School leaders are whole people. While they may appear to devote every ounce of their energy to the students and communities they serve, they have passions, interests, and identities beyond their jobs. When those parts of a leader's life are nurtured, they become healthier, more fulfilled, and often more effective leaders.

Sometimes leaders need explicit permission from their boards to protect time for the things that matter most to them.

Like most things in my life, I had it all planned out. I would finish my doctoral degree, apply for full-time jobs, and get hired. Maybe I would become a charter network Executive Director or step back into a state-level leadership role. At this point in my career, I felt both selective and flexible.