It might be a platitude, but your career should be something that you love and something you are passionate about. As the old saying goes, if you find a career that you love, and would do even if you were not getting paid, then you will never work a day in your life. It might be a bit of an exaggeration, especially since you have so many extraneous variables that can make the job that you love a living nightmare.

Purpose is the thing that will keep you motivated to work hard and be the best version of yourself that you can be. As an education leader, passion is what will allow you to help your teachers grow and their students to achieve academically. You don’t have to tell people that you are passionate about something, it will resonate in your speech and your actions.

Let the purpose be your guide

Let’s end this leadership tip with an anecdote. After a mountain climbing accident that claimed the lives of 5 people, a reporter asked the guide/mountain climber why he keeps taking people to the top of the mountain even though there is a chance that many will die. He replied, “You obviously have never been to the top of a mountain.” He did not say this in a sarcastic way or tone.

His point was that the joy and exhilaration that you get from summiting the top of a mountain is an experience like no other. That’s why he continues to live out his purpose, even under the threat of death. He knows that he has found something that he loves and would do even if he were not getting paid.

Education leadership is a lot like mountain climbing, as it comes with its own risks and obstacles. Overcome them, and you can see what it looks like at the top of the mountain. If being an education leader feels like work, and you are starting to question it is the career for you, then you may be operating outside of your purpose. If so, you may want to consider a career change. You can be a good education leader, without it being your purpose, but you will never reach your potential as a human being. Do some soul searching and let us know what you decide.