Recently I had one of “those mornings.” I seemingly woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I just knew it wasn’t going to be a good day.

When I took the dog out for a morning walk, it started to rain. It was going to be a rough day.

I was tired and didn’t want to do my workout. It was the start of, as Judith Viorst shared in a children’s book about Alexander, a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

When I started my swim workout, I began to think about everything on my calendar – all the meetings and obligations ahead of me. It was going to be a long day.

While swimming, I became aware of my negative self-talk – my defeatist attitude. I needed to fix my mindset. It didn’t need to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I had the power to make it a good day.

Whether a teacher or a superintendent, your mindset impacts dozens, potentially hundreds, or even thousands of children daily. My negative mood changes conversations, decisions, and culture if I am undisciplined or lazy in my mindset.  

I get to choose my mindset each morning – so do you. We make every interaction better when we are intentional in our self-talk and live with a positive attitude.

Our Culture Playbook in Dublin outlines our three core values.  The Latin noun core means heart.  Our core values are at the heart of our vision and mission in the Dublin City School District.  Our values guide each decision; our values guide our daily behavior.

• Take Responsiveness – Own your Attitude & Action
• Always Growing – Embrace the Journey
• Better Together – Think Team

As educators, we strive to both model and teach these values.  Our VBO and Culture Playbook provide clarity and alignment for everyone in our district.