The past 18 months on this journey of opening the IFS doors have seen many struggles. Many times I have been personally disheartened when it seemed that people who I believed shared our vision in fact, unfortunately, did not.
In some cases I feel that actually we did have the same intention at heart, but the failure was in our ability to communicate in an effective manner. Through lack of knowledge or lack of ability we could not peel back all the layers of confusion and fear and genuinely understand our true purpose.
I have met many inspirational people in my life – people who continue on through hardship, who are not swayed by the doubts or fears of others, or even of themselves. I strive to be one of those people who persists – continuing to deliver the vision we created, the promise we made to our parents and all those people who wanted to be part of the IFS journey.
How do I maintain the IFS vision? How do I continue to work towards that goal?
At the most basic level, I identify the things in my life that I have control over – MY fears, MY strengths, MY decisions and MY actions. I then identify the things I cannot control – other people’s feelings, other people’s opinions of me, other people’s actions. Once I have done that, I simply pour my energy into those things I can control and let go of the things I cannot. It seems too simple, but trust me, it is one of the most fundamental skills I hope to share with those around me. This approach allows me to be compassionate with others, to be supportive of my family and those I work with. It allows me to be truly effective, not distracted by worries and stress.
I encourage you to think about this for awhile and observe how some thoughts can become quite destructive. The amount of energy we expend worrying about things over which we have no control, can sometimes be debilitating. How is it that some people don’t seem to worry about ‘the small stuff’? I put it to you that they have mastered the ability to let go and focus on what they can control or directly influence.
On a lighter note, last week I had the privilege of watching many of our students participate in the Football NSW Regional Futsal Championships. I received many positive comments about our students from referees, parents, spectators and organisers. These compliments were not just about how our students performed on the field, but how they presented themselves at the centre, how they behaved towards one another and towards those around them. It is so heartwarming to experience this and we should all be very proud of the wonderful young people attending our college. Well done to our student body for a highly successful week, both on and off the futsal court!
Nice post Paul, coming up with the vision is often the easy part, the journey is more challenging but very rewarding, the Futsul example proves your on track, keep driving forward, adversity makes you stronger 😉
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Thanks Paul, great blog.
I am an Advocate for IFS and its vision, in the short time we have been part of IFS I have seen nothing but amazing passionate staff and coaches that are working towards creating a culture of very high standards and quality.
Just tonight over dinner we were talking to Xavier about how fortunate he is to have the IFS opportunity !
Thank you
Chontelle Singh
I couldn’t agree with you more Paul!! Tamar & I are so grateful you took up the vision & didn’t let anyone talk you out of everything you have now given the families who have the privilege of travelling this journey with you. Thank you so much for being the answer to our on going prayers for such a college as you have blessed us with!
With much appreciation.
Susan Felsch
Paul and all at IFS The results show in our children. Please just keep on doing what you’re doing. Your vision started IFS and we’re very grateful. Thank you.
Thank you
Without your vision IFS and ITS would not exist
Courageous leaders like you encourage our future leaders