Rebalance and De-Stress B Y TO M I R M E N
ENTREPRENEURS
understand that owning and operating a small business is anything but a stress-free experience. Stress is an inevitable part of our lives and can often be accelerated when we find ourselves out of balance. Oftentimes we believe that we can achieve greater productivity simply by working longer hours, although often at the expense of family, friends, and other healthier pursuits. But, in fact, we often discover that when we neglect these other important facets in our lives, stress will often worsen, negatively impacting not only our business and important relationships with our customers and co-workers, but our family and friends as well. Most small business owners find that there isn’t always a direct correlation between the hours you invest in your small business and
the productivity that results. Just the opposite can result, where longer workdays can often diminish your productivity and increase the stress that you experience. Stress should not be taken lightly, as it can have a very serious impact on not only your health, but just about every other aspect of your life. While true stress-free living is unachievable, you can strive towards a balanced life that will allow you to truly appreciate and enjoy your relationships with your family, friends, co-workers, and customers and the success in business you are working to achieve. The secret is balance. Commit to making time for those special people in your life. Don’t risk sacrificing your relationships with these very special people in your life in pursuit of your dream. After all, it’s that same dream whose rewards you hope
to share with those closest to you in the future. Date night and quality time with your kids are not negotiable. Cherish them as rewards for the many hours of effort you have invested in your journey to achieve success in your small business endeavor. Sacrificing relationships for the sake of success is a recipe for disaster and a fool’s errand. Also, if you’re truly sincere in your desire to minimize the stress associated with building your small business and in achieving balance in your life and in your personal relationships, go one step further. Tell a trusted friend about your commitment to de-stress and rebalance, and then ask them to periodically review your efforts and to hold you personally accountable. An unwillingness to become personally accountable may signal your true lack of commitment.
E D U C ATO R P R O F I L E by Courtney Craig
Jamie Cantrill JAMIE CANTRILL’S
to-do list always seems to get longer, not shorter. But it’s okay when he’s doing what he loves. Cantrill is principal of Blue Grass Elementary, one of seven Knox County schools selected for Tennessee’s 2017 Reward Schools, which are the top 5% of schools for academic achievement and the top 5% for student growth. “Being a Reward School means the hard work we put in each and every day is preparing our students for the future – being college – and career-ready,” said Cantrill. “It means that we are moving in the right direction, and I could not be more proud of our students, teachers, and staff.” Cantrill has worked in education for 20 years. Eight of those have been in administration, with five at Blue Grass. “I was influenced by a lot of great teachers in my life,” he said. “I wanted to be a role model for students the way my teachers 64
EVERYTHING KNOXVILLE December 2017
were for me. I enjoy working with children and helping them to achieve their goals. It is rewarding to watch my students grow and take pride in what they have accomplished.” Cantrill has a bachelor’s degree from Berea College and a master’s from Eastern Kentucky University. He begins each day greeting students as they arrive at school, followed by an administration meeting or parent meetings. The rest of his day is usually spent visiting classrooms to support teachers and ensure high-quality instruction, conducting walk-throughs and evaluations, planning for upcoming events and professional development, being visible in the halls, and being present for dismissal. He also often has to address another 100 issues not anticipated or on his to-do-list. He describes it all as just
Being a Reward School means the hard work we put in each and every day is preparing our students for the future – being college – and career-ready.” another day doing what he loves. Cantrill says the biggest challenges of his job involve funding ever-changing technology, implementing new standards, and finding time in the day to fit everything in. But the bright side is that he gets to do what he loves by celebrating student and teacher successes, making connections with students, and making a difference in the lives of his students. Other Knox County schools selected as Reward Schools include Gap Creek Elementary, Sequoyah Elementary, L&N STEM Academy, East Knox Elementary, Pleasant Ridge Elementary, and Whittle Springs Middle School.