Posted on May 28, 2020 by Marcus Jackson, Ed.D.

Having a remarkable day is a choice, and I genuinely believe this. My favorite day of the week is Monday. That alone makes people bizarrely look at me. For some reason, we grew up not liking Mondays and was taught to only “Thank God on Fridays (TGIF)” and at church on Sundays. As a principal, on Monday morning announcements, I would begin by simply saying Happy Monday, baby! Happy Monday to everyone! Monday is my favorite day of the week as it signifies the beginning of a new week, it’s a new day, and a unique opportunity to do something extraordinary. The teachers, students, staff, and parents at times, would think I was crazy as I behaved this was every day and only on Mondays, but my energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for life are on display every day.

My mother died on December 9th, 2018, at 5:19 p.m. in my arms, and I was at work the next day, gleaming and laughing and still filled with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm for life.  My co-workers asked, “How do you remain so positive in such a difficult time?” I responded that I live each day by two quotes. The first is from one of my mentors Dr. Earl Suttle who states, “your outlook on the day will determine the outcome of your day.” Next, is a verse from one of my favorite songs Hold on by Sounds of Blackness, which states, “yesterday a man stepped to me, and he said how can you smile, and your world is tumbling down? I said here’s my secret, when I want to cry, I just take a look around and I see that I’m getting by.” These verses describe how I live my life every day.

There are three things you can do every day to ensure that you win the day and that you do it with energy, excitement, and enthusiasm: 1) begin your day with prayer, meditation, and a review of your gratitude list; 2) set hourly goals. “The Power Hour”; and 3) reflect and release before entering your vehicle.

Prayers, Meditation, and Gratitude

First,  when the alarm ring, begin your day with a thankful prayer to the most-high for allowing you to be on this earth another day. Next, close your eyes, or look at the ceiling, meditate and clear your mind to begin the day. Finally, review my gratitude list. Reading the list will allow you to start the day with a 20 point lead.

Gratitude List

Do I have or can do any of the following:

  • I have food
  • I have water
  • I have shelter
  • I have a car (Major Luxury)
  • I have heating and air in my car
  • I have heating & air in my home (Major luxury)
  • I can hear
  • I can see
  • I can walk
  • I can talk
  • I have clothes
  • I have a job
  • I am in good health
  • My children are healthy
  • My family is still alive (Mom is gone now)
  • I have an education
  • I have shoes
  • I can think clearly
  • I am walking in my purpose
  • I have a relationship with God

If you have a few of these items on this list or lucky to have them all, you’re abundantly bless you have already won the day!

The Power Hour (Setting Hourly Goals)

Setting daily goals is essential in ending the day feeling productive. However, you should set hourly goals. Setting hourly goals will allow you an opportunity for a plethora of wins throughout the day. Every hour you’re giving yourself several high fives and yelling and screaming as you achieve hourly goals. These wins allow you to stay focus, be encouraged, and feel the joy of winning.

Hourly Goals Example

6:30 – 7:30 a.m. – Get ready for work (Prayer, Meditation, Gratitude List, Breakfast)

7:30 – 8:30 – Check emails and return phone calls from the previous day, prioritize task for the day, write down goals for the next hour.

9:00 – 10:00 – Zoom Principals Meeting

10:00 – 11:00 – Principal Phone Conferences (Jackson, StMary. Steward)

11:00 – 12:00 p.m. – Principal Conference Guillory/LDOE Conference

12:00 – 12:30 – Interview Candidate

1:00 – 3:00 – LDOE Seminar

3:00 – 400 – Reflect & Release

Reflect & Release

Every day at the end of the day, you should close your office door, turn the light off, turn the lamp on, listen to the ocean (music), close your eyes, and take about 10 minutes to relax. Immediately after, reflect on any revisions that can be made to make the next day better before leaving my office.

Next, reflect on all of the positive things that happened throughout the day, and I reflect deeply on the spiritual messages that occurred during the day. If you work with children, these messages are plentiful. Finally, as you’re exiting, take a deep breath, and if there is any tension, frustration, or stress within, release it in the atmosphere before entering my vehicle. We won today and will win tomorrow as well.