Now That the School Year is Over... This is What I Learned

Another school year has wrapped, and as I finally catch my breath, I've been reflecting on the lessons learned outside of any curriculum. This year felt different, and it taught me a lot about navigating the professional world with a bit more wisdom and a lot more grace.

1. Work is Just That: Work.

It's easy to let our jobs consume us, especially in fields where passion is often intertwined with profession. But at the end of the day, work is work. It's a place we go, tasks we complete, and responsibilities we manage. It shouldn't be your entire identity or the sole source of your happiness. Learning to compartmentalize and leave work at work has been a game-changer for my well-being.

2. Don't Take Any of This Personally.

This one is tough, especially when you pour your heart into what you do. However, I've learned that most challenges, criticisms, or setbacks in a professional setting aren't personal attacks. They're often about policies, procedures, differing opinions, or external pressures. Detaching your ego from outcomes allows you to approach situations more objectively and with less emotional baggage.

3. Do What You Can and Give Yourself Grace.

There will always be more to do than hours in the day. This year, I truly embraced the idea of doing what I can and letting that be enough. Perfection is an illusion, and striving for it often leads to burnout. When things don't go as planned, or you can't accomplish everything on your list, give yourself grace. You're human, not a machine, and your best is always enough.

4. Create and Maintain Boundaries.

If you don't set boundaries, others will set them for you, or worse, ignore them completely. This year, I got serious about creating and maintaining clear lines between my professional and personal life. Whether it's sticking to my working hours, saying "no" to extra commitments, or protecting my time off, boundaries are essential for preserving your energy and mental health.

5. You Really Don't Need Work Friends.

While friendly colleagues can make the workday more pleasant, I've realized that true, deep friendships don't need to be forged in the workplace. It's perfectly fine to have cordial, professional relationships without feeling obligated to develop close personal bonds. Focusing on effective collaboration and mutual respect is more important than chasing friendships that may blur professional lines.

6. Always Lead With Your Why.

No matter what you're doing, whether it's advocating for a new idea, addressing a challenge, or making a difficult decision, always remember and lead with your why. Understanding your core motivation and communicating it clearly can help others understand your perspective, build trust, and align efforts. It gives purpose to your actions and helps you stay true to your values.

7. Eat the Frog.

This might sound a little strange, but "eating the frog" means tackling your most dreaded or difficult task first thing in the morning. This year, I learned the power of getting that big, unpleasant thing off my plate early. It frees up mental energy, reduces procrastination, and often makes the rest of your day feel significantly lighter and more manageable.

As I look ahead to the break, these lessons are sticking with me. It’s okay if some days felt overwhelming or if you didn't master all of these right away; growth is a journey, not a destination. For me, this summer will be a time to truly lean into these lessons, focusing on rest, rejuvenation, and rediscovering the simple joys that often get lost in the shuffle of a busy school year. Stay tuned for how I plan to make the most of it!