Eric Ewald - Learning and Sharing: #OneWord2018

I selected my first #OneWord after hearing Jon Gordon's closing keynote at the School Administrators of Iowa (SAI) conference in August of 2012. I remember not only being inspired to select a word for myself, but I also asked my entire staff to select a word. It was simple; I certainly didn't plan anything extravagant, we just thought-up a word that would keep us focused during the upcoming school year and wrote it on an index card. Some were pinned or taped to walls, some became bookmarks, some got lost in a heap of papers, some made their way to the recycling or even worse the trash.

My word was balance. This was my first year as principal. I was 29 years old. I love my work, but I didn't (still don't) want my job to consume me. I wanted to make sure that I always put my family first (foreshadowing to a future #DadsAsPrincipals movement???). I wanted to make sure that I was making time to take care of myself - both mentally and physically - so that I could then take care of a) my family and b) the school that I had been selected to lead. I wanted balance then as a first year principal. I am still trying to find balance now.

I again selected #OneWord as the calendar turned to 2016. Click and you can read what I wrote about selecting Remember as my word, two years ago. Upon re-reading and reflecting on this blog post, it outlines many of the principles that I continue to value as a principal.

So here we are in January 2018. Over the winter break, my Twitter feed and Voxer groups have been a buzz with #OneWord posts from my PLN. I didn't have a word identified, and I was staying busy being #MoreDadLessPrincipal. I had no intention to write a #OneWord post, this year.

But then a word crept into my head. And it wouldn't leave. All of a sudden, I had a #OneWord2018.

I want to Create experiences - experiences are what life is all about.
I want to Create memories - someday I'll be gone, and the memories will be what remains.
I want to Create opportunities - for both myself and for those that I serve (because that's leadership).
I want to Create connections - find your tribe; they'll get you through the tough times and enhance the good times.
I want to Create time - because you won't ever find time; you have to make it.
I want to Create positivity - despite circumstances, this is something that we can control; choose your attitude.
I want to Create an environment - that allows for autonomy, encourages self-motivation, and makes far reaching and long lasting contributions (see Daniel Pink's Drive).
I want to Create a legacy - I wrote about Legacy this past July.

Take a minute to watch this commercial via Adidas. I LOVE what they're doing with their #HereToCreate campaign. It. Is. Amazing. And the athletes in the commercial say things that coincide with and completely validate my selection of Create for my #OneWord.