every year, then there has to be the realization that these are not "upsets" at all.  As a matter of fact, they are the "norm."  If they are the norm, then they in fact are not "upsets" at all..,but, that's why we play the games!

I wonder how many times in varying instances in our own lives we fail to "even play the game."  We think that we are like the lower seeded team and we never even engage in the battle.  The lower seeds inspire us because they are not supposed to succeed.., and they do.  What if we took the mindset from the start that we are not the lower seed?  Would that change how we viewed our challenges?  Stephen F. Austin, North Dakota State, Mercer, and Dayton are witnesses that the "upset" can only happen when you confront the battle and attack the image of being inferior. 

It's Out There

As I attend the National Association of Secondary School Principal's Conference in a very cold Dallas, Texas this week, I am reminded at every session that principals seem to have the same struggles all over the world.  I won't name all the struggles because that's not important.  Nevertheless, as I sit through each session, take meticulous notes, review those notes each night, and speak firsthand with the leaders who inspired those notes, I am reminded that the information to improve and grow is out there--

if we want it.  Yes, It's out there and readily available.  And...it's free.  It may take a bold step to ask someone you may have never met, but you will be surprised when you find they are more than willing to help.  I am happily reminded as I discuss my challenges with other school leaders this weekend that we are own best resource.  The books are out there, so are the fees for engaging guest speakers.  However, there is no replacement for the individual relationship one develops with other leaders.  That forum is key to improving the lives and opportunities of our students and staffs.  Whatever way we wish to grow, there is someone out there that has done it and would love to share his/her story and save you some time and struggles as you go through it.  It's been done, and it's out there--we have to be enterprising and bold enough to seek it out.

O Holy Night!

The pulse of our life seem to change as the day draws near.  We prepare with material goods, food, organizing gifts, running to the stores, and hoping we did not forget anything or anyone.  There seems to be an underlying pressure we put on ourselves which is very anti-Christmas.  "How did the season get to this?"  Well, it's time to refocus on the message.  That message, to this writer, is a simple one--that the normal interaction between folks is love (anything else is against life).  And that there is a great source of power and inspiration available to all of us--rich and poor, old and young, that highlights the glory in the most common aspects of our lives. 

For millions, his birth marks the turning point in human history.  It marks a moment where new meaning is given to the commonplace.  The King of kings was born in a stable surrounded by livestock because there was "no room at the inn."  The Light of the world came to ignite that same light in each one of us.  How lovely our lives become when we allow the light to guide our path.  Stresses are no longer stressful, anger dissipates, judgement falls, and happiness becomes clearer. Born in a backwater hilltown, our savior continues to light the way!

Not Outhinking Our Common Sense

One thing I love about the St. Louis Cardinals is that they rarely out-think themselves in a sport where managerial adjustments are often characterized as "overcoaching."  "We don't overthink too many things," says third baseman David Freese.  "We just go out there and play hard and see what happens."  David is right in that the Cards entire organization is based on old fashioned common sense.  When Albert Pujols' contract was up, the Cardinals knew they could not meet the financial need of Mr. Pujols (who we all also believe is years beyond his reported age).  Many thought the team would flounder once Albert left, but the organization had other plans.  In fact, the year after Pujols' departure the Cards were one game away from the World Series.  This year, they are in the World Series.  "When you come into this clubhouse, there is just an expectation that 'we will win games here' and everyone gets in line," says backup center fielder Shane Robinson.  The Cards have built a culture of winning and it's evidence when new players come on board and get "in line" immediately.  It starts from the top where common sense is the rule of law and no one is bigger than the whole organization.  Maybe that's why Albert is not around anymore?  Go Cards!

Get Unstuck

How many of us feel "stuck" in some way in our lives? We habitually do certain things each day without thinking of them and never question if there may be a better way.  I have a colleague who was labeled as "stuck" in his work for a few years in a row.  He's a wonderful guy with numerous work-related accolades and could have easily coasted until retirement and fought off his detractors.

The incredible thing, when he was confronted with being "stuck," he never fought it or raged against it and his critics.  He analyzed it calmly,  looked at his work, sought out a respected colleague and began reworking his daily practice.  The results were astounding--improvement all around and a more joyful human being. 

A true lesson in humility, open-mindedness, and professionalism that very few people seem capable of doing. 

After all, seeing ourselves the way we truly are is one of life's greatest challenges.

Here's my colleague's Remedy for Getting "Unstuck"
1.  Listen to your critics
2.  Assume they are 100% right (even if you know they are not)
3.  Fight off any tendencies to lash back and just listen
4.  Bounce the critic's ideas off of a respected, non-invested colleague
5.  Develop a plan of attack to address your deficiencies

Last tip: *Don't waste time vilifying critics.  It's what they expect you to do.  They will be shocked when you take the info and make rapid adjustments.

Forgiving Those We Admire Who Say Hurtful Things

We can all look back with disdain at some childhood memories when an adult we really trusted and looked up to verbally "wronged us."  No doubt there are some acts that may truly be so awful they hold us back for the rest of our lives.  I am not referring to those acts in this blog.  On the contrary, I am referring to those words that may have hurt us and stayed with us into adulthood.  The time the teacher told us that "we were probably never going to reach our potential."  Or, the time our parent was so angry they told us we were "lazy" or "not going anywhere."  Maybe a coach criticized us too harshly in the heat of the moment and we held onto it.  If we allow it, these cruel words can take root in us and affect us years later. 

That's why it's so important to take these statements and turn them around to our benefit.  The only way I know how to do that is to take the bruising words under the following life context:  All people make the best decisions at the time the make them with the information and background knowledge they have.  Our parents and teachers usually do the best they know how...and yes, they make mistakes. 

The only successful response to these phrases is simply one word--FORGIVENESS.  We forgive because it sets us free to move forward and let go of the hurt.  We forgive because it teaches us that all humans are imperfect.  We forgive because it ignites others to do the same for us.  We forgive because it unburdens those who harmed us...and more importantly unburdens ourselves. 

Think of someone who may have verbally hurt you as a youth and ask yourself if you have truly forgiven him or her.  If you have not yet done so, take the step to forgive today

and walk around a little lighter tomorrow.

Blinded by the Light

In recent survey of college professors, when asked if they were above average teachers, 94% said they thought they were.  Now, when their students were asked the same question, only around 25% said they were above average.  The question arises then as to who is correct.  Well, the answer is probably neither.  But, I do know that the professor’s conviction that they are so good, ends up blinding them to the reality that maybe they are not so above average.  But, before we judge the professors, I wonder how many of us would judge ourselves the best student, the best athlete, the best educator?  Our inflated view of ourselves tends to be our worst enemy and blinds us….like that old song says…”blinded by the light”

We all have our blind spots.   It’s important to recognize that sometimes we over, or underinflate, our abilities.  At times it’s humbling to know that maybe we don’t really see ourselves the way others do.  Learning to see the truth anywhere entails a training that challenges our presumptions that we are already in the light