Me on a Good Day

I read an article the other day with a very clever idea using ChatGPT. 

This person made a list of all the things they wanted to achieve, ala vision board style and then asked ChatGPT to write a story with them as the main character using the information of what they wanted to achieve. What was generated was a story of how this person could achieve all they wanted and how their life would look on the average day if they were successful in achieving said goals. 

I thought this was such a clever idea and whilst I have not done this activity yet, I am seriously considering giving it a go.

It made me then think about work and what would 'Me on a good day' at work look like. There are always good days and bad days at work, just as there are in life. The difference is what happens and our attitude towards it. Even on a good day, I might have something that throws me off track. It's how I respond to the situation and the success I have in solving the problem that might determine whether it's a good day or not. On a bad day, I might have the same problem that throws me off track, however, I might not handle it well or it might land when I am already dealing with another problem. With this in mind, I thought what would 'me on a good day' actually look like? For your viewing pleasure, I have made a list below.

Me on a good day at work:

I visit classrooms

I help someone through a situation

I spend lunch break in the staff room and talk to staff about things not related to work

Someone tells me that they appreciate me helping them

There is a funny joke or story that makes me laugh

Children visit my office to show me good work and say thank you when I give them two stickers rather than one

I have time to delve into some strategic thinking, big picture idea or innovative project which will make a positive difference to our school

I make more than one person smile or laugh

I drink 8 glasses of water

I leave work at a reasonable time and fit in a Pilates class before cooking a nutritious dinner that tastes good. 

Using this list, I put into Chat GPT 'Write a diary entry written by a primary school principal who has had a good day. Include... (then I pasted the above points). 

This is what came out:

Diary Entry:

Today was one of those days that reminded me why I love being a principal. It was filled with moments that made me smile and feel truly appreciated.

Morning Classroom Visits: I started my day by visiting several classrooms. The students were engaged and enthusiastic, and it was wonderful to see the teachers' creative lesson plans in action. The highlight was a second-grade class where the students were working on a group project about space. Their excitement was contagious!

Helping Hand: Later in the morning, I had the opportunity to help a student who was struggling with a personal issue. We had a heartfelt conversation, and by the end, they seemed much more at ease. It felt good to know I could make a difference in their day.

Lunch Break in the Staff Room: During lunch, I spent time in the staff room chatting with the teachers about their weekend plans and hobbies. It was refreshing to talk about things other than work and to see everyone relaxed and laughing.

Appreciation: One of the teachers stopped me in the hallway to thank me for my support with a recent project. Their kind words meant a lot and reminded me of the importance of being there for my team.

Laughter and Joy: A funny story shared by one of the teachers had us all in stitches. It was about a mix-up with a student's art project that ended up being a hilarious masterpiece. Laughter truly is the best medicine!

Student Visits: In the afternoon, a group of students came to my office to show me their excellent work. They were thrilled when I gave them two stickers each instead of one. Their smiles and gratitude were priceless.

Strategic Thinking: I also found some quiet time to delve into a new innovative project that I believe will make a significant positive impact on our school. It's exciting to think about the future and the possibilities ahead.

Spreading Smiles: Throughout the day, I made it a point to spread positivity. Whether it was a kind word or a joke, I managed to make several people smile and laugh.

Healthy Habits: I kept up with my goal of drinking eight glasses of water today, which kept me feeling energized and focused.

Evening Balance: I left work at a reasonable time and made it to my Pilates class. It was a great way to unwind and stay fit. Afterwards, I cooked a nutritious dinner that turned out delicious.

Reflecting on today, I feel grateful for the wonderful community at our school. It's days like these that make all the hard work worthwhile. Looking forward to another great day tomorrow!

Now tell me that doesn't make you feel good just reading it! 

The thing I love about this exercise is that it shows that good days are actually possible. In my 'good day' scenario you will notice that there were still issues. I helped someone with a problem which meant someone had a problem. On my good day, I still went to work and stayed there for the day. Good days are not removed of things that test you out, it is in the way you approach, aprpeciate and reflect that make them good days.

What would you on a good day look like?