No matter what position you hold, you will be more effective and keep your career on track if you step back occasionally to take stock. It is all too easy in the fast-paced life of the central office to lose sight of things that really matter. Meeting after meeting, deadlines looming, school needs pressing, telephone calls, memos, emails--all take their toll on energy and perspective. That is why every staff member needs to schedule personal retreats. This retreat does not have to be long. Thirty minutes will usually do. It does need to be uninterrupted time when you can focus on your career. Once a month is minimal, every two weeks is better, and weekly is best of all. Whether you retreat alone or with someone, you need to go to a place that is comfortable and quiet. It may be a corner of your home, a parked car, an inviting park--or, if you are fortunate enough to have access, a shady glade or a secluded beach. Once there, you will want to answer these questions: (1) What contributions do I want to make in my career? (2) Is the work that I'm doing now enabling me to make those contributions? (3) If it is, what do I need to do to develop my skills and improve my effectiveness? (4) If not, what adjustments in course do I need to make? (5) Can I make them within this position, or do I need to consider a major career move? (6) Do I need to be preparing myself for another role in the near or distant future? If so, in what ways? (7) What are the immediate next steps to take in order to be the best that I can be? (8) Am I taking time at work and at home for things that really matter? The answers to those questions can lead to a variety of decisions.