Being intentional is not selfish.

I was sitting in Central Park listening to a mix of music that included the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Paul Simon’s live concert from Central Park, and Willie Nelson. Yes, Willie is the only non-Texan, but his music is iconic and fits the vibe and mood for the park in March.

The weather was near perfect for March; in fact, one day, it hit 74 degrees.

I recently traveled to New York City for some much-needed recharging and energy. I got up each morning and ran in the park. I had always wanted to do this but never got around to it. I made excuses: It was too dark or too cold.

On this trip, I prioritized it and was kicking myself for not doing it more often. I felt like a runner mixing in with the professionals in the park. I might have run faster to keep up. I got turned around in the park, which is easy to do, and ended up getting to experience the wonderful park.

One morning, I attended mass at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. I had visited this beautiful church in the heart of NYC many times but never attended mass there. I got up early and thanked the good lord. I sat in silence and reflected on everything good in my life. I prayed for public education and our school communities.

Traveling to New York City has a way of refreshing a person. It could be the freedom not to need a car and the ability to walk or take the subway anywhere.

Often, as school leaders, we put everyone else first. We prioritize other children over our own. We are kinder to parents or staff than we are to our spouses. In our minds, school will not continue if we are not at every event.

The last time I checked, the high school I work at was not named Bloomer High School. This statement really resonated with me while I was in NYC, and I thought a lot about my successes and failures.

The high school I work at is not named Bloomer High School and never will be. When I retire, they will announce another principal who will take the school to places I couldn’t. Just like that, I will not be needed at soccer matches, dances, or meetings. My memory will continue but slowly fade away, especially with a staff that hires about 30-35 new teachers yearly.

While I can’t go back in time to see my son play 7th-grade football, I can start being more international with my time with him. I can start putting myself and my family first. The permission to do this came from my thoughts while running near Strawberry Fields and near the spot where John Lennon was tragically killed.

Putting my family and my well-being first is not selfish. Read that again, especially younger administrators.

Now, I will still attend soccer matches, dances, and meetings. The second semester is a marathon run at a sprinter's pace. The administrative overwhelm is real and can swallow you like quicksand.

What I will do more often from here on out is be more intentional with my time.

Here are five ways that I will be more intentional with my time.

1. Sundays are reserved for my wife and me to do something fun. No exceptions.

2. I will continue running (that’s what I call it) in the beautiful Texas sunshine and prioritize my health.

3. I will ensure time doesn’t slip away from me as my children age. I have to make it a point to see them and not rely on them coming to see me.

4. I will remind myself that the school was not named after me or will not be named after me. I will still attend events, but do I need to stay the entire time? Can I be more intentional with my time regarding student activities?

5. I will delegate more. (Sorry if my admin team is reading this).

Are there other ways administrators have successfully addressed the “Administrative Overwhelm?” If you have something to add to the list, please share.

Did you know that I am on a monthly podcast?

Every month, Darrin Peppard, Dominic Armando, and I meet to talk shop! Darrin hosts Leaning into Leadership, a regular podcast, and we are a fun spin-off.

Click here if you would like to listen. — Episode 128: March Madness with Darrin, Dominic, and Todd - Leaning into Leadership (captivate.fm)

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I find great joy and satisfaction in working with administrators or school leaders. My body of work, including failures, has given me life lessons and skills that are easily transferable and avoidable. If you are in the market or need a coach, please visit my website and let's talk.