As summer begins to wind down, many music educators find themselves looking ahead to another exciting and busy school year. There are rehearsals to plan, students to recruit, families to communicate with, performances to prepare, and a seemingly endless list of details competing for our attention.
When everything feels important, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before the year even begins. So, what can we do? I have found the most effective leaders don’t try to do everything at once. Instead, they focus on what matters most and then take the necessary next step. Here are 5 Leadership Tips for where to start when everything feels important.
- Get It Out of Your Head
One of the quickest ways to reduce stress is to stop carrying everything in your mind. Take a few minutes to write down the projects, responsibilities, ideas, and open loops that are occupying mental space. Once you can see all that has been filling up your mind, you can begin to prioritize.
- Identify Your Big Rocks
Before the year gets moving, ask yourself, “What will have the greatest impact on my students and program this year?” The most effective leaders focus on their big rocks before they get buried by the pebbles and sand of daily demands.
- Focus on the Next Right Step
When a project feels overwhelming, don’t focus on finishing it. Focus on starting it. Instead of asking, “How am I going to get all of this done?” ask, “What’s the next right step?” Momentum begins with movement.
- Don’t Let Urgency Drive Your Day
Not everything that demands your attention deserves your attention. Emails, notifications, and unexpected requests will always be there. Great leaders learn to distinguish between what is urgent and what is important.
- Choose Your Upbeat
Every day begins with a choice. Before opening your inbox or reacting to the demands around you, choose your focus. Your thoughts are the upbeat to your actions, and your actions shape your results.
As you prepare for the new school year, remember that leadership is not about carrying everything at once. It is about focusing on what matters most, taking the next right step, and moving forward with intention. Choose your focus. Choose your priorities. Choose your upbeat.