Today, We Choose

 

As leaders, we serve many roles.  Perhaps the one that we serve more than any other is decision-maker.  While many enjoy the comfort of the seat of “opinion,” we are faced with “making the call.”  All of our decisions, all of our choices, lead to outcomes.  We review information, we weigh the odds, we consider those outcomes.  And then we decide.  Some decisions weigh heavy; some are made almost routinely.  But the fact is, our choices have an impact on us and those we serve. 

 

Let’s take a look at a series of decisions that dramatically impacted America’s premier horse racing event, the Kentucky Derby.  As the date of the “Derby” approached, owner Rick Dawson and trainer Eric Reed were facing the reality that their horse, Rich Strike who had one only one race and was on the “also eligible” list, would not get to compete in the 2022 “Derby.”  As a “one win” horse and unlikely to even get a spot in the race, it would have been easy for the owner and trainer to resign themselves to missing out.  Instead, as trainer Eric Reed explains it, “The worst thing than can happen to us is to have a call a day or two before the Derby and say you’re going to get in and not be prepared. We trained against all odds. Nobody thought we could get in.”  Decision number one – train as if it was going to happen.

 

On the day of and 15 minutes prior to the scratch deadline, Reed received a call from the Derby - Ethereal Road had scratched and Rich Strike suddenly had an opportunity to compete.  As they considered the offer, they knew that it would cost over $10,000 plus travel to enter the horse (which by the way had been purchased for $30,000).  They didn’t feel the horse had been training particularly well so it would have been easy to pass on the offer.  They had less than 15 minutes to make the decision and at 8:58 a.m. the day before the Kentucky Derby, they made decision number two – travel to Churchill Downs and enter Rich Strike in the Derby.  The odds of winning were 80-1.  They were undeterred.

 

At the 5 furlong mark (about halfway), Rich Strike was in 18^th place (of 20).  Looked like it was going to be a nice experience but disappointing finish.  With 25 seconds left, the horse had moved up to 12^th.  It was then that jockey Sunny Leon made decision number three – take a dangerous path weaving in and out to get to the rail.

Every horse fan knows what happened next.  Rich Strike stunned the field, the fans, and the horse racing world with the second biggest upset in Kentucky Derby history.  Had any of the three decisions made – to train to win, to travel to Churchill Downs and enter, and to take a daring route to the rail – been made differently, the Rich Strike team would not have experienced the joy of such a historic accomplishment.  The courage to make those decisions should inspire us all to look at what could be instead of fearing a negative outcome.

 

Truly, The Rich Strike team’s decisions were “big” decisions.  As administrators, we focus too much of our energy on those big decisions, but it may be the choices we make daily in how to approach things which have the greatest impact of all.  How we approach “everyday” decisions and choices will determine our path and the impact that path has on others.

 

The 2023-24 school and activities year is coming.  We are trained that at this time of year, we should hit the reset button.  We start clean.

 

We will be faced with decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.  We will be faced with the year’s demands.  It is now that we commit to what will drive our choices.    And I encourage you to join me and choose.

 

Let’s Choose Love…

    No occasion justifies hatred; no justice warrants bitterness.  Let’s choose Love.  Unconditional love.

 

Let’s Choose Joy…

    Let’s refuse the temptation to be cynical, the tool of the lazy thinker.

    Let’s refuse to see people as anything less than human beings.

    Let’s refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to serve those around us.

 

Let’s Choose Peace…

    Let’s, as John Lennon urged, “Give Peace a Chance.” 

    Let’s also forgive so that we may be free from the weight of hatred.

    When others offer a fist, let’s offer an olive branch.

 

Let’s Choose Patience…

    Let’s overlook the inconveniences of the world. 

Rather than complain that the wait is too long, let’s find a way to enjoy the pause.

Instead of protesting new challenges, let’s face them with joy and courage.

 

Let’s Choose Kindness…

    Let’s be kind to all people, regardless of status, background or beliefs.

Let’s be kind even to the unkind, for only kindness can overcome evil.

 

Let’s Choose What’s Right…

    Let’s go without before taking anything through dishonesty. 

    Let’s be humble instead of boastful.

    Let’s recognize our own faults rather than accusing others. 

 

Let’s Choose Faithfulness…

    Let’s keep our promises. 

    Let’s give others no reason to question our word

    Let others never question our commitment.

 

Let’s Choose Self-Control…

    Let’s always remember to focus on what we can control
May we let go of that which we can’t

    Let’s be the model of self-control for others

 

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Self-Control.

    To these let’s commit our year.

    When we succeed, let’s give thanks.  When we fail, let’s work to overcome.

    And then, when this year is done, let’s all be able to say we have been leaders who focus on the dignity of others and what is right.