How important is effort to you in the way you learn, work and live?

I grew up hearing different versions of the same message about effort. My grandparents would say “Put your back into it.” My parents preferred “Get stuck into it.” These days, I tell myself, “Just do it.”

Cliché or not, these sayings have shaped the way I approach learning, work and life. They remind me that progress rarely happens without a deliberate push. Effort isn’t just physical exertion – it’s the decision to show up with intention, to stay with a task even when it’s uncomfortable and to believe that the outcome is worth the energy invested.

I was fortunate to have parents who taught me that the more commitment we bring to something, the more we tend to get back. Even the smallest, most mundane task can generate momentum when approached with positivity and purpose. Over time, I’ve learned that effort is less about strain and more about mindset. When I choose to engage fully, I feel more capable, more grounded and more prepared for whatever comes next.

Because of this, effort has become second nature to me. It’s not just a way of working – it’s a way of living that continually reinforces itself through the rewards it brings.

To me, effort is a significant part of life at Clarendon. Everything from classwork to co-curricular programs relies on giving it a go and trying. Often it isn’t about luck or how gifted someone is, but rather about how much they dedicate themselves to their commitments. At school, I’ve found that the best approach to new and existing opportunities is to put in my best effort, even if I am unlikely to achieve the best result. To me, doing well is not about being exceptional, it’s about consistency, and it’s effort that makes me appreciate improvement rather than achievement.

Effort is pivotal in everything I do, both as a teacher and a mother. I believe learning is built through persistence, reflection, embracing challenge and celebrating progress. This is something I consciously strive to model for my students every day. In my teaching practice, effort is reflected in careful lesson planning that delivers meaningful knowledge and skills to support student growth, as well as in being organised, punctual and well prepared. I encourage my students to value effort over perfection and to view mistakes as vital opportunities for learning.

Beyond the classroom, I want my own children to understand that sustained effort fosters resilience, empathy and a sense of purpose. One of our most memorable family experiences was walking the Routeburn Track in New Zealand when my children were 11, 13 and 15. Challenging weather, long days and tough terrain tested us all, and there were moments when it felt genuinely difficult. Yet now we reflect on that experience as one of our greatest family achievements and speak about it often. It reinforced for us that growth comes through perseverance and shared effort. We all thrive when we commit to doing our best, persevere through challenges and support one another in the learning process.

Effort is central to how I learn, work and live. It is a vital life skill alongside patience and resilience. A willingness to try and to learn new skills has shaped my journey through education, my career, sport and community involvement.

I have seen the value of ‘having a go’, showing up, doing your best and persevering. Sometimes it leads to unexpected opportunities; other times it takes you exactly where you hoped to go. Effort also means embracing discomfort and maintaining an open mindset. It is not defined by a single outcome but by growth, experience and the opportunities encountered along the way.

I have always been a big believer in the saying ‘You get out what you put in’. By applying effort in every way, we build confidence, resilience and help support family, friends and the local community in small, positive ways.